JACKSON – During their Monday morning meeting, Northampton County Commissioners were presented with a joint county initiative to foster economic development in Northampton and Hertford counties.

June Warren Administrative Assistant to Gary Brown, Director of Northampton County Economic Development Commission (EDC), offered information regarding the second round 21st Century Steering Committee.

Warren stated, &uot;The intent of the initiative is to create new partnerships between the state and designated communities to build new strategies for long-term economic vitality. The program will also engage key federal, state, and local agencies as partners in an effort to maximize the use of all available resources.&uot;

According to the model program design from Division of Community Assistance, NC Department of Commerce, referenced by Warren, &uot;the establishment of a Steering Committee (is to be) comprised of six members from each county (whose) members are to be designated/appointed as follows: chair, Board of Commissioners, County Manager; School Superintendent or his/her designee; representative from the agriculture community; and a representative from the Business/Industry sector.&uot;

&uot;The committee is designed serve as a guide, in all phases, of the developmental planning process,&uot; said Brown.

&uot;The idea is that the committee identify and interview 30-35 remaining participants in an effort to build an information base.

&uot;These people will be selected by virtue of their knowledge and positions, in order to identify the issues, hopes, dreams and goals of the community.&uot;

Brown continued, &uot;Subsequently, various subcommittees will be formed. Citizen input will be gathered at public forums where they will be able to voice their visions for the community’s future. This whole program is designed to ensure that all bases are covered.&uot;

On behalf of the EDC, Warren submitted to the board that David Dunlow be considered as representative from the agricultural community while Les Clark be considered as representative for the business/industry sector.

The Board approved the motion to accept the submissions, as made by Warren, with the understanding that the board have the option to replace any member appointed, in the event they cannot serve in the capacities expected for the position.

Following the approval of the motion, Commissioner Fannie Greene commented that it is a &uot;very important initiative for us and the future economic state of our counties and I believe that all citizens can benefit from it.&uot;