Centerville – December 17, 2019 – The Cape Cod Chamber announced today that its sister corporation, Cape Cod Economic Development Council Inc., received a $70,000 Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) grant from the Mass. Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development the fiscal year 2020. This follows on a long tradition of managing economic development grants with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The regional economic development organization designation covers Cape Cod and the islands and Plymouth – and the Chamber works with key partners in the region to implement programs, including the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce who will share in some of the grant proceeds.
“We are honored to continue our role as the state’s regional partner to build a strong blue economy,” stated Wendy Northcross, Cape Cod Chamber CEO. “Funding will help us continue to brand the region as a great place to live, work, play and create, implement blue economy initiatives, and support a resilient Cape region.”
The REDO grant specifically will support the second annual WaterWORKS Career Day for high school students and regional employers and conduct the second Student Perception Survey on career choices. The grant will also support the construction of Expedition Blue, a series of structures placed throughout the region highlighting activities and employment tied to the water, including our innovative science and technology companies, marine mammal research, water quality systems, and adaptation and resiliency practices. As part of the agreement, ongoing assistance is given to local businesses through advisors and group workshops or seminars.
The partners in the Cape & Islands REDO include Mass. Office of Business Development, Town of Barnstable, Cape Cod Commission, Cape Tech Council, Coastal Community Capital, MSBDC, OpenCape, Cape Cod Community College, Workforce Investment Board, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket Island and Plymouth Area Chambers of Commerce.
