To determine the effectiveness of any program, it is necessary to perform regular evaluations. With respect to the ongoing planning process, the questions, “How are we doing?” and “What can we do better?” should be asked and answered as part of this process.

PROCESS OF EVALUATION

Each year, annual goals are set for The Coordinating & Development Corporation. Although these goals are separate from the goals detailed in this CEDS document, they are related to programs and activities which are designed to achieve objectives listed in the CEDS or in a CEDS Annual Report.

The CEDS Annual Report not only makes adjustments to the CEDS, it also gives a report on the previous year's economic development activities. This document will have updated goals for CDC and will also contain an evaluation as to what has been accomplished in meeting the previous year's goals. It will also report with respect to the activities listed in the action plan on which work has been accomplished in the preceding year.

Quarterly reports on activities of the CDC staff are given to the CDC Board’s Executive Committee as well as to the entire Board of Directors. The Executive Committee examines these reports and makes recommendations for actions to be considered and approved or disapproved by the Board of Directors.

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EVALUATION OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR'S PROGRAM AS DESCRIBED IN THE 2003 CEDS ANNUAL REPORT

The following is a recounting of the goals listed in the 2002 CEDS Annual Report, followed by an evaluation in effectiveness in reaching each goal.

CDC: Develop at least one preapplication for EDA Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance funding.

EVALUATION: CDC developed one preapplication for the North Webster Parish Industrial District and began developing one preapplication for the City of Natchitoches.

CDC: Complete the Tri-District Development Corporation's Revolving Loan Fund Plan. Have the plan passed by the TDDC Board of Directors.

EVALUATION: CDC staff worked with the staffs of the two other districts involved in TDDC (Kisatchie Delta and North Delta) to complete the RLF Plan. The TDDC Board has not yet approved the plan.

CDC: Develop CEDS Update for the region.

EVALUATION: With this document, CDC has accomplished this goal.

BIENVILLE PARISH: Seek and begin purchase of land for an industrial park in the Arcadia area. This will be the responsibility of the Town of Arcadia, and will be primarily led by the Mayor's Task Force. CDC will continue to work with this task force and t to provide technical advise and assistance when and wherever necessary.

EVALUATION: The Mayor's Task Force has been dissolved. This has been a goal for a number of years. This year, the Town of Arcadia has begun to take steps to purchase property to the East of Arcadia to be used for an industrial park.

CDC: Establish Business Incubators in various places around region.

EVALUATION: CDC began working with the City of Natchitoches to establish a business a business incubator in the Natchitoches Industrial Park. The plans are drawn up and the property has been acquired.

CDC: Promote the region's Renewal Communities Program as a tool to induce business development.

EVALUATION: CDC has held a series of workshops throughout rural Northwest Louisiana to inform businesses and those involved in local economic development concerning the advantages of the Renewal Communities Program, and what businesses must do to receive program benefits.       

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GOALS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED BY CDC IN 2004

CDC: Gather and analyze data to begin determining the clusters that need to be developed in Northwest Louisiana.

CDC: Establish and promote a business incubator in Natchitoches.

CDC: Develop at least one preapplication for EDA Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance funding.

CDC: Update the survey of Northwest Louisiana Industrial Parks and compile a description of infrastructure needs.

LOGANSPORT: Begin a new industrial park near Logansport.

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The Coordinating and Development Corp.
5210 Hollywood Avenue, P. O. Box 37005
Shreveport, LA 71133-7005
Phone: (318) 632-2022
Fax/TDD: (318) 632-2099
E-mail: info@cdconline.org

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