10-B6 Paris Economic Development Corp Bd. Min.
Paris Economic Development Corporation
Board Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2007
Guests
Present: Tom Glascock
Win Sonje
Marie Crespo
Staff Present: Pete Kampfer
Rachel Schory
Ex Officio Members
Present: Jesse Freelen
Pam Anglin
Kay O'Dell
Renee Harvey
Board Members
Present: John Wright
Chad Brown
Glen Bawcum
Dan Smith
Dick Severson
Dan Smith called the meeting to order at 4: 15 p.m.
Minutes from the October 22, 2007 meeting were approved unanimously on a motion
made by Glen Bawcum seconded by Chad Brown.
The October financial report has not been prepared for review at this time. However,
clarification was provided for the September financial report. There were no C Tech payments
reflected on that report even though two payments were received during the month of September.
It was explained that city staff made an error in posting the payments, one of which was for
September and the other for October. Both payments will be reflected on the October financial
statement when it is prepared. Pete Kampfer advised the board that the November payment has
been received from C Tech.
Pete Kampfer introduced guests from Turner International Pipe: Tom Glascock, Win
Sonje, and Marie Crespo. Mr. Glascock presented an update on expansion at Turner's Paris
facility. He advised that he has met with Mr. Kampfer and Kay O'Dell of the Northeast Texas
Workforce Development Board to discuss their need for more welders in the near future. Turner
Pipe has been in Paris for 9 years and currently employees 640 people. They are projecting to
add 100-150 employees by Summer 2008. They currently have projects booked out for 2 years,
a significant increase from what is typical for that industry. Mr. Kampfer suggested that once
Turner identifies their specific needs and requests assistance from PEDe, the board should
schedule to take a tour of the facility.
Mr. Kampfer led the board in a discussion ofEDC activities and priorities. Retention and
expansion activities were listed as follows: Florida Power and Light preparing for a $2 million
expansion which consists of adding a number of turbines to their operation; Turner International
Pipe adding a sizable number of employees; use of Synchronist software program for
interviewing local industry to provide computerized documentation of industry activity.
Board President Dan Smith asked how the board members can be more involved in the
retention/expansion efforts. It was suggested that board members seek out industry leaders and
invite to golf, lunch, or other opportunities to build relationships. Another retention effort
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suggested was the formation of a "welcome wagon" to help new employees transition to Paris
and want to stay here.
Another issue of concern that can facilitate board involvement is helping PEDC
overcome past bad publicity. It was suggested that board members speak to local clubs and
organizations about EDC activities to help educate the community on the good things going on.
It was recommended by the board that Mr. Kampfer prepare a summary ofthis discussion
and submit his recommendation for the board member's level and type of involvement in PEDC
work. As part of this, it was suggested that Mr. Kampfer have prepared by February a
presentation that the board can use for presentations to community groups. Mr. Kampfer will
also develop a proposal for an emergency task force to act as an immediate responder to
economic development situations requiring urgent attention.
There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at
6:25 p.m. on a motion by John Wright seconded by Glen Bawcum.
Respectfully submitted,
Rachel Schory
Administrative Assistant