Business Plan Receives Final Approval 

The anticipated business plan received final board approval this past Wednesday at the CVEP board meeting.  The business plan prioritizes the Blueprint strategy, identifying the goals and objectives for fiscal years 2011-2014.  To read the business plan and to better understand the immediate goals for the organization please click here. 

CVEP & ArtsOasis to Grow Valley's Creative Economy

Recognizing the unique challenges that characterize development of the creative sector of the local economy, CVEP has entered into agreement with ArtsOasis - a not-for-profit group organized in 2008 to grow the creative economy of the California desert - under which the two organizations will collaborate to more effectively fulfill the creative cluster growth goals set forth in CVEP's 2009 Economic Blueprint. Under the terms of the agreement, ArtsOasis is to be merged into CVEP as a supported economic development initiative, similar in concept to the Career Pathways and Pathways to Success initiatives.  Look for more information and developments as we roll out this exciting new partnership. 

FAFSA Winning Schools Announced at Board Meeting

The results are in for CVEP's first annual "FAFSA Battle of the High Schools.  The competition which aimed at raising awareness for federal student aid was a success with participation rates doubling predictions.  About 44% of eligible seniors completed the FAFSA application, up from an estimated 20 - 30% in past years.  Winners from each school district were announced at the CVEP monthly board meeting and includ Cathedral City High School, Desert Mirage High School, La Familia High School and Indio High School who was the overall winner with over 65% of eligible students applying for college financial aid.  Click here to read more about the competition in an article from The Desert Sun. 

Mark your Calendar - Upcoming Events  

Friday April 1

CVEP Legislative Breakfast - "The California Budget:  Local Impact" Presentations and discussions with Senator Bill Emmerson, Senator Juan Vargas, Assemblyman Brian Nestande and  a representative of Assemblyman Manuel Perez  

7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Bellatrix, Classic Club - Click here to register

May 7 - 9 

"Desert Express" - ever taken the train from the Coachella Valley to LA?  Here's your chance!  CVEP, CVAG & the CVA are coordinating the upcoming corridor demonstration train.  More details in the week's ahead!

May 12 - 13

3rd Annual Coachella Valley Energy Summit Workshop & Bus Tour, Palm Springs Convention Center - Keynote Speakers to include Ed Begley, Jr., actor & environmentalist, and Gene Rodrigues, Director of Energy Efficiency, Southern California Edison.   More details to follow.