The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for MACOG Region

2006-2010 CEDS for MACOG Region (4.5 MB, please allow time to download)

    2007 MACOG CEDS Performance Report

2001-2005 CEDS for MACOG Region (5.5 MB, please allow time to download)

Regional Economic Development Resource Directory

Regional Census and Demographic Information

What is a CEDS?  

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is a tool whereby a region, such as Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties, plans for the future in a broad manner.  The CEDS analyzes the region's strengths and weaknesses, discusses the natural resources, infrastructure (water, sewer, highways, railways, etc.), the economy, and major industries (agriculture, manufacturing, services, etc.).

Most important, the CEDS discusses the community's vision for the future.  It answers the questions "where are we headed?" and "where do we want to be in the next 10 or 20 years?".  In answering these questions, the region can develop priorities on issues like education, workforce, transportation, and quality of life.  Also, the CEDS lists specific steps and timeframes to meet the regional priorities so that the community can actually see the progress.  Finally, the CEDS discusses evaluation measures by which the region can gauge success.

An important aspect of the CEDS is that it is a living document that can be updated to reflect any changes in the region.  This makes the document more effective as a reference guide and as a funding tool.  

Where is MACOG now with the CEDS and why is it important?

The last update to the document occurred in September 2006 when MACOG updated the entire document for 2006-2010.  Included in this update were changes to the CEDS vision, priorities, objectives, implementation strategies, and evaluation measures. The MACOG CEDS looks at 11 different topic areas (education, economic development, environment, financial resources, human services, infrastructure, quality of life, safety and security, state and local government, transportation, and workforce development). For more information about each of these topics areas and resources for each in the Region, click here. A new list of projects was also produced for the CEDS that will be completed or implemented over the next 5-10 years.   The MACOG Policy Board endorsed the updated document at the September 2006 meeting.  It has since been submitted to the Economic Development Administration for approval.  

The projects listed in the region's CEDS may qualify for funding with the EDA (listing a project in the document does not guarantee funding, however).  There are several funding categories.  Below two popular programs are explained briefly:

Public Works Program.  These grants cover a wide array of projects.  Such projects include technology-led development, business incubators, cluster-based development, aquaculture facilities, distance learning facilities, export programs, commercialization and deployment of innovative technologies, redevelopment of brownfield sites, and development of eco-industrial parks.

Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.  These grants help regions to improve a declining or downturned economy.  The program has a focuses on areas that have experienced or are under serious threat of losing their economic base, such as a major employer leaving the area.   The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grants are an important part of the program and give an intermediary the ability to make loans to local businesses that otherwise could not access commercial credit.

For more information, please contact MACOG at (574) 674-8894.

Annual Regional Economic Development Symposium

MACOG annually holds a Regional Economic Development Symposium comprised of an interactive workshop and keynote speaker dinner event.  The purpose of the Symposium is to bring together local elected officials, municipal technical and economic development departments, representatives from the Economic Development Administration, citizens and business persons, chambers of commerce and legislators.  The symposium provides a networking opportunity and highlights economic development opportunities in the Region. 

National and State Economic Development Partners

Local Economic Development Partners

If you have any questions on regional economic development issues, please contact MACOG at (574) 674-8894 or e-mail us at macogdir@macog.com.