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forums was held in Spanish to ensure that the area's large Latino population was encouraged to <br />participate in the planning process. <br />An electronic survey was also developed to provide the public another alternative for providing <br />Input Into the planning process. Between the public forums and the online survey, the CEDS <br />committee was able to generate significant public participation in the planning process. Public <br />and CEDS committee input helped shape the key goals and objectives outlined in this plan. <br />Each year the Counties plan to In March 2013 the CEDS committee evaluated economic <br />development projects submitted by local governments and non-profit organizations. The group <br />has also been extremely helpful as reviewers and editors of the final plan. <br />In April 2013 the draft pian was presented to both County Commissions and posted on each <br />County's website (in addition to economic development websites within the region). The public <br />was again invited to review and comment on the draft pian. <br />In May 2013 each County Commission held public hearings on the plan before adopting it via <br />joint resolutions. <br />refresh their CEDS plan incorporating new goals and projects consistent with the region's <br />aspirations for economic vitality. <br />As we finish the Initial 12 -month planning period a debt of gratitude goes <br />to the members of the CEDS steering committee. They spent countless <br />hours driving the planning process and making it work. Thanks also go to <br />each County Commission for supporting the CEDS. Each Commission saw <br />the benefits of regional collaboration and is to be commended for supporting the process. We <br />also appreciate all the people who participated in public forums during the planning process, or <br />touched our CEDS development at some point over the last year, <br />4 <br />