The Joint Economic Development Council

 Meeting Minutes

November 13, 2012, 4:00 p.m. at Lawrence City Hall

Members Present: Tim Caboni, Jeremy Farmer, Brad Finkeldei, John Ross, Bob Schumm, Paul Werner, John Josserand, John Ross, Leslie Soden, Mike Wildgen, Chris Lowe, Dave Corliss, Craig Weinaug, John Harrenstein, Greg Williams.

Others Present: Sean Johnson, Britt Crum-Cano, Diane Stoddard, Emily Kotay, Toni Wheeler

Mr. Williams called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. and offered a brief welcome and asked that members of the Council introduce themselves.

Mr. Corliss provided background information on the role of economic development in Lawrence and how the JEDC came to fruition.  The JEDC will replace the dormant economic development board and will feature representation from a variety of community partners.  Mr. Weinaug added that he expects the group to provide feedback in all areas of economic development.  In addition, Mr. Weinaug discussed the lengths of terms for each Council member and the intentions to stagger them.

Lawrence City Attorney, Ms. Toni Wheeler presented an overview of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. 

Mr. Williams stated that member connectivity, advocacy and regional sustainable economic development are the focal point for current and future Chamber priorities.  Specifically, he referenced an economic development capital campaign that looks to the private sector for funding, the creation of a technical training campus in Douglas County and a messaging/marketing campaign. 

Mr. Weinaug stated that public funding is essential to an effective economic development program.  The funds are needed to remain competitive with other communities. 

Mayor Schumm offered a summary of the economic development priorities of the City as: the development of a tech training facility, the creation of primary jobs and raising funds to support economic development.  Mr. Corliss added that the Farmland redevelopment and the BTBC expansion are also current priorities of the City.

Mr. Harrenstein stated that the economic development priorities of Eudora are to focus on expansion and retention and to advance the community through marketing and advertising. 

Mr. Lowe reiterated how he is excited to be part of the regional economic development efforts.

Mr. Josserand expressed his concerns about the use of sales tax for economic development purposes as the State will be needed to close deficit created by tax cuts. 

Ms. Soden proposed small group meetings to discuss various topics in further depth as opposed to attempting to cover multiple topics as a full board.

Joint Economic Development Council

Meeting Minutes – November 13, 2012

Page Two

Mr. Williams advanced the idea of holding a work session in the third or fourth week of January.  At that time the 2013 meeting schedule will be determined.

With no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Sean M. Johnson

November 16, 2012