Arkansas State University was notified today by the U.S. Department of Commerce that it will receive a $1.8 million grant for design and construction of a new facility for the Delta Center for Economic Development.

The announcement was made by Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce.

"President Bush and I are committed to partnering with communities to promote innovation and competitiveness," he said. "Through economic development grants like these, the Commerce Department will continue to encourage investments in local areas, grow the economy and create jobs."

The Delta Center for Economic Development is the umbrella for many of the outreach activities provided by the College of Business, explained Dr. Len Frey, dean.

"We are extremely pleased to have received this $1.8 million grant, which will allow us to construct a building to house all of the Delta Center for Economic Development and College of Business outreach activities under one roof on the ASU campus," he said. "The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration has been a long time supporter of the College of Business and we appreciate their confidence in us."

To support its role as a driving force for economic advancement of the region and the state, the College of Business developed the Delta Center for Economic Development to serve as a resource to support commerce, manufacturing, transportation and small business development in the region.

The College of Business and the Delta Center for Economic Development provide outreach services to the Arkansas Delta region’s businesses and communities, including community development, professional development and workforce training, and small business assistance.

The center will have more than 21,000 square feet of space in a two-story building to be erected just south of the College of Business building. ASU will provide 50-50 matching funds for the project. A completion date has not yet been determined.

Several College of Business programs and activities will be brought together in the new facility, including EDA University Center for Regional Competitiveness, Small Business Development Center, Professional Development and Workforce Training, Business Incubator, Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions, Center for Entrepreneurial and Family Business Studies, Center for Economic Education, and Center for Transportation Management.

ASU’s primary service area includes 22 counties in northeast Arkansas, which is a part of the Lower Mississippi Delta Region.

However, the university draws students from all the Lower Mississippi Delta states, principally Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri.

The Delta Center for Economic Development is unique in the Arkansas Delta region for the services it provides to businesses and communities. The assets of the Delta Center are enhanced by the faculty and staff who can be available from all departments of the university. Because it is an integral part of the university, the Delta Center can provide quality service to meet a broad spectrum of needs.

The project will contribute to the diversity of the local and regional economy by educating students who will be employed in the region, and by increasing the knowledge and skills of the workforce.

The College of Business contributes graduates who meet the needs of today’s demands for a highly educated workforce, and employers in the Delta depend heavily on ASU graduates to fill their needs.