09-Paris Economic Development Corporation's Quarterly Report

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facility in the Williamsburg Center at 1445 Clarl:sville, we plan to have the incubator open by the end of April and wil] have eight new businesses in operation by the end of the year. In addition to financial support from PJC, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and PEDC, we must raise additional sponsorships to meet the start up expenses and our operating cost for the remainder of 2011. We are on our way with significani contributions from each of our local banks and the businesses of Paris including the Paris Regional Medical Center, Campbell's, Oncor Energy, Paris Chevrolet, Harrison, Walker & Harper, J&L Asphalt, and Paris Packaging. The R3bi will become a significant contributor to Paris and Lamar County business success only with the support and sponsorship ol~our local business community and forward looking individuals concerned about the future of Lamar County and the region. You have the opportunity to be an imporiant member of that group. 1'he Red River Region Business lncubator has esiablished a presence on the internet at www.r3bi.orQ. Maintain & Market "Site Ready" Industrial Park PEDC continues to identify and increase the amaunt of marketable land available in the City, County and the Noriheast Industrial Park. Efforts have also been made to keep the park aesthetically appealing by clearing its frontage along 19`h Street NW, shredding the property several times throughout the cutting season, and ensuring the proper function of the entrance sign and pond fountain. We are always prepared to show the property to prospects. While brochures and images of the park have been available online for quite sometime, this year PEDC added to its website a virtual tour of the existing available building in the park; the tour is narrated by board member Rick Poston. PEDC has developed a strong working relationship with the owner of the existing building and is daily working to find a suitable tenant or buyer for the 30,000 sq. ft. building and 6 acres of adjacent praperty. The City of Paris will soon consider approval of the Cox Field Airport 20-Year Master Plan. This document provides a blueprint for improving and developing one of our most valued assets - our airport. PEDC looks forward to working closely with the City on this effort. PEDC Reporting & Accountability The PEDC staff has implemented a new budgeting and financial reporting process this year. More than ever before, the PEDC Board and the public are aware of our community's economic development financial resources. Our commitment to accountability and transparency with taxpayer funds is priority number one. Vde are happy to review any aspect of PEDC's operations and plans on request. Our website is www.paristexasusa.com. Develop & Promote a Positive, Pro-Business Climate for Paris & Lamar County by Providing Leadership & Strategic Future Vision This portion of PEDC's Plan of Work is broad, and it is of great importance to PEDC's ability to attract new business to the area. Many activities have been, and continue to take place in pursuit of this goal. 1n late 2010 and early 2011 PEDC held two community strategic planning sessions. The first session was attended by PEDC board members, city council menibers and key city -37