HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1996 0117 CC REG ITEM 10Dze•30dd 9628 €LE S08
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF VENTURA
CIVIC ARTS PLAZA
2100 E. THOUSAND OAKS BLVD., SUITE C
THOUSAND OAKS. CALIFORNIA RIM
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ITEM A.
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ERS OF THE BOARD
MAGGIE KILDEE
Chair
SUSAN K. LACEY
FRANK SCHILLO
JUUY MIKELS
JOHN K, FLYNN
FRANK SCHILLO
SUPERVISOR, SECOND DISTRICT
(805) 371 -8388
(805) 373.2564
FAX: (80.5) 373 -R39R
CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL FOR THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE OF
VENTURA COUNTY (EDC VC)
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to provide first, a vision of a new regional organization;
second, general background on how this vision developed; third, an outline of the
proposed organizational structure, mission and goals; and fourth, an outline of
implementation steps.
Elected officials from all ten cities and the County have met and agreed that now is the
time to create a new regional organization, dedicated to providing the community with
economic development tools, and services currently unavailable or undeveloped. As a
group, they concurred that economic development and enhancement of this effort for
the Ventura County region is vital to our communities collective well being. Envisioned
as a unique public/private partnership, the organization's functions and activities will
complement the existing economic development activities of the cities. It was agreed
that the organization should be known as the Economic Development Collaborative of
Ventura County or EDC VC.
This organization will strengthen our current economic development efforts and
improve our prospects in successfully confronting the challenges of the future. EDC
VC activities will complement the business enhancement activities of the cities,
chambers of commerce, Ventura County Economic Devilment Association (VCEDA),
Council on Economic Vitality (CEV), special districts, utilities and educational
institutions. EDC VC will augment existing programs, assist in building a positive
business climate, and promote Ventura County.
BACKGROUND
Over the last few years there has been discussion regarding the need for a regioKmjida
organization, which working collaboratively with existing organizations would improve
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Ventura County's competitive edge in business retention and attraction. Attempts at
creating such a synergistic organization have not been successful to date.
Cities are key to any successful economic development efforts. Due to the "Guidelines
of Orderly Development", development in this region occurs substantially in cities,
where municipal services are provided most efficiently and cost effectively. Cities
house the businesses and industries, which are the economic foundation of the region.
Enlisting the cooperation of the region's cities, the primary stakeholders in economic
development, maximizes the potential for success of this current effort.
This project started with an invitation to all Council Members, City Managers, Board
Members, and economic development staff to attend an informational meeting entitled
Economic Development Collaboration Forum, structured to introduce participants to
various collaborative economic development initiatives that have come into being
throughout the state. At least one elected official from every city attended along with
two members of the Board of Supervisors, some city managers, as well as staff from
the cities and county.
Attendees heard from a former Mayor and a staff person who were active participants
in the creation of Joint Venture Silicon Valley (JVSV) the most acclaimed regional
economic collaborative in the nation. They shared the vision of a collaborative effort
identifying the revitalizing initiatives brought into reality by a private /public. project.
Initiatives that grew out of JVSV include the Enterprise Network: to improve the
success rate of new business start -ups in Silicon Valley; Environmental Partnership: to
stimulate development of the environmental industry and solve environmental
problems; Defense/Space Consortium (DSC): to promote the transition and continuing
vitality of Silicon Valley's defense and space firms and workforce; and 21st Century
Education Initiative: to spark a renaissance in K -12 education in Santa Clara and San
Mateo Counties. Some of these initiatives resulted in the creation of additional non-
profits organizations to bring the efforts to fruition. Consequently, the Silicon Valley
region as a whole, working collaboratively, has rallied against outside competition and
continues to create high paying jobs.
After discussion regarding the information presented, it was suggested that Supervisor
Frank Schillo meet with representatives of each city individually to determine specific
interest in forming a regional collaborative for Ventura County. This was a three month
process involving discussion with and among council members of each city and
economic development staff on the value of participating. When all ten meetings were
completed, the comments and results were compiled and compared at a subsequent
group meeting of city council members and city economic development staff. Out of
that effort a unity of purpose, and the outline of the proposed organization was
developed.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Board of Directors
The organization will have a board of directors composed of: a city council mErber
appointed by each participating city, two appointed members of the Board of
Supervisors, and up to eleven business representatives (one designated by the Board
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of Supervisors and by each participating city). With each city and the Board of
Supervisors committed to this collaborative partnership the EDC VC would have a 23
member Board of Directors.
General Membership
Membership will be available to individuals, businesses, industry organizations, and
others that would be interested in the economic health of the community.
Dues
This will be a membership organization. The amount of dues has not been determined;
however, there is conceptual agreement that cities would be assessed dues based on
the formula created for and agreed to in the establishment of Ventura Council of
Governments (VCOG). The County's dues will equal one sixth of the total paid by the
cities. A dues amount for the business representatives and General Membership will
be established by the Organizing Committee.
Fiscal Year
To be determined by the Organizing Committee to must maximize Economic
Development Administration (EDA) grant opportunities.
Legal Structure
To be determined by the Organizing Committee, possibilities may include creation of a
nonprofit corporation as a 501 c 3, 501 c 5, 5010 6 or a Joint Powers Authority.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the EDC VC is to enhance economic development in Ventura County,
complementing local and individual organizations' efforts.
GOALS, STRATEGIES, ACTIVITIES
Goals:
Five goals have been identified for EDC VC. Each will require development and
implementation of a variety of strategies and tasks to accomplish. Evaluation methods
and tools will also need to be developed for the organization to quantify success or
failure. The initial five goals are:
1. To have government, business and industry collaborate.
2. To secure and administer additional economic development funding.
3. To provide assistance for the retention of existing businesses.
4. To attract new business to the region.
5. To serve a the clearinghouse for business relocation inquires.
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While strategies will be developed systematically by EDC VC participants once; the
organization is formed, preliminary discussion suggest the following strategies will
assist in accomplishing some of the goals:
1. Marketing the region for mutual benefit of the participating entities.
2. Preparing grant proposals for funds to assist in economic development
efforts.
3. Providing venture capital information.
4. Providing technical assistance in local economic development efforts.
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5. Addressing regional economic development concerns.
acope of Activities
The suggested first year work plan includes
1. Administration of a revolving loan program.
2. Provision of expert assistance for business retention efforts.
3. Representation at trade shows.
4. Inclusion of city representatives in luster development meetings.
5. Participation in other collaborative efforts.
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS
Prior to moving forward on all of these economic development efforts, there is a series
of development steps that must be taken. These include:
1. Circulation of this concept paper to all cities for their council's review.
2. Identification of an appointed representative with authority to work as a
member of the Organizing Committee (eventual Board of Director member).
3. Development of by -laws, incorporation documents, etc. (alternately referral
of concept paper to city manager's/CAO committee for further development).
4. Finalization of organization development activities.
5. Adoption of final program by cities and County.
6. Securing dues commitments from cities and County.
7. Designation by cities and County of business representatives to Board of
Directors.
8. Hiring of Executive Director.
9. Redefine, priorltlze, and Initiate first year work plan activities.
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