The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation is looking to expand the North East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone over to the North Shore, and include the Happy Valley and Montpelier Road areas.The BEDC said it also planned to provide even more assistance to the St George’s and Somerset EEZs over the holiday period and in the New Year.The Economic Empowerment Zones Agency announced yesterday the hiring of two officers to act as point persons for the East and West End EEZs.Former BEDC general manager and consultant William Spriggs has returned to the agency as the Somerset Economic Empowerment Zone (SEEZ) officer.And BEDC consultant Corey Butterfield has been appointed as officer for the St George’s Economic Empowerment Zone (SGEEZ).The addition of Mr Spriggs and Mr Butterfield complements services already provided by Roxanne Christopher, the officer for the North East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone (NEHEEZ).“Strengthening our economy and assisting our small businesses during these tough times has been a key priority for this Government, and it will take a unified effort consisting of committed and dedicated individuals to press our economic empowerment agenda,” Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Patrice Minors said yesterday.EEZA director Erica Smith said with the two appointments the agency hoped in St George’s to continue to support the Old Towne Market, which is Sundays now from 1pm-5.30pm, and also other initiatives including late-night shopping over the holidays and potential support of the New Year’s Eve celebration in the Town Square.In Somerset, Ms Smith said the EEZA was looking to offer continued support to the Hidden Treasures Market at Springfield, which is every other Saturday through the year, and seek more business involvement in volunteer community projects, similar to HSBC’s recent staff Community Action Day Volunteer Programme in North Hamilton offering beautification and educational enrichment works in the area.“Somerset has a lot of potential that hasn’t been realised,” Ms Smith said.The EEZA/BEDC offer direct interest-free loans up to $10,000 to business people who want to launch small businesses in the EEZs, as well as expert advice on setting up a business and other incentives including programmes that offer a deferral of customs duty for capital projects and endeavours, and a reduction in the payroll tax rate for new businessesIn North East Hamilton, Ms Smith said the EEZA has been examining the potential expansion of that zone over to North Shore and including part of Laffan Street and possibly businesses on the Victoria Street boundary.“We have counted 115 businesses north of the current zone,” Ms Smith said. “We were surprised when we did the survey and there were that many businesses in that area.”Mr. Spriggs has worked with the BEDC for many years, including as GM and as a consultant assisting with the early-stage EEZ research and regeneration of North East Hamilton.He will share his expertise in project management, team building, business planning, small business financing, obstacle removal and creating a motivating work environment.“The responsibility for supporting the growth of the Somerset Economic Empowerment Zone is a privilege and gives me a significant opportunity to work with many of my friends, hard working Somerset business owners and soon-to-be entrepreneurs to create our very best works for the betterment of Somerset,” Mr. Spriggs said.Mr Butterfield founded and headed the consultancy firm Ardella, named after his late mother, focusing on policy and research, human rights advocacy, and providing strategic plans and advice for companies, NGOS, charities and individuals.He worked with the EEZA as a consultant helping to establish the Rubber Tree Market, and create development polices for the North East Hamilton EEZ.He also wrote a report that was utilised to help establish the designation of the Somerset EEZ.When asked about his new appointment, Mr Butterfield said: “I am very excited to continue a life of service to Bermudians. I look forward to working with the individuals, businesses and organisations in St. George’s to empower them to increase their profitability and enhance their quality of life.”