06 - MINUTES OF VARIOUS BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES

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PEDC Board Meeting Minutes April 28, 2016 Page 2 of 3 get the Board an itemized budget for each of these events. The next item is selecting bids from three business development procurement vendors that do lead generation to our target industries. We are not seeing the amount of leads coming in that we should see. Mr. Brockman asked about the expense of hiring one of these vendors. Mr. Paris stated that in Wichita Falls they spent between fifty and sixty thousand dollars with 310 Ltd for the year. They are paid with a retainer, not by lead. Mr. Wilson asked about the difference between the lead generation companies and the consultant. Mr. Paris stated that with lead generation you are dealing directly with the decision maker of the company; while the consultant is a middleman between you and the company. Mr. Brockman explained that all the methods of marketing are going to cost money and we need to be proactive and try to make something happen. Mr. Banks would like to make sure that we are prudent with our money. According to Mr. Wilson we are seeing less RFPs come through, which shows that the Texas economy could be down a bit. Mr. Brockman stated that the Dallas area is still doing well. One other marketing tool is Expansion Solutions Magazine that will do ads, produce lead generation and publish articles about Paris and our industrial opportunities. It was decided that Mr. Paris would do more in depth research on marketing costs. Goal 2 is completing the assessment, costs, buildout and marketing of 2305 NW Loop 286. Mr. Wilson says the building will be about 38,000 feet when completed but he would like to wait on cost figures for an executive session. One figure he did give was "that an empty building drove 75% of the locations in Texas ". The faster we get the buildout done, the more competitive we are. Mr. Brockman stated that we should have the goal of having the building standing by the end of the year. Goal 3 is collaborate and develop a strategy with Paris Junior College around computerized mechanical manufacturing and refurbishment. We would partner with SCOPE3D, a 3D technology company, to refurbish parts through 3D scanning and robotics that talk to each other through specialized software. This would be an educational approach to marketing that would bring in leads from direct and indirect customers of SCOPE3D. Also, explore the PJC Jewelry program for ways to promote that skill set in Paris. Goal 4 plan, take bids and create a marketing video for Paris, Texas. This video would be located on our website and shared through social media. Mr. Paris wants to start to polish up our website. We need to create a great message for Paris to be on our website. Mr. Wilson stated that you need a video or slide presentation or you will lose the visitor's interest within 30 seconds. Also, the video needs to be consistent with Lamar County Chamber of Commerce's marketing to show off Paris. Goal 5 is to collaborate with the City of Paris and Lamar County Chamber of Commerce to plan and develop a strategy for economic vitality at Cox Airport. There is interest in developing Cox Airport to its potential. The Mayor is in the process of pulling together a committee to look into creating primary jobs at Cox Airport. Mr. Banks asked about creating a marketing slogan for Paris. Goal 6 is to organize and reestablish Paris EDC's operation. Right now we are organizing our files. A couple of other things are: a phone system that is updated and furniture for the foyer to be attractive to our customers. Convene into Executive Session: The Board convened into Executive Session at 5:05 p.m.