HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_03.31.2010
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
March 31, 2010
Members Present: Austin Bryan, John Marler, Billy Kurtz, Hank Michel, Bill
Wertzberger, Steve Lampinstein
Members Absent: Alice Judkins
Staff Present: Mark Thomas, Tina Dunbar, George Gomez
A. Call to order – 4:05
B. Introduction of EDAB board members and brief history of EDAB– Austin Bryan
Chair Bryan began introductions of staff and Board members. Mark Thomas
provided a brief history of the Economic Development Commission and its
transformation to the Economic Development Advisory Board.
C. Introduction of staff and brief history of the Economic Development Department – Mark
Thomas.
Mark Thomas provided information on the role of the Economic Development
Department and the duties of staff members.
D. Discussion and possible action on the minutes from the December 14, 2009 meeting –
Austin Bryan
Motion Marler/second Wertzberger (unanimously approved)
E. Discussion and possible action on EDAB member focus and activities – Austin Bryan
Chair Bryan described his activity as a member of the Board and his ideas for the
2010 Board members. Board members will have an opportunity to make a
contribution to the City’s economic development efforts in both retention and
recruitment.
Marler described his activity as an example for the new members. He explained
that his interests in downtown and the historic aspect of Georgetown led him to
study the downtown economy and ideas to make downtown a destination. He
went on to explain his personal involvement in the winery initiative and the
timeline to bring the issue to the November election ballot.
Mark Thomas invited members to join staff on retention visits (talking points and
visit schedule will be provided to EDAB). He also explained that any conversation
could potentially turn into a retention or recruitment project. At the grocery store in
Georgetown or on an airplane anywhere, if members come across a lead they can
notify staff and we will take action.
Mark Thomas then explained economic development marketing and how and why
it differs from community to community. Georgetown, for example, targets
business sectors that will maintain the diversity currently enjoyed in Georgetown.
F. Discussion and possible action regarding future meeting dates and agenda items
The Board discussed moving from quarterly meetings to every other month. The
last Thursday at 4:00 was selected.
Motion Marler/second Lampinstein (unanimously approved)
G. Adjourn – 5:20
__________________________
Austin Bryan, Chair
__________________________
, Secretary