The Economic Development Authority is holding town hall meetings on all three islands so residents and business owners can learn more about economic opportunities in the territory, according to a news release issued Thursday.
The first meeting is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall on St. Croix.
The second meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the St. John Legislative Annex conference room in Cruz Bay, St. John
The third meeting will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the V.I. Small Business Development Training Center in Nisky Center on St. Thomas.
“Attendees will also have opportunities to ask questions and speak one-on-one with VIEDA team members,” according to the news release. “Established since 2001, the VIEDA is a semi-autonomous governmental instrumentality responsible for the promotion of economic development in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Four entities exist under its umbrella: the Economic Development Commission, Economic Development Bank, Economic Development Park Corporation and the Enterprise Zone Commission.”
According to the news release, “These entities provide a wide range of programs and services, including but not limited to, tax incentives for large and small businesses; tax credits and exemptions for property and neighborhood revitalization; low-interest loan and loan-guarantee programs for local, small and medium-sized businesses and space for lease by businesses at industrial parks on St. Thomas and St. Croix. VIEDA offices are located on St. Thomas and St. Croix.”
Authority CEO Kamal Latham, Assistant CEO Wayne Biggs Jr., Managing Director for Economic Development Margarita Benjamin, and other team members will lead the town hall meetings with a discussion about economic development and the purpose of the Economic Development Authority. Economic development practitioners from other authority divisions will also be present to share information and answer questions about its programs and services, according to the news release.
To learn more, contact the Economic Development Authority office on St. Thomas at 340-714-1700, ext. 1133, or send an email to Ja’Nelle Forbes at jforbes@usvieda.org.
— Contact Suzanne Carlson at 340-714-9122 or email scarlson@dailynews.vi.