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U.S. Department of Commerce Announces $1.2 Million in Grants to 2010 Southwest University Center Competition Winners

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced the winners of the 2010 Southwestern University Center competition. The ten winners participated in a competitive process to be part of EDA's University Center program, which provides more than $100,000 per year for three years to each organization to provide universities, consortiums and non-profit organizations with resources to better analyze the economic needs of their local communities.

"The Obama administration strongly supports the innovative research and development that takes place at our nation's educational institutions," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. "EDA is collaborating with universities in providing these grants to advance regional competitiveness by spurring innovation and entrepreneurship and creating higher-skill, living-wage jobs in promising regional industries."

The following organizations will receive EDA funding as part of its 2010 University Center competition:

  • $112,850 to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark., to provide technical assistance, research, and distribution of information to diversify the region's economic base and stimulate job creation.
  • $112,850 to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to collaborate in providing technical assistance and education to communities in Arkansas and throughout the southwest on economic issues and community economic development.
  • $112,850 to Louisiana Tech University in Lincoln, La., to integrate advanced technology into research and economic development activities in the region.
  • $112,850 to the University of New Orleans in Louisiana to develop a more diverse and stable economic base for the City of New Orleans and the surrounding area.
  • $112,850 to Northern New Mexico College in Española, N.M., to provide technical assistance, research, and distribution of information to stimulate economic development in a region with historical economic need; including the creation of business plans, the development of technologies, and a new client-based marketing focus.
  • $112,850 to Rogers State University in Claremore, Okla., to help create communities that will provide support and assistance to local entrepreneurs to help them become sustainable, job-creating entities.
  • $112,850 to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Okla., to continue the Southwest Oklahoma Enterprise Institute, which will focus on economic development at the local, regional and state level.
  • $112,850 to the Entrepreneur Alliance of Amarillo, Texas, to provide resources and guidance to accelerate the development of entrepreneurial businesses in a 26-county region, and to provide support for existing entrepreneurial endeavors.
  • $112,851 to Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, to support the establishment of new, technology-based business in east and southeast Texas, and to support efficiency improvements in established businesses.
  • $112,851 to Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, Texas, to implement the Texas Coastal Bend Initiative for a Vibrant Economy that will focus on strengthening the region's industries and creating innovation that will capitalize on regional strengths.
  • EDA's Southwestern Region covers the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):
This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.