5.0. 5.0. 6.0. 7.0. 8.0. 9.0. EDSR 11-08-1999

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EDA Agenda Memo November 8, 1999,Meeting Page 3 IDmarketing committee be asked to review the attached proposals, interview the consultants, and make a recommendation to the EDA regarding the hiring of one of the two interested individuals. Staff had initially wished to make a recommendation to the EDA to hire one of the two consultants. Staff did not feel in a position to make such a recommendation at this time, but would rather seek the input of the marketing committee on this issue prior to making a final recommendation. After all, the marketing committee will likely be working as closely with this individual as staff will over the next four to six months. As you review the attached proposals, it may appear easy to make a selection based solely upon cost of service. One has indicated a fee of $6,000 and the other a fee of$12,500. After having a couple of meetings with these individuals it is evident however, that there is a contrast between the two individuals and the level of service that they would provide. It is anticipated that the EDA budget would be able to absorb the more . expensive proposal should that individual be recommended to work with the EDA on the marketing plan. The year 2000 budget regarding professional services and advertising/marketing is as follows: • Marketing Plan Consultant $ 5,000 • Community Venture Network Membership $ 4,000 • Advertisements $17,000 • Major Marketing Event $ 7,000 • Other Marketing $ 5,000 It is likely safe to assume that a major marketing event ($7,000) will not be accomplished in the year 2000 as development of the marketing plan will not have been completed by at least June 2000. Elimination of this activity would free up an additional $7,000 for use toward consulting services if the EDA so chooses. There has also been some discussion of discontinuing the EDA membership in Community Venture Network in 2000, which would free up an additional $4,000. It should be noted that one of our local utility companies has expressed an interest in helping to fund a portion of development or implementation of an industrial marketing strategy. This could be a source of funds, however, staff feels it would be most appropriate to • invite this type of financial participation in the implementation of the plan rather than for consulting services.