11/06/2013 MINUTES - Laserfiche WebLink

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Paris Economic Development Corporation FY 241314 Plan of Work i. Paris EDC's existing rail spur infrastructure is in relatively good shape. It is not recommended that we spend any money on maintenance or upgrades until a prospect or company has a need to use the spur. At that time we can determine the cost and appropriate course of action. ii. Cultivate relationship building and co- marketing with Kiamichi and their parent company, Genessee and Wyoming, Inc. iii. Prospect for rail served industrial projects that benefit Paris and the railroad operator. S. Define scope of local workforce initiative. a. Engage and partner with PJC, Workforce Solutions NE Texas and the Lamar County Coalition for Education, Business and Industry. b. We must avoid a situation where employers are cannibalizing employees from each other. c. Define and quantify the current labor supply and skills — availability, quality and cost. d. Work with employers (by industry sector) to identify their critical occupation and skill needs, requirements and workforce expectations. e. Develop a high school level Manufacturing Academy using the Waco Manufacturing Academy as a model and best practice. 6. Pursue State -level relationship building. a. Board members must engage in cultivating relationships with officials in Austin, especially with the staff changes at the Governor's Office of Economic Development & Tourism. b. This effort should include George Lavender and his staff as well as elected officials from the surrounding Districts. Next Steps 1. Steve Gilbert will draft a Proposed Plan of Work for Board discussion and review. 2. Staff and individual Board members should meet to review and discuss the draft between now and the end of 2013. 3. When the Board has reviewed, discussed and finalized the proposed Plan of Work they will agree on prioritizing and funding for the Plan. 2