2001Annual Report Executive Summary
Northeast Louisiana Delta Enterprise Community
Northeast Louisiana Delta Community Development community revitalization plan includes strategies in economic development, education, housing, youth development and recreation, tourism and public safety. The economic development strategy focuses on strengthening existing efforts at recruiting industrial prospects and growing small businesses and entrepreneurs. Corporation's community revitalization plan includes strategies in education, housing, youth development, recreation, economic development, and tourism and law enforcement. NELDCDC in partnership with the University of Louisiana at Monroe's Small Business Development Center and Grambling State University's College of Business provide technical assistance to potential and existing businesses through one-on-one counseling, workshops and seminars. Emphasis is placed on creating economic opportunities and sustaining community development through entrepreneurial initiatives. More than community residents have participated in the business development program. Emanating from the business development program is a CDC operated small business incubator, which now houses seven (7) tenants and more than twenty (20) jobs. Three (3) of the tenants completed the Fast Trac business program, offered in partnership with ULM, SBDC and Enterprise Corporation of the Delta. As a Mid-South Delta Initiative partner, the W.K.Kellogg Foundation awarded NELDCDC a $100,000 to start a micro-enterprise development project. $15,000 of the WKKF Funds was leverage to obtain a $10,837 grant from the Office of Community Services (DHS) to start an Individual Development Account (IDA) program for low and moderate income workers. Additionally, the State of Louisiana added a $50,000 award (TANF Fund) through the Governor's Office of Women Services to recruit and provide technical assistance for single women and heads of household to start micro-enterprise development.
In August 2001 Litton Industries acquired Avondale Shipbuilding subsequently, Litton Avondale was acquired by Northrup/Gruman. However, the Tallulah Facility is still in operation. NELDCDC, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) has closed nearly $1 million in loans, creating or saving approximately 250-350 jobs in the region. NELDCDC has also been certified as a Community Development Entity (CDE) allowing it to participate in the new market tax credit program. NELDCDC's housing strategy since 1996 has been to provide rehabilitation and affordable homes to low and moderate income families in the community. Utilizing USDA's Rural Development and Health and Human Services Social Services Block Grant funds more than seventy (70) homes were repaired. Our primary housing focus now is on new construction. Four (4) staff members were certified through USDA to assist potential homeowners in preparing applications for rehabilitation and construction funds through USDA Rural Development.
The Delta Learning and Resource Center, an enterprise community project offers instruction and assistance in adult literacy, G.E.D. and A.C.T. preparation, elementary and post-secondary tutorial. The center relies primarily on a computer based learning program, which was seeded with a $50,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Community Based After School Tutorial funded by the Louisiana Department of Education is staffed by experienced, certified teachers and a certified counselor/testing coordinator. The program provides academic remediation for youths in grades K-12. A spin-off to the CBT program is the summer enrichment program which provides area youth in grades K-12 with a fun, challenging learning environment during summer months. Recently, the Delta Learning & Resource Center was designated a "Power-UP" site as a result of its partnership with Southern University and U.S.D.A. The designation resulting in the additions of ten (10) computers donated by Gateway, with free internet access for one (1) year for up to 127 AOL accounts. NELDCDC continues to sponsor and coordinate youth sport leagues in football, basketball and baseball. More than 800 area youth participate annually in the youth recreation leagues. Coaches and volunteers also serve as mentors for the youth and work closely with the schools and teachers to promote the educational development of the youth. Local businesses and organizations sponsor the individual teams.
Northeast Louisiana Delta EC Summary Page Northeast Louisiana Delta EC Funding Page