1999 Annual Report Executive Summary*
Robeson Enterprise Community Development Corporation, Inc.
The Robeson Enterprise Community Development Corporation, Inc. made significant strides in Calendar Year 1999. As the annual narrative will reflect, four (4) benchmarks have been implemented, and monies have been acquired to sustain operations. In addition, three (3) of EC's collaborating municipalities benefited from USDA's assistance through the Community Facilities Loan/Grant program.
It is always encouraging and stimulating, however, when evidence of progress and rewards are seen by and among your constituents. This year, the Enterprise Community shared in the celebration of a first-time home-buyer. Representatives from the state and local USDA offices, a local real-estate agency, partnering bank representatives, local officials, EC staff and members, and friends and family members were all excited to celebrate with the Lumberton resident in the purchase of her first home. Encouraged by family, friends, and diligent financiers, the new homeowner was fortunate to acquire 100% financing of her first home. Being a resident of the Enterprise Community made her dream a reality
Dreams can come true - - according to many residents of the Robeson Enterprise Community, particularly those residents who will now be participating in a county-wide water system. As a result of the State's Water 2000 Initiative, many residents of the outlining county areas will benefit from a county-wide water system.
As the Robeson Enterprise Community embarks on the new millennium and its sixth year of the Enterprise Community designation, it is our desire to witness the rise of the greater community to the challenges, and more importantly, to embrace the opportunity of self empowerment
As President Clinton stated in his address to the Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities at the 1999 Conference in Washington, DC - - we've made great strides, but we've got a long ways to go!
Resounding results of the EZ/ECs across the country are to be commended - - from the lowering of the teen pregnancy rate, to the building of cooperative apartments in many communities - - this should not be a signal to stop doing but rather one to get moving.
For Robeson County, attitudes are changing, and the people are beginning to have some encouragement and optimism for the future; but it is the whole community -- the stakeholders, the churches, the government, and providers -- who must realize that "we are all in this together."
The Robeson Enterprise Community Development Corporation, Inc. is looking forward to the challenges ahead in the Year 2000!