03/22/2016 MINUTES - Laserfiche WebLink

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PEDC Board Meeting Minutes March 22, 2016 Page 2 of 3 Discuss and possible action on RIMS II (Regional Input - Output Modeling System): Mr. Paris began the discussion on regional multipliers as a tool to tell a community, a county or a region when a dollar investment comes into the area; what economic impact it has within the area. Samples were shown of how capital investments make an impact on earnings and employment in an area. This would be helpful in calculating incentives relative to the capital investments made by industry. The regional multipliers show the direct and indirect impact that happens as a result of capital investments made by industry. RIMS II is also used to see the economic statistics for Lamar County. We can purchase Lamar County and counties within a 70 mile radius of Paris. The purchase price is $275 for Lamar County and another $275 for the surrounding counties statistics. This would be a "micropolitan area ". There are employees in our industries that commute an hour away from Paris. Mr. Wilson stated that 70 miles is a little too far, but 50 miles is very realistic. We should definitely buy Lamar County and also the counties within the 50 mile radius. Mr. Banks stated that the 50 mile radius is what we need and it should include Titus and Franklin counties and part of Hopkins. Mr. Wilson made the motion to authorize the purchase of three different sets of the regional multipliers. Mr. Banks seconded that motion. The vote carried 3 -0. Discuss and possible action on housing the documents for SURRMA at the PEDC office: Mr. Paris stated that Mr. Delbert Horton with SURRMA would like to purchase a fireproof safe and keep the SURRMA files in our file section. There is a letter dated July 24, 2015, to Chairman Manning asking for administrative help. The duties include: coordinating and preparing the board member packets quarterly, reserve the meeting room, post meeting agenda, draft meeting minutes for the chairman, assist in providing monthly back account statements, provide copies to the CPA and auditor, and the frontline for directing emails and phone calls concerning SURRMA. We are not sure why Mr. Horton's card has our phone number and address on it. Mr. Paris would like to know what commitment was made to SURRMA before we go further with this. Mr. Banks stated that the money donated was not for a direct industry or an industrial prospect and we should distance ourselves from SURRMA. Mr. Paris asked for direction on proceeding with Mr. Horton and SURRMA. Mr. Banks suggested that we table the item until we have a full board to vote on it. Mr. Wilson stated that we were the largest contributor out of the three and at the time we had a staff to help with the administrative activities. We voted while Shannon was still here to do this; and we voted again after she left to continue to help with administrative duties. All the extra duties have evolved over time. Mr. Brockman agreed to table the item until next month. Executive Director's Monthly Report: Mr. Paris gave an updates on several items: • Exploring the types and costs of a new phone system. The system we have was discontinued in 2008. Looking into VOIP systems that are internet based. Mr. Banks wanted to make sure it was not an automated system with the computer answering instead of a person. Ideal to create great customer service. • We have moved all the offices downstairs and our goal is to clean up and move all the files downstairs into our file room. Goal to double -key all the files. We are working on the scanning of all the files. The minutes are partially completed at this time. • Office presentation is in the process of being updated. Our goal is to have our office be welcoming to guests and prospects. The floors are in need of attention and we are capturing quotes to redo. Mr. Wilson stated that we need to check with the Historical Commission on how to clean.