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EXAS � O' MIC IDEVEILOPM t C � I� OR STI rip ra 115 r r :rr i r Reach rac 1 i 11 l'y'.jl°„ Citizens' Input Chairman Bray invited those present to speak during the Citizens' Input. No one came forward, and Chairman Bray closed citizens' input. Mr. Bray took a motion to move agenda item 6, Review, Discuss and Action on the 2023-2025 Economic Development Plan of Work, to the next agenda item for discussion. Dr. Hashmi made a motion to adjust the agenda as noted. Mr. Roddy seconded the motion. Vote 7 -ayes to 0 -nays Review, Discuss and Action on the 2023-2025 Economic Development Plan of Work Ms. Hammond reminded the board that the PEDC's bylaws require a Plan of Work to be submitted to the Paris City Council on an annual basis. She noted that this discussion was intended to guide any needed revisions to the plan, and that the board would be asked to vote on an updated Plan of Work during the monthly meeting in July, which, upon approval, would be submitted to City Council alongside the PEDC's annual budget. She provided a brief overview of the PEDC's Plan of Work accomplishments spanning the last five years. This presentation included a list of initiatives encompassing the retention and growth of jobs in Lamar County, the attraction of new employers and industry, the cultivation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, support of workforce development programs, expansion of the community's land and building assets, the encouragement of a unified vision for the City of Paris, Lamar County, and the PEDC, and the exploration of additional internal and external funding mechanisms. Key highlights included the following: • Began roundtable discussions with existing industries to explore workforce issues and partnerships with Paris Junior College • Launched a new unified joint brand in partnership with the City and Chamber of Commerce • Established a formal site visitation program in partnership with PJC and surveyed employers representing 4,300 employees • Developed and launched a new website • Acquired 123 -site on Loop 286 for non -rail users • Acquired 200 -acre site on Loop 286 with potential for rail • Developed and implemented a new social media marketing strategy • Secured $1.3 million in federal funding through the Economic Development Administration • Supported 14 project announcements representing: o Retention of 540 jobs o the creation of 1,295 new jobs o $493.5 million in capital investment to Paris and Lamar County o Total jobs supported = 1,865 Hammond expressed her gratitude to the Board for their ongoing support, dedication, and commitment of time to both her and the organization. Mr. Bray opened the floor to questions regarding the 2023-2025 Economic Development Plan of Work. A brief discussion ensued regarding target industries. There were no further questions. Page 2of5