The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership recently launched a $5.2 Million regional economic and community development initiative during its annual meeting.
“Erie Forward is the most strategic economic development initiative in the Chamber’s recent history,” Tom Tupitza, Erie Regional Chamber board chairman, said. “We believe the business community will stand with us and recognize that now is the time to commit to the economic viability of communities throughout Erie County. It will radically change our region for decades to come.”
Erie Forward will be implemented over five years. It involves the execution of strategies designed to boost economic and community development.
The strategies include new business attraction and investment; regional competitiveness and collaboration; workforce development and talent attraction; industry support and entrepreneurship; and quality of place, advocacy, sustainability.
The initiative is forecasted to create $465 million in annual economic impact and more than 2,000 new jobs by 2024.
More than $3.6 million has been raised through public and private sector partnerships.