HISTORY

Learn more about our past

Catawba Economic Development Association (CEDA) was incorporated on April 7, 1971, as a NC non- profit Corporation. CEDA was created by Catawba Synod, UPCUSA to engage in various economic development activities to assist the disadvantaged. Funding for CEDA was provided by the Presbyterian Church on the recommendation of the Catawba Synod Self Development of People. At the July 25, 1971 meeting of the CEDA Board of Directors, a check for $300,000 was presented to the CEDA Board. Of that amount, the committee recommended that $150,000 be used as "seed" money for the construction and development of a multi-family housing or shopping centers in various areas of NC and VA. $40,000 was granted to Progress Association for Economic Development (PAED) to sustain the operation of its training of men and women wishing to delve into the area of business as owners and managers.

Over the years since its formation CEDA has been involved either directly or indirectly in a number of economic development activities. CEDA made loans to minority owned businesses, made grants to non-profit corporation and acquired property and assets which it still owns.

Some of the projects in which CEDA has been involved:

1. Stimulation of low income housing and urban revitalization—ten (10) homes built in the Greenville Redevelopment area of Charlotte, NC.
2. Housing for the elderly and handicapped—11 acres acquired on Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, 4.35 of which used to build Sharon Manor Homes (Corporation formed to manage same.)
3. Sale of Land for Board and Care Facility—sold 4.557 acres to East Town Manor Corp for construction of a 120 bed Board and Care facility; this complements the adjourning Sharon Manor housing project.
4. Purchase and sale of other land for minority business development. In 1972, acquired a tract of land in Mooresville, NC from a minority business to keep the property from being repossessed by the Small Business Administration; Land renegotiated and sold for $25,000.
5. Acquisition of ownership of other Real Property. 2.5 acres on Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte; 3.5 acres of vacant land in Mebane, NC (recently deeded to Mebane Presbyterian Church.

OUR PURPOSE

What we do and why

Vision

Catawba Economic Development Association exists to strengthen the lives and witness of the poor and disadvantaged in our community

Purposes

We will empower...

• Be a visible sign of God's possibilities for the world
• Advocate for the welfare of the community
1. To stimulate and inspire individuals to seek higher levels of production, creativity and achievement.
2. To conduct feasibility studies for specific economic development projects within minority communities.
3. Serve as an enabling agency to give assistance to those whose purpose is to aid the poor and disadvantaged
4. To stimulate interest in projects that will contribute to social and economic justice.
5. To support projects that seek to empower poor people and business in the USA or undeveloped countries (Haiti, Mexico, Africa)
6. To promote the social welfare of our community.

We will educate...

• Provide an academic environment in which to stimulate personal and communal growth
1. To train individuals with untapped talents and skills who are unemployed or under-employed

We will provide resources...

• Provide resources to development and sustain projects that fit the vision.
1. To establish methods, techniques and data banks that can be utilized by other members or groups that are interested in self-development of the disadvantaged.
2. To solicit, accept, hold and administer contributions received by deeds, gifts, wills, or ordinances.
3. To stimulate the commitment of additional funds and skills from other sources such as businesses, government agencies, private foundations, industry, etc.
4. To serve as a resource for those seeking loans and grants from other institutions and lending agencies.
• Projects will be funded that address needs in our community in these four areas:
• Technology
• Education
• Health Care
• Finance

Contact

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