Economic Development Corporation

June 4, 2003

Minutes

Members Present:

Jerome Simowski, Richard Diebold, Allyn Wright, Peter Garwood, Sherry Comben, Bob Peterson, and Laura Stanek

Members Absent:

Robert Atkinson, Tom Lane,

Others Present:

Howard Yamaguchi and Jim Haslinger

1.         Call to Order

Rick Diebold called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m.

2.         Minutes of the May 7, 2003, Meeting

Motion by Jerry Simowski, supported by Laura Stanek, to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2003, EDC meeting with one correction (Jerry Simowski opened meeting last month).  Passed – unanimous.

3.         Regional Planning: Procurement Technical Assistance

Jim Haslinger of the NWM Council of Governments and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center gave a talk on the work of his office in assisting local businesses obtain government procurement contracts and export assistance.

4.         NLEA Update

Pete Garwood briefed the EDC on the Technical Resource Center being set up at NLEA.

5.         2004 Budget Request

Pete presented the EDC with a proposed budget, modeled after this year’s, for the 2004 EDC budget.

Motion by Rick Diebold supported by Jerry Simowski, to recommend to the Public Works Committee to accept the 2004 EDC budget proposed by Peter Garwood.  Passed – unanimous.

6.         Other Matters

Sherry Comben asked if any new projects were being proposed for 2004.  Pete Garwood replied that only the master plan project was being contemplated at this time, although we are ready for anything that may come up unexpectedly.  New businesses wishing to establish themselves could be referred to NLEA and Jim Haslinger’s operation.  Brochures could wait until after the master plan visioning.

Pete briefed the EDC about an upcoming seminar in East Lansing.

Meeting adjourned at 3:53 p.m.