E-REP Announces Consultant to Develop Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (January 31, 2024) – The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) has announced the selection of Fourth Economy as the consultant to guide the region’s development of a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The Pittsburgh-based firm was awarded through a request for proposals process, which was led by E-REP and assisted by partners Success Warrick and Go Gibson.

Fourth Economy was the consensus pick of a scoring committee after six consultants submitted proposals to E-REP in late 2023. The funding to utilize a consultant stems from a grant E-REP was awarded in October by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), a federal agency of the Department of Commerce.

“We are thrilled to partner with a firm of the caliber of Fourth Economy,” said Lloyd Winnecke, CEO of E-REP. “It’s a firm known for a deep commitment toward equity and resiliency – two key components of a CEDS. Fourth Economy is also well acquainted with our state and our region. It was contracted by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to complete a Statewide CEDS, which is nearing completion. Rowing in sync with the state is critical for our region.”

Counties to be covered in the Evansville Region’s CEDS include Vanderburgh, Posey, Warrick, and Gibson. A CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development and is designed to build capacity and guide economic resiliency. Fourth Economy plans to produce a draft CEDS by September. Following public comment and county resolutions of support, E-REP will submit the final version in late 2024 for EDA approval, and then apply to become an Economic Development District, a designation the Evansville Region (excluding Henderson, Kentucky) has never held.

“We are honored to be working with the Evansville Region, a community that we see is focused on strategic actions to improve the quality of place and economic opportunities,” said Rich Overmoyer, CEO of Fourth Economy. “The development of a CEDS is an excellent opportunity to assess strengths, needs, and hear the aspirations of residents for what can make the community even more successful.”