Enterprise Zone Commission to Host Open House in Garden Street Aimed At Revitalization

ST. THOMAS — In keeping with its focus on the connection between town revitalization and economic development in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority has invited residents and business owners within the enterprise zones here to an open house event hosted by the Enterprise Zone Commission (E.Z.C.), a subsidiary entity of E.D.A., according to a recently issued press release.

Taking place annually, the open house will be held on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in St. Thomas at E’s Garden Teahouse and Things during the V.I. Carnival Cultural Fair. E’s Garden Teahouse and Things is located at 2A Commandant Gade (Garden Street) in the purple and green building across from Ideal Restaurant and next to the Midtown Guesthouse.

The purpose of the open house is to identify community opportunities and strengths using the territory’s unique cultural currency; encourage, motivate and support the business community through available tools; and share information with the community about the E.D.A. and its offerings, according to the release. The E.Z.C. also encouraged the public to attend and learn more about the newly-adopted community plans for Garden Street and Upstreet here, and for Christiansted and Frederiksted on St. Croix along with tax incentives offered by the E.Z.C.

Activities during the open house will include three feature segments titled “Community Development Within The Enterprise Zones”, “What’s Going on Inside The VIEDA ?”, and “Entrepreneurial Activity”. Attendees will also have the opportunity to receive updates on initiatives for community development within the U.S.V.I. enterprise zones, learn about E.D.A. programs and services, and purchase locally-made products from V.I. small manufacturers.

E.Z.C. will also highlight the significant relationship between community development and economic development in the territory at the open house. The event is also being held at a local small business that is located within Garden Street, which is an enterprise zones, reflecting the connection among entrepreneurship, community development and economic growth, E.D.A.  says.

The E.Z.C. assists residents and local small business owners with rehabilitating buildings that are located within designated enterprise zones in the territory. The enterprise zones are Frederiksted and Christiansted on St. Croix, Garden Street-UpStreet and Savanne-Downstreet on St. Thomas.