In This Issue

• Spotlight: EDA Chief of Staff Dana Gartzke Assumes Position as Head of Bureau
• Success Story: EDA’s Partnership with the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation Drives Economic Growth in Philadelphia
• Highlight: DOC’s “Spotlight on Commerce” Series Features EDA Women that are Making a Difference

Spotlight: EDA Chief of Staff Dana Gartzke Assumes Position as Head of Bureau

Hello Friends of EDA:

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.

As you may know, Dr. John Fleming, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development and head of EDA, has joined the White House staff to serve as senior advisor to Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

With Dr. Fleming’s departure to the White House, effective this past Monday, I will perform the delegated duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. I am honored to lead the great men and women of EDA and I’m looking forward to working with all of you to advance EDA’s mission. I am committed to ensuring that our communities have the support they need during this challenging time. We will continue to make economic prosperity a priority, specifically in areas like Opportunity Zones, disaster recovery and resiliency and critical American infrastructure. Our programs protect American jobs, create new opportunities and attract investment partners in both public and private industry to strengthen our country’s economy. I also look forward to our response to the impact COVID-19 has had on our nation economically and how EDA can strategically help our country at this time.

Sincerely,

Dana Gartzke

Success Story: EDA’s Partnership with the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation Drives Economic Growth in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) is Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation. Their mission is to spur investment, support business growth, and foster developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia.

EDA’s long-standing partnership with PIDC and estimated $25 million in investments over the past 20 years was critical to transforming the former Philadelphia Navy Yard to commercial use.

EDA’s investments have included financing strategy creation for the petrochemical and advanced materials sectors, outfitting the Taskykake manufacturing facility, and improving the quay wall to open up the Yard for additional private investment. EDA’s investments have also created 14,000 jobs.

Click here to read more.

Highlight: DOC’s “Spotlight on Commerce” Series Features EDA Women that are Making a Difference

EDA’s female employees play a vital role in leading economic development all over the country. Our team has a diverse variety of backgrounds, and their personal and professional experiences help shape creativity in economic development.

In celebration of National Women’s History Month, read about some of the impacts our women are making on American communities:

• Cindy Edwards, Area Director, Denver Regional Office
• Lisa Larsen, Civil Engineer, Austin Regional Office
• Julianne Kingery, Economic Development Specialist, Denver Regional Office

Click here to read more.