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PEDC Board Planning Session Minutes February 3, 2021 Page 3 of 3 Discussion and Possible Action on Incentives and Establishine Guidelines a) Overview of Local Incentives • Skills Development Fund – Ms. Anglin, PJC President, explained the Texas Workforce Commission has grants for skills development. The college works with businesses to tailor training to their specific business. PJC has a new program, Job Ready, giving students career pathways through online learning. • Property Tax Abatement – Ms. Harris told the Board that the PEDC is a crucial part of the tax abatement process. • Land, Cash and Other Incentives—Ms. Hammond presented the PEDC's options for direct incentives to potential businesses. These included Cash for Jobs, Infrastructure Grants, Free and Reduced Land, and Forgivable Loans. b) Discussion on Incentive Guidelines Includin Eli ibiliy, Clawbacks and Other Related Matters The board entered a discussion concerning the focus of incentives and their value to attracting new businesses. Ms. Hammond noted at the beginning of the discussion that while incentives were still important, market research shows that workforce skills and development rank at the top of the list of priorities for prospects. The board also focused on quality of life issues, as well as reiterating the importance of focusing not only on new prospects, but strengthening relationships with local, established businesses. Discussion and Possible Action on Board Member Interest and Committee Appointments Mr. Bray requested input on committee appointments. He then listed the potential committees: Finance, Incentive Review, Land Review and Marketing. All the Board Members were interested in serving on one or more committees. Adjourn Mr. Pankaj made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Fendley seconded the motion. Vote was 6 -ayes to 0 -nays. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, g Paula Brownfield Administrative Assistant Paris Economic Development Corporation