1994-09-27-PEDC - Laserfiche WebLink

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62 for them. Chairman Cecil stated there is a ten percent of the tax collection limitation set as to what the board can spend for marketing. Chairman Cecil stated the board has budgeted $60,000.00 for marketing expenditures. Mr. Vest stated in this same area the board needs to develop advertising materials to be used in magazines, newspapers, billboards and direct mail. Mr. Vest stated the next action would be to participate in promotional activities such as those supported by the Texas Marketing Team, the Texas Industrial Council, and the Northeast Texas Economic Development as well as working closely with industrial allies such as T.U. Electric, Lone Star Gas and the Texas Department of Commerce. Mr. Vest said another action item was the development of Industrial Ally Appreciation Day. Chairman Cecil asked for questions. Mr. Vest stated goal number three was to establish a comprehensive industrial recruitment program including retention and expansion of existing industrial sector jobs. He said the objective under this was attraction of new industrial jobs while retaining and expanding the currently existing industrial base. He said they need to acquire necessary directories for prospecting activities. Chairman Cecil advised Mr. Vest to come to the board with a specific request for what is needed with the cost and the Board will act on this request. City Attorney Haynes said in the original plan they had some exercises to do to get help in the targeting area, and this was one of the things the board decided to postpone until they were working and organized. Mr. Haynes wanted to know if this was something the Board would want to have consultant help with in the future, or was this something the Board would be capable of performing? Mr. Vest stated he felt the Board would be able to accomplish this. Mr. Vest stated another action item would be to recognize local industries for expansion, growth and outstanding contribution to the Paris economy. He said in this area he was talking about an annual award possibly presented at the Annual Chamber Banquet. Chairman Cecil asked for questions or comments. Mr. Vest stated goal number four was to support the existing infrastructure and expansion of infrastructure in the community and to support community development by enhancing local infrastructure to support industry and to provide educational opportunities and training to enhance the local workforce. He said the objective under that goal would be to provide necessary support systems to entice industry and to provide a trained and ready workforce. He said at some point in time the Board might want to hold property, keep it cleared and marked with billboards. Chairman Cecil questioned Mr. Vest as to whether they are trying to develop an index of industrial sites. Mr. Vest said they are currently working on this information in order to obtain a consistent form for showing industrial sites. Mr. Vest said the next action was to construct a speculative building to attract prospective industry. He said you could build a very generic building that is versatile and could be expanded very easily. After discussion by the Board it was decided this section should be changed to consider construction of a speculative building to attract prospective industry. Mr. Vest said another action item was to promote the Smart Jobs Program and make sure local industries are aware of this program. Mr. Vest advised that he felt this Annual Program of Work was not complete, but perhaps it could be a starting point. He said he would welcome any input or direction in this matter. Chairman Cecil asked for comments. After discussion Chairman Cecil asked that the section be reworded to consider the construction of the speculative building.