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PEDC Board Meeting Minutes <br />March 6, 2012 <br />Richard Seline stated that the Wednesday meeting in Austin included the Matrix Group from the <br />Governor's Office Economic Development Division. They are the first point of contact, on the State level, <br />for new prospects (industry) looking to come to Texas. <br />Carl Cecil, President, Liberty National Bank told those present that Steve Gilbert did an excellent <br />job with his prepared presentations to the various groups. Re-connecting with Gary Farmer, to hear that <br />they participate in 20 Economic Development trips annually to meet with prospects was an eye opener. <br />Paris EDC needs to continue to budget funds to cover expenses for this type of trip four or five times a year. <br />We have no local representation outside this county. Need to make contacts ourselves to promote what <br />Paris, Texas has to offer. <br />Stan McKee, Oncor Electric Delivery told those present that he participated in the California Trade <br />Mission and the Austin Trip. He confirmed that relationship building is key to getting new industry to come <br />to Paris, Texas. He added that Laurie O'Neal as an ally from the Governor's Office played a huge part in <br />both trips. <br />Dave Osborne, FlowServe told those present that he made the Austin Trip with a different Agenda <br />in mind, He wanted to make the lawmakers aware that almost all electives are squeezed out at the high <br />school level, leaving no room for students to participate in technology training for industry. Currently, the <br />high school campuses are not equipped for electro-mechanical training, but Paris Jr. Co(lege is. We need a <br />new push, at the State level, for dual credits at the high school level for this type of training like they <br />currently do for Cosmetology at Paris High School. He was very impressed with what Texas Manufacturing <br />Assistance Center (TMAC) at UT Arlington has to offer this initiative along with lobbying abilities through <br />the Texas Association of Manufacturers. There is a great deal of manufacturing in Texas. If Texas was <br />considered a country by itself, it would be the 5`h largest Manufacturer in the world. <br />Mark Lacek, Paris Milling and Grain told those present that he was impressed to be a part of the <br />group. <br />Richard Seline commented that three House Committees have been charged to have a conversation <br />between workforce and K-12 Leadership. What does Paris Jr. College need? (Funding versus Grant <br />Process). <br />Pam Anglin told those present that the Co-op students will have the opportunity to attend the <br />electro-mechanical program, just need funding source to pay students minimum wage while they attend, in <br />addition to tuition. <br />Holland Harper told those present that we need to lay a foundation with cross section of the <br />community and keep building relationships along with a tactical plan for progress. <br />Update bv Richev Haves of Retail Attractions. Rickey Hayes told those present that his company was in <br />the process of updating the retail data for 2011. He continues to target retailers missing in the community to <br />help stop the sales tax leakage currently going to Sherman and Dallas areas. There continues to be plenty of <br />opportunities for Paris, just need cooperation of land owners, city council, etc. There is a real need for a <br />Matrix Team to cross between government, private sector and Paris EDC. <br />The Board convened into executive session at 4:21 p.m. pursuant to Section 551.072, and Section <br />551.087 of the Texas Government Code to discuss and deliberate on the following: <br />A. Section 551.072 - Real Property <br />B. Section 551.087 - Economicā€¢Development Negotiations <br />- - ' 45 <br />