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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°„ She expressed that the replacement of the current phone system represented the highest -cost option and maintained reliance on on-site hardware infrastructure, while the GoTo Connect Purchase Option provided the lowest projected cost and did not require a long-term service contract. She noted that, due to these factors, she recommended moving forward with the GoTo Connect Purchase Option as the permanent replacement solution. Dr. Hashmi made a motion to approve the GoTo Connect Purchase Option as presented. Mr. Coleman seconded the motion. Vote: 7 -ayes to 0 -nays Dr. Hashmi asked if the Board could approve the purchase of a new office printer during the current Board Meeting. Mr. Bray noted that Ms. Hammond has the authority to approve the purchase of a new printer within the current budget and policies and that approval during next month's Board Meeting would not be necessary. Receive 2025 Annual Presentation from Executive Director Ms. Hammond reminded the Board that, pursuant to the PEDC bylaws, she delivered the 2025 Annual Presentation during the February 23, 2026, City Council Meeting. Prior to beginning her report, she expressed gratitude to the Board for its continued support and strong engagement. Key highlights included the following: • Conducted employer surveys across Paris and Lamar County as part of the PEDC's formal site visitation program • Celebrated the grand opening of the Texas Department of Transportation's new Paris District Headquarters • Supported the groundbreaking of Happy Trailers' new headquarters • Celebrated the grand opening of LionsHead Specialty Tire & Wheel 120,000 SF facility • Acquired 102 shovel -ready acres on Loop 286 • Organized, hosted, and participated in multiple workforce development events • Maintained an active presence at both the regional and state levels • Establishment of new committees within the PEDC Board Ms. Hammond then transitioned to a review of several economic indicators from the past five years to evaluate whether recent economic development activity has produced measurable results. She reported that building permit valuations within the City of Paris have fluctuated over the past five years, which is typical as a single large project can significantly influence annual commercial valuation totals. Residential construction within city limits has remained steady but modest during this period. In contrast, approximately 1,000 homes were constructed in Lamar County outside the city limits over the same five-year period, averaging about 200 homes annually. Page 3 of 7