1994-03-31-PEDC - Laserfiche WebLink

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23 Chairman Cecil stated that ex-officio member of this Board, Jo Ann Parkman who is President of the Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Bill Vaughan, President-Elect would like to make a presentation. Ms. Parkman advised Richard Chamberlain of the Chamber of Commerce has resigned effective June 30, 1994. She said the Search Committee headed up by Bill Vaughan is in the process of finding a replacement. Ms. Parkman stated they had done a recent survey of the Chamber members, and the number one emphasis was on economic development. She stated with Mr. Chamberlain's resignation and the survey in mind they thought perhaps they could come up with a plan to hire a Chamber/Economic Director who could fill both the Economic Development Director job and the Chamber job. She stated they felt this would be an opportune time to unite under one umbrella to accomplish what they are trying to do without duplication. She stated that an example would be the City of Terrell which has a premiere economic development corporation. She said in Terrell they have spent their money wisely and have already brought in 300 to 400 jobs. She said they have hired a joint Chamber/Economic Development person. She said the bottom line was the Chamber does not have the financial resources to pay this type person. She said she is asking the Board to consider a request of $25,000.00 from the P.E.D.C. to go along with the Chamber's amount of money as they search for this person to fill this position. Board member Eric Clifford asked if they were talking about a three year commitment from this group on a contract basis. Ms. Parkman stated that was correct. Ms. Parkman stated they would also like for City Manager Malone to be on the Search Committee. Board member Clifford stated when the work was done in the summer on the bylaws that both Terrell and Sulphur Springs by-laws are basically the same. He said, at that time, Terrell was held up as the City with results you would want to fashion your corporation after. He said they do have a Joint effort as Ms. Parkman has mentioned. He stated in Sulphur Springs their corporation has hired a separate individual and the Chamber has had their efforts ongoing, at the same time, and the end results have been some real problems. He stated if you had to pick a community you wanted to fashion your efforts after it would be Terrell. Board member Barney Bray stated he would like to see some kind of contractual relationship with a review process so that our commitment would be good for the three years, but if the individual is not performing satisfactorily the Board could have some input. Board member Clifford stated at the present time there is a annual review process at the Chamber. Mr. Bray said he did not want the Board locked into a situation where an individual is not performing and with no recourse. Board member Fendley stated he felt they would enter into an employment contract with input of this committee to the Chamber which would have an annual review process. Board member Clifford suggested that a board member and the City Manager be placed on the review committee that reviews performance every year. Board member Leon Williams entered the meeting at this time.