Back to list November 30, 2016 SU, CAEDC partnership will help boost economic development A new partnership between Shippensburg University and the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp. (CAEDC) is designed to bolster economic development in south-central Pennsylvania. Executives of both organizations signed an agreement today to collaboratively use their resources to nurture and improve economic, entrepreneurial and workforce development. “By joining the considerable resources on our campus with those of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation, we can have an even greater economic impact on south-central Pennsylvania,” said SU President Jody Harpster. “We look forward to expanding not only our relationship with CAEDC, but also our commitment to serving this region.” “This is a significant development in the maturation of CAEDC moving forward. To partner with our largest four-year higher education institution in the region is a great honor,” said Jonathan Bowser, CAEDC chief executive officer. “We look forward to an enhanced working relationship with Shippensburg University to advance economic development through producing a talented workforce, research and development, promotion of entrepreneurship and overall marketing of our region as a destination for businesses to invest capital and create high-quality jobs.” Among the goals outlined in the agreement are: Pursuing financial support to foster intellectual property creation and stimulate economic development. Collecting and analyzing data on the economic impact of the region’s existing businesses. Teaming with local governments, chambers of commerce and businesses to enhance economic and workforce development efforts. Engaging alumni to promote educational and business opportunities provided by the university. The university’s outreach centers — including the Small Business Development Center, the Center for Land Use and Sustainability and the Diller Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation — will be an important component of the partnership, Harpster noted, providing tools to transform entrepreneurial initiatives into productive local businesses. SU signed a similar agreement with the Franklin County Area Development Corp. in September. This news release was published on Shippensburg’s website here.
