The Highland EDA is Seeking a New Member

The Highland Economic Development Authority is looking for a new member.  The EDA will have an open seat beginning July 1.

Betty Mitchell has more.  She is the Economic Development Officer for the Highland EDA.

“Well, we have a wonderful group of EDA members now who are very engaged in the community and also in the work of the EDA and we’d like to see somebody who’s got some business experience,” says Mitchell.  “Some of the ongoing work that the EDA is engaged in right now is looking to attract younger families to the county, more broadband and cell coverage throughout the county, and support of any new and existing local businesses.  We’ve certainly seen an uptick in the last couple of years of businesses revitalized on Main Street and younger families moving in and we would certainly welcome anyone in the community who’s opening a business to consider this experience.”

The open EDA seat is a four-year term, from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2027.  EDA meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7pm at The Highland Center in Monterey.  The meetings typically last between one and two hours.  EDA members must be a Highland County resident.

“The EDA has opportunities to network with groups throughout the state and the region to do some economic development and community development activities that are actually helping sustain economic development in the county,” says Mitchell.  “We’ve had a group in the past three years who’ve worked with other partner organizations in the community and has created a Strategic Plan and so it really gives us an opportunity to develop an economic and community development vision for the community and then work with partners to make that happen.  Revitalization of The Highland Inn has been recognized as something that is very important for Main Street Monterey, as well as the entire county and the EDA has been a great partner with the Blue Grass Resource Center in making applications for state grants that require a government entity to apply.  We do recognize that we have a rural heritage and natural beauty and really want to promote investment and activities that take advantage of those things.”

An EDA application form is available on the county website www.highlandcova.org    Click on the “Government” tab and go to Economic Development Authority.

For more information, call 540-383-9415 or email highlandeda@htcnet.org