[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   EDCNP CELEBRATES 35TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 16, 2000

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the Economic 
Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, which recently 
celebrated its 35th anniversary. I am pleased and proud to have been 
asked to participate in this event.
  In 1964, a small group of private sector leaders gathered to discuss 
forming a regional economic development entity, which would assist the 
local chambers of commerce in their work. The original group included 
members of the banking and business communities, colleges and 
universities, utilities, and others. These informal discussions led to 
the formation of the Economic Development Council of Northeastern 
Pennsylvania, or EDCNP as it is well known today.
  The council hired its first executive director, expanded its board, 
and two years later became a private/public sector partnership with 
designation as a development district. In 1965, two federal acts for 
economic assistance were enacted. These legislative proposals, first 
suggested by John F. Kennedy, were signed into law by Lyndon Johnson. 
These landmark acts, the Appalachian Regional Development Act and the 
Public Works and Regional Development Act became the springboard for 
EDCNP to expand to seven counties under what is known as the substate 
regional plan.
  Mr. Speaker, the EDCNP has provided numerous services to the 
community over the 35 years of its existence. Under the leadership of 
current president David Donlin and executive director Howard Grossman, 
the EDCNP continues to strive to promote economic development 
throughout our region. During my tenure in Congress, I have had the 
pleasure of working with the EDCNP on many economic development 
efforts. Working to highlight the importance of the Tobyhanna Army 
Depot during the last round of base closures, and getting the 
Susquehanna River named an American Heritage River are just two of the 
most recent efforts.
  This organization provides many valuable services to Northeastern 
Pennsylvania, and I am pleased and proud to bring this distinguished 
organization to the attention of my colleagues. I send my very best 
wishes for continued success.

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