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PEDC Board Meeting Minutes Monday, February 15, 2022 Page 4 of 5 Mr. Terrell made a motion to approve the proposal as presented. Mr. Homer seconded the motion. Vote: 6 -ayes to 0 -nays. Receive and Discuss Report from Executive Director Ms. Hammond discussed the Business and Industry Survey as part of the PEDC's 2 -year plan of work that was launched in January in partnership with Paris Junior College. This consists of a formal survey and visitation program to proactively respond to the needs of businesses and gather information that will aid in policy decision-making moving forward. To date, there have been a total of 4 employer visits, with a total goal of 20 employers completed by the end of August. Ms. Hammond asked PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin if she would like to add any additional comments; Dr. Anglin stated that the information has proven to be very beneficial not just to the PEDC and PJC but will also be valuable to the city moving forward as well. She continued the report with a discussion of the cost -of -living index. The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) is a national firm that conducts community, economic, and workforce development research. She explained that they are widely known for compiling cost of living index data and disseminate the data on a quarterly basis. The last time the PEDC participated was in 2014 and Ms. Hammond thought it was important to continue collection of this information starting Jan. I" during the first quarter. At the end of the three quarters, the compiled cost of living index data will be produced into an annual report for review. Ms. Hammond reported next on the High Demand Job Training Grant. In accordance with the 2021-2022 fiscal year budget and in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission, the PEDC contributes $25,000 with a 50/50 matched grant totaling $50,000 towards expenses for training for high -demand occupations. These funds were utilized to aid in the expansion of PJC's program with the purchase of 5 new welding machines for skill development and workforce development. She added that this is another way the PEDC is supporting workforce development by with a pipeline of talent to our workforce. Ms. Hammond concluded her report by briefly discussing the Community Investment Program. As part of the financing of the Delco project the company has been working with Rural Development Partners. Part of the financing package for Delco through new market tax credits required that Rural Development Partners set aside $90,000 for workforce development training. Delco matched their funding, bringing the total to $180,000 to be used towards a workforce development project and or program that benefits the broader community. Ms. Hammond stated that this is one of the many highlights that has come out of Delco's expansion project. Since PEDC is the primary economic development entity for the region, Rural Development Partners asked the PEDC to facilitate the forming of a Community Advisory Board. This Advisory Board consists of members from the local school systems and Texas Workforce, including the following: • Ms. Maureen Hammond, PEDC Executive Director • Dr. Pam Anglin, President PJC • Ms. Kelli Stewart, Superintendent of NLISD • Mr. Paul Jones, Superintendent Paris ISD • Mr. Wes Brown, Career and Technology Director NLISD • Mr. Caleb Tindel, Career and Technology Director PISD • Mr. Bart Spivey; Business Development Project Manager, Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas