Nostalgia; Economic Development; September 19,2006; Otterstein suggests Merger into a single entity

CITY OF EVANSVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE


MINUTES

Tuesday, September 19, 2006
6:00 p.m.




1. Roll call. The meeting was called to order by chair Wyse at 6:05 p.m. Present: Gene Bass, Roger Berg, John Decker, Fred Juergens, James Otterstein, Tony Wyse. Absent: Cheryl Dickert, Dave Olsen. Also present: Becky Heimerl, John Morning, Mayor Sandy Decker.

2. Approval of agenda. Juergens moved, seconded by Berg, to approve the agenda as distributed. Approved by voice vote.

3. Approval of minutes of August 15 meeting. Deferred.

4. Citizen appearances, other than on items listed below. None.

5. Presentation by Chamber of Commerce. Becky Heimerl and John Morning appeared on behalf of the Evansville Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber's Board of Directors has noted that several neighboring communities have identified a "go to" person who responds to inquiries of potential new businesses or industries. Evansville does not have such an individual, at least on any kind of formal basis. The Chamber is concerned that potential new businesses may be "lost" to other communities unless Evansville hires an "economic development czar."

Discussion ensued as to pending efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, the Evansville Community Partnership and the Economic Development Committee to coordinate activities in areas of mutual interest or concern. Several participants in the discussion suggested that ECP's interests were of a broader nature than those of the C of C and the EDC, and that the latter two entities were most appropriate for sponsorship of an economic development coordination function.

Mr. Otterstein pointed to Milton's recent resolution of its coordination issues: three of its community organizations, including its tourism board and chamber of commerce merged into a single entity. He urged consideration of a similar merger in Evansville. Mr. Bass responded that all three of Evansville's entities are experiencing a resurgence of interest and activity, and that merger discussions at the present time are premature and potentially counterproductive. Ms. Heimerl observed that the ECP is having its annual planning retreat this coming Saturday, and that the topic of a better partnership with the Chamber and the EDC is on the agenda; the Chamber is also committed to its own similar examination.

Mr. Wyse asked for elaboration on the type of position the Chamber was suggesting. He noted the delay and difficulties inherent in creating a new position on the City payroll. Mr. Otterstein suggested the City could engage an independent contractor, rather than an employee, to serve as coordinator. Mayor Decker proposed that any employment or engagement decision await the hiring of a new city administrator; that search is now under way. Mr. Berg responded that time is of the essence in view of new industrial development activities, and that an economic development coordiator should be found as soon as possible.

Mr. Morning said that the Chamber Board hoped that the EDC would be able to work out a cooperative arrangement on the subject, and that the retention of existing businesses and recruitment of new businesses were central to the Chamber's mission. Mr. Juergens responded, saying that the EDC was eager to assist the Chamber, but that a better understanding of how the function is to be fulfilled would be helpful to the discussion.

Mr. Decker observed that the EDC would like to have a more-specific proposal from the Chamber. The Chamber may want to consider how an economic development coordinator position would mesh with the Chamber's other administrative functions.

Juergens moved, seconded by Decker, to request the Chamber of Commerce to produce a position description for Economic Development Coordinator, and bring it to the next EDC meeting with a proposed budget. Approved by voice vote.

6. Status of ECP, C of C and EDC Coordination efforts. Ms. Heimerl referenced ECP's planning retreat, and said the Chamber has a similar activity under discussion. The Chamber remains committed to a joint planning session, but concurs with ECP's approach of self-evaluation of each organization as a useful first step.