12-05-2022 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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PEDC Board Meeting Minutes Monday, December 05, 2022 Page 3 of 4 Review and Discuss Report from Executive Director Maureen Hammond I. Job Fair: Ms. Hammond reported that, in conjunction with PJC and TWC, the PEDC co-hosted a job fair for the former J. Skinner employees that were affected by the recent closure. The Job fair was held on November 3, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. There were 13 primary employers that participated, including Campbell’s, Kimberly Clark, Print Works, City of Paris along with several others. Approximately 100 job seekers were in attendance during the event and as a direct result, 35 people have been hired thus far. Ms. Hammond went on to commend Mr. Stout for his work communicating with the participating employers. She also thanked Dr. Anglin of PJC for the collaborative effort made on the college's behalf. After a brief discussion, the report on the job fair concluded. II. American SpiralWeld Pipe: Ms. Hammond reported ASWP American SpiralWeld Pipe was recently named Small Employer of the Year at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 25th Annual Workforce Conference held November 30, 2022. They were nominated by Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas along with the PEDC and chosen as the Small Employer of the Year out of the 28 small employers nominated and three exemplary finalists. This award is given to employers who employ 500 employees or less, and whose efforts were reflected in the community and in the state. Ms. Hammond noted that this was the first time a company within our workforce region has won this award. There have been finalists over the years, but none ever were named, “Small Employer of the Year.” III. EDA Grant: Ms. Hammond reported that the PEDC re-submitted an EDA grant for infrastructure improvements for the Northwest Industrial Park in October as a new funding opportunity. In response to the recent re-submission, there has been positive feedback with shown interest from the EDA. Ms. Hammond concluded the EDA grant report by stating she is highly optimistic. She also reminded the board that the October funding opportunity is a 70/30 match instead of 80/20, consisting of $1.28 million in federal funding. IV. North Star Branding Project: Ms. Hammond updated the process, explaining that the team is nearing the completion of the project's Creative Phase. On November 3, 2022, the team was able to reach a consensus on the “straplines” and creative design. Mr. Path and the City legal team have been working on the trademark portion of the project. She went on to note that it has been a long and challenging process and she is looking forward to showing the board the outcome. Mr. Pankaj of the City Council along with Mr. Terrell provided brief comments. No questions followed these updates. Convene into Executive Session: 1) Pursuant to Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code to (1) discuss or deliberate regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has received from a business prospect that the governmental body seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the governmental body and