Newport Economic Development Commission

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NEWPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2008
7:00 A.M.
IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE NEWPORT BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:

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

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:

None

OTHERS PRESENT:

Executive Director Jon Chadwell, Administrative Assistant Shirley Williams, Connie Boyster and Ronnie Kaye Erwin.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR?ÄôS REPORT:

Director Chadwell reported that the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) sales tax revenue was up by 16% this month over the same time last year. The overall sales tax to date is $25, 000 higher than a year ago.
Three students from the Clinton School of Public Service will come to Newport to begin work with the Delta Center for Visual Arts.
Director Chadwell reported that the George Kell Bobble Head night was a great success. The NEDC office received good reviews from Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and Entergy Teamwork Arkansas representatives concerning the event.

PROJECTS UPDATES:

Director Chadwell reported that the NEDC Office has no new prospects this month. The NEDC has a number of prospects that are still active.

Prospect 732 was approved for a Tax Back incentive. In addition Prospect 732 also qualified for an Advantage Arkansas Program.

ELECTRONIC BILLBOARD:

Connie Boyster and Ronnie Kaye Erwin made a formal request to the NEDC Board for $7,000.00 to assist in purchasing and installation of an Electronic Billboard for the Newport High School campus to be used for school and public announcements. Ms. Boyster stated that she planned to solicit $5,000.00 from the Moving Jackson County Forward (MJCF) Group. They have raised $34,000 toward the purchase of the billboard thus far.

The commissioners discussed the request, after which, a motion was made by Commissioner Gowen and seconded by Commissioner Sides to grant the Newport School District $7,000.00 toward the purchase of the billboard. The motion passed unanimously by the Commissioners.

ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION NEWPORT (AETN)

The Jackson County Tourism Council made a request to the NEDC for a sponsorship to help with a 15 second commercial highlighting Newport. After the Commissioners discussed the request, a motion was made and seconded by Commissioner Sides to grant 25% of the total amount needed which is $600.00 per year. The motion passed by the commissioners.

NEW NON-PROFIT:

The commissioners were requested to recommend a non-profit board for the new health care facility that will be operating in the community soon. A guidline was given by USDA of the types of individuals that need to be on the board. The commissioners recommended the following persons contingent upon their acceptance.

Jon Chadwell, Chairperson
Kenneth Fitz, Minister
David Stewart, Elected Official
Local Educational Institution, Sharon Rogers
Local Financial Instruction, Jim Gowen, Jr.
Hospital, Chip Camp
Community- at-Large, Iris Clar

JOB FAIR:

The NEDC third annual Job Fair will be held Thursday, July 24, 2008. Twenty-four of the 29 booths available have already been reserved by local businesses.

AMERICA'S CHOICE PRODUCTS:

The commission discussed building issues facing America?Äôs Choice Products (ACP) as relayed by the ownership and management. After much discussion, the commissioners instructed Director Chadwell to obtain options and gather fact finding and report back to the boards at the next board meeting.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

No Good of the Order items. With no further business to discuss, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned.