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PEDC Board Meeting Minutes Monday, January 18, 2022 Page 3 of 5 While all of the firms that responded showed an impressive list of prior projects and demonstrated their capacity to do projects similar to ours, after careful review of the submitted proposals, it was determined that EST was the most qualified firm and the best overall bidder based on the qualifications considered and recommends that the board select them for the EDA grant process moving forward. Ms. Hammond made the recommendation to choose EST as the selected bidder for the grant application and proceed with the application process with final approvals on grant application and funding totals to be brought before the board in the month of February. Following review and discussion of the Procurement Process and Bid Selection of an Engineering Firm, Mr. Fendley made a motion to approve the recommended firm EST Inc. for the EDA grant process. Mr. Coleman seconded the motion. Vote: 7-ayes to 0-nays. Discuss and Consider Action on Speculative Buildings Ms. Hammond provided an update regarding Speculative Building progress and stated that she is currently working with a firm to evaluate conceptual layouts and costs. She concluded discussion by stating there will be a joint presentation at a future board meeting with the findings. No action was taken on this item. Receive and Discuss Report on Branding Selection Committee Ms. Hammond discussed the joint branding project with the PEDC, City of Paris and Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. She reported that for the past few months, Mr. Grayson, Mr. Allen, and she have worked to get the branding project off the ground following Board and Council approvals. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was submitted to 15 leading brand agencies on Nov. 2 and proposals were accepted until Dec. 2, 2021. Nine sealed proposals were received, and each was reviewed and evaluated by Mr. Path, Mr. Allen, and Ms. Hammond. Of the nine submitted, five were selected as finalists to be interviewed and evaluated by the entire Steering Committee. Ms. Hammond then reported that the Branding Steering Committee consists of the following members: PEDC: Ms. Maureen Hammond; Exec. Director, Dr. AJ Hashmi; Board Member, Stephen Terrell; Board Member City: Mr. Grayson Path; City Manager, Reginald Hughes; Mayor Pro Tem, Mihir Pankaj; Council Member Chamber/VCC: Paul Allen; President, Jay Hodge; Chairman, Vicki Ballard; Incoming Chairman Ms. Hammond provided an update on the Steering Committee’s activity. After the interviews were concluded, two finalists were selected, and the committee is presently in negotiations with the top choice of these finalists. Due to negotiations not yet being finalized, the final recommendation will be conveyed during the February 2022 board meeting along with Mr. Path and Mr. Allen making the recommendation to their respected governing boards. Ms. Hammond concluded by thanking the Steering Committee for their time and upcoming collaboration between the entities in accomplishing the joint branding project. After Ms. Hammond’s discussion, board members made additional comments. Mr. Terrell stated that he is really proud and excited for the community for the cross-functional group that has come together to include the three entities for a branding project and looking forward to the outcome. Dr. Hashmi added that he has never seen such a collaboration between the PEDC, City of Paris, and Lamar County