EDA Receives Disaster Recovery Advocate Of The Year Award

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) was awarded with the 2018 Disaster Recovery Advocate of the Year Award by Florida’s Minority Business Development Agency Export Center.

The award was said to be presented to the EDA on Friday during the 36th Annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Business Matchmaker Conference & Awards Power Lunch in Miami, FL, for its performance in providing economic services and resources to small and minority businesses in the USVI.

The authority was also recognized for its engagement and support of the MBDA during the post-hurricane recovery process throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. Kamal I. Latham, chief executive officer of the EDA and Cusa Holloway, EDA incubator program manager, were scheduled to attend the event to accept the award on behalf of the EDA.

In 2018, representatives from the MBDA Export Center & Disaster Assistance Programs for South Florida, Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands provided technical assistance to the small and minority business community in the USVI following the destruction caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, according to the EDA release.

“At the USVIEDA, our team understands the value of partnerships, especially now after the devastating impact of two major hurricanes on the U.S. Virgin Islands more than a year ago,” Mr. Latham said in a release issued prior to the Friday award. “We certainly appreciate this award and thank the MBDA for supporting our small and minority businesses in the territory during this recovery period. The USVIEDA looks forward to continuing its partnership with the MBDA.”

As an honoree at the MEDWeek Awards Business Matchmaker Conference & Awards Power Lunch, the EDA was among several outstanding minority entrepreneurs and advocates to be presented with the prestigious MEDWeek 2018 Awards of Excellence. These awards were scheduled to be presented to individuals and organizations for remarkable strides they have made in their respective industries, the businesses and communities they serve, and the positive impact their work and contributions are having on the local and national economies.

“The MEDWeek Awards is the highest business honor presented by the U.S. Department of Commerce – MBDA, to minority-owned businesses and advocates throughout the nation each year,” said Marie R. Gill, operator/executive director, MBDA Export Center & Disaster Assistance Programs for South Florida, Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands. “We congratulate the USVIEDA on receiving this award and thank them for their work and collaboration with the MBDA which serves in the best interest of the small and minority business community in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”