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Complimentary Webinar for Rural Florida: Preparing for American Rescue Plan Act Funds, Lessons Learned from the CARES Act

This complimentary webinar is being hosted by the Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) and is intended to provide timely information on the recently passed and signed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021. While ARP funding is anticipated to be similar to the CARES Act, there are some anticipated differences and the recent experiences—and lessons learned—from the CARES Act are vital. In addition, Florida’s Economic Development Representative from the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will be providing an update on prospective funding expected to be made available from ARP through EDA. Please join us for this timely and informative webinar as CARES Act experienced consultants and professionals provide the latest on ARP funding, and share what local governments can and should be doing NOW to prepare for ARP!

Agenda of Issues

Terry BurroughsChairman, Okeechobee County Board Of County Commission

Terry W. Burroughs was elected to the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners in November 2018 with a term to expire in November 2022. Commissioner Burroughs is currently serving as Chairman to the Board. Commissioner Burroughs has completed the Florida Association of Counties Commissioner Certification Program and completed the Advanced Certification Program. Terry’s Bio

David JahoskyManaging Director, Government Services Group

Mr. Jahosky oversees the Government and Community Services Division of Government Services Group, Inc. (GSG). David brings highly specialized experience helping local governments become more efficient and focused with everything from staffing analysis to program and infrastructure funding and accounting. From studies to identify costing optimization and revenue recovery to grant compliance and performance audits, David has helped local and state governments develop the processes and policies necessary for greater efficiency in both human and financial resources. As important, he’s helped them develop performance measures to ensure that goals and projects are met. His experience supporting local governments uniquely qualifies him to facility community services including disaster recovery, neighborhood stabilization and revitalization and economic development. David’s Bio

Steve StevensDirector, Assurance Services, Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A

Steve has over ten years of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Programs experience and recently served as a Project Executive and a Subject Matter Expert. He also has experience working on Hurricanes Erin, Fay, Katrina, Ivan, Georges, Opal, Wilma, Dennis, Jeanne, Charley, and the Florida Severe Storms. Additionally, he has experience in overseeing the seeking of maximum reimbursement awards from FEMA on Hurricanes Hermine, Nate, Matthew, Irma, Michael, and Dorian. Steve’s Bio

Greg VadayEconomic Development Representative, U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration

Greg Vaday is the Economic Development Representative (EDR) for Florida for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). Mr. Vaday is assigned to EDA’s Atlanta regional office and serves as the statewide point of contact for EDA programs and activities. He works directly with communities experiencing economic distress to help them to most effectively utilize EDA’s grant investments in planning, technical assistance and infrastructure construction to position themselves for long-term economic sustainability and innovation. Following disaster events, Mr. Vaday works with FEMA and other federal, state and local government partners to support disaster recovery and resiliency efforts in affected communities. Greg’s Bio

Kerry ParsonsShareholder, Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A. 

Ms. Parsons is a 2008 cum laude graduate of Suffolk University with a bachelor’s degree in Government and a 2011 graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law. Ms. Parsons joined the Firm in 2015, where she concentrates her practice in the areas of ligation and appellate law. Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Parsons served as Citrus County Attorney from 2013 through 2014 and as Citrus County Assistant County Attorney from 2011 through 2013. Kerry’s Bio