How well is your organization communicating to its stakeholders about what the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is and how it supports your region? The most effective CEDS are ones developed with the input, creativity, and enthusiasm of a wide cross-section of partners that are fully invested in the process. However, if this undertaking is framed merely as writing a document only for the region to become eligible for federal funding, you are losing a real opportunity to motivate partners and sustain interest in a transformative region-wide conversation.
As the primary entity tasked with writing the CEDS, your organization has the opportunity to foster authentic dialogue that incorporates diverse voices and perspectives. The following materials were created to assist in your outreach and communication efforts when explaining the CEDS process to stakeholders and funders. The first one-page document is a ready-made concise overview of what the CEDS is, how it can drive regional economic development, and key characteristics of an effective CEDS. The second document is a customizable template that organizations can edit to feature specific information relating to their own CEDS, including project examples, the planning and implementation timeline, and contact information for key staff members.
These resources can be used individually or as a front-and-back document that can be shared with a variety of audiences, including: CEDS Committee members, Board of Directors, elected officials, state and federal agencies, Chambers of Commerce, business owners, citizens, the press, and other important stakeholders and interested groups. This information and language can be adapted in any way your organization wants to use it to support its own CEDS outreach through printed hard copies, posting on a website, or shared through social media. The documents can be downloaded below and modified in any way that best serves your needs.
Download in Adobe PDF format or in Microsoft Word format to customize
Download in Microsoft Word format to customize
Any questions about these resources or need assistance formatting them to create your own outreach materials? Contact NADO Research Foundation Program Manager Brett Schwartz at [email protected].
These resources were developed through NADO’s Stronger CEDS, Stronger Regions program, funded through a generous grant from the US Economic Development Administration.
