Delta Regional Authority States’ Co-chair named
by February 26, 2019 4:37 pm 527 views
Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Federal Co-chairman Chris Caldwell announced Tuesday (Feb. 26) that Republican Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin has been named States’ Co-chair of DRA for 2019. DRA’s Board of Governors annually elect a States’ Co-chair to work directly with the Federal Co-chair on economic development and growth in the Delta region. Bevin was sworn in as the 62nd governor of Kentucky in December 2015.
“Gov. Bevin’s leadership and track record of economic growth in Kentucky will be a tremendous asset to the entire DRA region,” DRA Federal Co-Chair Chris Caldwell said. “I look forward to working with Gov. Bevin as we continue our mission of strengthening infrastructure, job growth and economic development across the eight states of the DRA.”
The governor has led economic growth that has created 49,870 jobs, attracted $17.8 billion in investments, developed 1,100 new or expanded facilities and supported exports of $86.6 billion, according to a DRA release.
“The mission of the Delta Regional Authority is an important one, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as States’ Co-chair of the DRA Board of Governors,” Bevin said. “Alongside our seven fellow DRA states, Kentucky is making historic strides in strengthening the economies, workforce, health and infrastructure of our communities. Moving forward, we are excited to further leverage the resources of this unique federal-state partnership, as we continue enhancing the quality of life for the 10 million residents of the Delta region.”
In other business, the DRA is seeking proposals from institutions of higher education within the Delta region to help DRA expand its nationally recognized Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) program.
Interested institutions should respond to DRA’s request for proposals (RFP) at www.dra.gov/rfp. The RFP outlines a partnership with DRA to develop innovative service-delivery models and prepare leaders working for future improvements in the region by thinking and acting regionally.
“DLI is a highly successful program that trains leaders across the Delta region to help expand economic development and job growth,” Caldwell said. “We have an alumni network of more than 500 members who work together and share ideas that contribute to the improvement of our region. We are seeking partners that can help us continue to expand DLI.”
DLI’s mission is to recognize, train and develop participants with the leadership skills needed for the 21st Century in order to face the global challenges of the future.
For 14 years, DLI has included both an Executive Leadership Academy and active alumni network. The executive academy focuses on regional leadership and topics important to DRA and the region such as economic and community development, workforce training and education, small business development, entrepreneurship and public health.
The DLI Executive Academy trains leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors and industries to improve the economic competitiveness and social viability of the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt.