Laserfiche WebLink
EDC Minutes <br />November 6, 2013 <br />Page 3of 5 <br />clearly defined. Apprehensions that the loan approval process could be lengthy and uncertain <br />could cause businesses to be unwilling to participate in the program. <br />Chair von Holtum <br />noted that the requirements for job creation listed in section 2 of“Criteria for <br />Use of Funds” in the existing revolving loan fund guidelines was unclear. It was maybe created <br />specifically for the previous Guidant loan and was no longer applicable. <br />Commissioner Erickson <br />asked whether the loan program would be marketed directly to <br />businesses. <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br />stated that the program would be marketed to <br />local banks since the loan program requires loans to be made in participation with banks which <br />would be responsible for underwriting and loan administration. Also, banks are likely to be <br />already working with businesses which areplanning expansion projects and know which projects <br />may need additional financing and would fit City loan guidelines. <br />Commissioners agreed that marketing to banks would be effective and that local bankers <br />communicate with each other and could help marketthe program. <br />Commissioner Erickson <br />suggested that the guidelines could be better defined to decrease <br />business uncertainty. <br />Chair von Holtum <br />recommended that staff speak to local bankers to help define the program. <br />C.Draft 2014 EDC Work Plan <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br />stated that the EDC will be asked to approve <br />the 2014 Work Plan at the December 4, 2013, meeting. The work plan will be presented for <br />EDA approval at a joint meeting of the EDC and EDA on January 27, 2014. <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br />stated that staff had compiled a draft EDC <br />Work Plan based on the approved City Council goals which includes the goal, “Develop <br />relationships with the business community and establish a reputation as a business-and <br />development-friendly City.” The draft Work Plan is also based on EDC discussions over the <br />past year on the need to develop and strengthen relationships with the business community. The <br />four primary tasks on the draft 2014 Work Plan include: <br />New Member Recruitment <br />Revolving Loan Program <br />Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program <br />Marketing and Outreach <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br />added that given the work load with the <br />TCAAP Master Plan, it may not be possible to complete all of the tasks on the draft Work Plan <br />in 2014. <br />