NERCRD accomplishments and future plans reviewed at annual meeting in October
December 1, 2020
The meeting began with a TAC-only session, chaired by Heather Stephens (WVU), during which members shared updates from their states and reflected on the Center’s research and outreach initiatives. Much of the discussion centered on the current pandemic and its effects on communities and how the Center’s work can be leveraged to help communities rebuild their economies. The TAC recommended that the Center’s work in 2021 should continue to fall within the broad topic areas of economic development, resilience, and innovation; food systems and agriculture; and general capacity building while considering the implications of Covid-19 in all of these areas.
A joint session of the BOD and TAC followed, chaired by Richard C. Rhodes III (URI and NERA), during which BOD members offered feedback on these recommendations. Center staff also provided BOD and TAC members an update on several research and outreach initiatives. (A 14-minute recording of one such update is available here.) The Board commended Center Director Stephan Goetz for his leadership and success in assembling a high-functioning team, noting the output, impact, and reach of the Center’s work.
This year’s meeting marked the arrival of a new non-voting Board Member, Thomas Krumel, who represents the USDA Economic Research Service. Krumel replaces Timothy Wojan, who served in this role since 2013.
The annual BOD/TAC meeting is held in a different Northeast location each year. This year’s meeting was originally scheduled to take place in Newport, Rhode Island, but was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.