Newport Economic Development Commission

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NEWPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2008
7:00 A.M.
THE NEWPORT BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:

Chairman Larry Williams, Secretary/Treasurer Mike Turner, Vice-Chairman, Dean Sides, Jim Gowen Sr., Benjy Harris, Leroy Mansko, Ted Nakanishi, Terry Scoggins and David Smith.

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:

None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Chairman Williams entertained a motion to approve the minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Scoggins and seconded by Commissioner Gowen to approve the minutes. The minutes were approved.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR?ÄôS REPORT:

New Vision Newport met on October 2nd for its monthly meeting at Medallion Foods. Dr. Amy Blackburn facilitated the meeting.
Director Chadwell spoke to Bobette Ray?Äôs English class on job opportunities.
Director Chadwell will attend the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce Economic Development announcement at the Arkansas State University Convocation Center on Monday, October 13th.

PROJECT UPDATES:

Prospect 708 October 30th closing date has been delayed due to unexpected circumstances. Prospect 708 application will be completed approximately by March of 2009.
Prospect 804 has visited with the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) and submitted paperwork to the state.
Prospect 809 is still moving forward with their Newport location.
Prospect 816 company officials are looking at a 96 acre site at the Newport Airport. If the project is successful, the prospect will employ approximately 100 employees.
Prospect 818 is in negotiation with the Newport Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board to obtain the Southern Oil Mill property. Company officials reported that approximately 20 employees will be hired within a year should the project becomes a reality.
Prospect 819 ?Äì is looking for a site for a demonstration project. Pam Alexander, East Arkansas Planning Development District recommended the prospect to Newport, Wynne and Marion. Kaye Brockwell from the Marion Economic Development Commission plans to visit with Director Chadwell relating to the project.
Prospect 708 Harris Hospital geriatric psychology ward has opened and employs 8-9 people.

LEADAR VISIT:

Director Chadwell reported that Newport will host the LeadAR class of 2007-08 bi- monthly meeting in Newport at Arkansas State University-Newport (ASUN) on October 9-11th, 2008. The class plans to tour Arkansas Steel Associates. Local businesses donated items to go in gift bags for the group.

2007 AUDIT FINDING:

Director Chadwell reviewed the state?Äôs exit audit findings of the NEDC with the commissioners. The NEDC office had no official findings that required a written response.

GOVERNOR?ÄôS CONFERENCE:

Director Chadwell, NEDC commissioners and other local individuals from Newport and one member of the Clinton School of Public Service will attend the Governor?Äôs conference on economic development and education in Little Rock. The NEDC contributed $1,000 to aid in sponsoring the conference as well as covering the expenses of the majority of the local attendees.

NEDC ANNUAL PLAN:

Director Chadwell reported that planning for the NEDC 2009 Budget will begin soon. Administrative Assistant, Shirley Williams will begin calling the NEDC planning groups by the first of December.

NEDC BENEFITS:

The commissioner suspended the regular board meeting to go into executive session at 7:45 to discuss employee benefits. The Commissioner reconvened back into regular session at 8:05 a.m.

The commissioners approved the following benefits for NEDC employees:

Executive Director Jon Chadell:

Salary starting November 2008: $78,000.
2008 bonus: $7,500.
Car allowance starting November 2008: $850.00

Administrative Assistant Shirley Williams:

Salary starting November 2008: $27,000.
2008 bonus: $1,500.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Chairman Williams commended the NEDC employees for their efforts for the year 2008.

With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Commissioner Sides and seconded by Commissioner Gowen to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned.