Now it is time for the College to take another major step in support of this community. For some years, we have made modest annual contributions to the Borough in support of the downtown economic development program. Recently, our Board of Trustees, some of whom are with us today, approved my recommendation to increase our contribution and deliver it for maximum impact. These funds are designated to support business initiatives that will enhance the downtown area and economic climate of Elizabethtown, not for EEDC operations or salaries. Through grants and small annual donations, EEDC has been able to stimulate some productive business initiatives, but we have not had the capital to accomplish as much as we need or want to do.
Higher education is a place-based enterprise.
We must be sensitive to what our community means to the college. We rely on our borough and our surrounding community to make a home for our faculty and students. We of course rely on the borough to provide us with safety and infrastructural services. But in addition to that, we want to enhance our community resources, such as economic opportunity, parks, and the new Elizabethtown library. The strength of our college relies on the character of our community, and we are making the commitment here today to ensure that strength and that character.