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City of Centerville <br />EDA Minutes <br />December 16, 2020 <br />3. Ongoing Programs <br />a. Blue Logo Sign <br />rner Express have signed up and paid for their <br />signs. <br />b. CenterStage <br />Executive Director Statz stated that he would like to report how many ads we have used in our <br />pre-paid package. <br /> <br />c. Business Assistance Grant Program (CARES Act Funds) <br /> <br />Executive Director Statz stated that he does not know what the next program will be called, and <br />the City will not be responsible for it because it comes through the county, but he will do his best <br />to promote it. <br /> <br />President Hanzal asked Executive Director Statz about the gran <br />building. Executive Director Statz explained that the program is funded by city funds that are held <br />at the county. When he requested the funds from the county they did not like that the EDA was the <br />conduit for this program. He has an appointment to speak to someone at the county, but it might <br />be that this program has to be run through the council. He was spoken with Mr. Vannelli, who has <br />been understanding. Discussion was had regarding the possibility of issuing Mr. Vannelli a check <br />and reimbursing the EDA. It was decided not to, as the county may not release the funds if that <br />was done. <br /> <br /> 1. Cougar Cash <br /> <br />Executive Director Statz explained that a number of years ago, the Economic Development <br />Commission (EDC) developed a program in coop. <br />The program issued currency-like documents in several denominations that could be used only at <br />local businesses. It was often given away as prizes at parks events, Fetes des Lacs and similar <br />occasions. Staff would like to explore re-engaging this program. He suggested making the <br />documents look like gift cards this time and getting the program up and running by the festival this <br />summer. He explained that it would be given as a prize, redeemable at businesses in Centerville. <br />A business could accept it, and then bring it to the bank for reimbursement. <br /> <br />Discussion took place on various ways to set up the program, how to keep the cards from being <br />forged, and how to ensure that they were spent in Centerville. Commissioner Giovinazzo suggested <br />putting the logo of the business donor on the card so the person receiving it knew who the donor <br />was. It was also suggested that the program be <br />might signify that it could be spend wherever the Cougars were represented. Executive Director <br />Statz stated that he would do further research and ask the local bank if they were willing to <br />participate. <br /> Page 6 of 7 <br /> <br />