The Commonwealth Regional Council (CRC) recently issued the draft for its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) program. The committee is seeking comments from the public about the economic development strategy. The public input period is one step in the application process for the CEDS, which allows the region greater opportunity for grant funding from federal organizations. The CRC received a grant in October 2017 to create a CEDS program for the region.

The public comment period will take place until March 29.

CRC Executive Director Melody Foster said that “we hope that anyone from the public who reads it will be excited about there being an economic development strategy for the region,” Foster said, who added that the region currently does not have a strategy.

The draft is 49 pages in length and explores the region’s industries, assets, demographics, job market and goals, which include increasing workforce development, broadening its industry and business, and utilizing

the area’s educational institutions to provide workforce development and small business training.

Foster said the draft was created to be comprehensive, and include all facets of the region’s economic makeup. She said if there is an element that is potentially missing, or if someone wanted to leave feedback praising the draft report or strategy, she said comments or feedback are welcome.

“We’re hoping to get good feedback, that this does represent the region well, and that the strategies that are outlined line up with what folks in the region are looking for, that the goals for the region are good,” Foster said.

The CEDS committee, made up of regional representatives and stakeholders, reviewed the CEDS draft during a meeting on Feb. 28.

Hard copies of the CEDS draft are available at the Lunenburg County administration office. Hard copies will be available at the Victoria Public Library, located at 1417 Seventh St., Victoria.

Written feedback can also be sent to Foster at mfoster@virginiasheartland.org.