Press Release

U.S. EDA Partners with University of Arizona to Create Jobs, Strengthen Regional Economy

September 1, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $135,000 grant to the University of Arizona of Tucson to support the operation of the University Center economic development technical assistance program.

The University Center program provides local government, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector with resources to better analyze the economic needs of local communities.

"The Economic Development Administration strongly supports the innovative research and development that takes place at our nation's colleges and universities," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA grant will work to advance regional competitiveness by spurring innovation and entrepreneurship, creating higher-skill, living-wage jobs, and promoting industry clusters."

"This University Center program award will allow us to continue assisting clients all over the state of Arizona as they work to diversify their local economies, create and retain quality jobs, and strengthen their communities for the long term," said Erik Glenn, Project Manager of the University of Arizona's Regional Center for Sustainable Economic Development.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.