CEO MESSAGE
As we look towards the future, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on our accomplishments and failures. A fundamental challenge facing Camden today is the need to stabilize our economy, neighborhoods and social systems for the residents and businesses that depend on it. It is no secret that Camden suffers from a myriad of problems and we face even greater obstacles to achieve economic empowerment. But the news isn’t all bad. The place to start is by recognizing that we’ve made some tremendous progress in revitalizing our community. During the past few years, Camden welcomed the ground breaking of a number of housing development projects, the introduction of neighborhood and redevelopment plans, the expansion of the colleges and hospitals, the creation of the Economic Recovery Board and the funding of a multitude of social service programs to aid the rebuilding of Camden and its residents.

Our challenge is to harness our focus and coordinate resources to the advantage of the people in our communities. Although the challenges are tremendous, the opportunities to tackle the needs of the people are far greater. Technology, communication systems, access to best practices and everyday inventions are faster, better and more accessible, and these things can improve lives and impact positive change.

We cannot, reweave the complex social fabric of the challenges facing our City overnight, but our response to the ever growing issues can be coordinated, comprehensive and result oriented.

The Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation is working on some ambitious solutions through our partnerships with governmental entities and other community and faith based organizations. We believe the best way to meet these challenges is to encourage growth and initiatives among those living and working among the problems and to encourage collaboration and partnerships between governmental agencies, community based organizations, residents, business owners and other stakeholders if we aim to effectuate any level of change.

We live at a time not entirely dissimilar to the late eighteenth-century when this country’s founding fathers repeatedly visited Philadelphia to debate the issues of declaring independence and the unsavory consequences that accompanied it. But they held firm to their beliefs that human rights and independence was worth fighting for, for future generations to come. The Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation is committed to the revitalization of the City of Camden and the economic self-sufficiency and empowerment of its residents and businesses. We support projects and programs that exemplify these same goals and objectives.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work at the Camden Empowerment Zone Corporation along with its committed staff and board members as we continue our mission of achieving economic vitality for all.

Sincerely,