CITY OF LAKELAND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010, 6:30 PM
CITY HALL, LAKELAND, TENNESSEE
I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m., Thursday, October 28, 2010, by Chairman Tanya Wallace.
II. ROLL CALL:
Brasfield, Kathleen Absent (excused)
Dudas, John Present
Fairley, Francis Present
Roman, Josh Absent (excused)
Smith-Anderson, Terri Present
Tompkins, Cecil Present
Wallace, Tanya Present
City of Lakeland Staff Present:
Robert Wherry, City Manager
J. Higbee, Growth Management Director
Theresa Meyer, Office Coordinator
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
John Dudas made a motion to approve the EDC Regular Meeting Minutes dated September 23, 2010, as written. Francis Fairley seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Voice vote, all in favor. 5-0
IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
V. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
Update on New Business Licenses/Closed Businesses (Thomas)
There were 10 new businesses from June 2010 to present.
Report only. No action taken.
Report on Shelby County Chambers of Commerce Alliance Meeting (Higbee)
J. Higbee reported on the September 30 meeting of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Alliance comprised of Chambers outside of Memphis Chamber. The meeting was attended by Shelby County Mayor Lutrell, local chamber representatives, mayors and other staff. There was a presentation on Economic Development along with discussion regarding funding that would help with economic development initiatives.
Higbee will attend the upcoming Vision 2020 meeting.
Report only. No action taken.
John Dudas made a motion to suspend the rules. Francis Fairley seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Voice vote, all in favor. 5-0
Report on the BOC Retreat (Higbee)
J. Higbee reported on the status of the Economic Development Strategic Plan project to the Board of Commissioners at the annual Retreat.
Report only. No action taken.
Update from Planning Department (Higbee)
- Red Box vending amendment to the Zoning Ordinance has moved through the MPC and will be sent to the BOC for adoption.
- A veterinary hospital would like to locate at the Corner Shops. Due to a tie BOA vote, no action was taken and the item is scheduled to go to a Special BOA meeting for conditional use approval on Thursday, November 11, 2010.
- The City of Lakeland Friendly Faces Committee is targeting Expo and Shop Lakeland participants for upcoming site visits.
- Approximately 50 people attended the Lakeland Business Expo. Some businesses dropped out due to an insurance requirement. Shop Lakeland cards were distributed at the event. Suggestions were given for improving next year’s Expo. The Expo site should be well-marked and highly visible. It was suggested that a $50 marketing fee be collected for each booth to assist with marketing costs.
Report only. No action taken.
Chamber of Commerce Report (Wallace)
- Chamber membership has grown as a result of the Shop Lakeland Event.
- There are plans to revamp things the Chamber is currently doing.
- At this time, they are not considering a merger with the Arlington Chamber
Report only. No action taken.
VI. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Strategic
a. None
2. Tactical
a. None
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Strategic
a. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats (SWOT) Analysis Training, Exercise, and Discussion
J. Higbee introduced EDC members to the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis process followed by a brief exercise wherein members completed a SWOT Analysis. The SWOT is one step in the strategic planning process. Following the SWOT exercise, the group identified prospective stakeholders and secondary data sources for the project.
Discussion only. No action taken.
2. Tactical
a. Education: “The Economic Development Process”
Discussion- answering the question “How does Economic Development work?”
Discussion only. No action taken.
3. Other
a. Special Meeting Schedule, 2010
Chairman Tanya Wallace called a Special Meeting for Thursday, November 18, at 7 PM.
b. Determine items for the next EDC Agenda
- Define Purpose
- SWOT Discussion and Tasks
- Identify Stakeholders
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no other business to discuss, Tanya Wallace made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Francis Fairley seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Voice vote, all in favor. 5-0
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
These minutes were approved January 27, 2011.
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Tanya Wallace, Chairman
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Theresa Meyer, Office Coordinator/DCR
