Subject To Approval

Office of Economic Development

EDAB Executive Subcommittee

MEETING MINUTES

Date: November 25, 2008: 1:30 P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT

Brian Campbell, Chair William Jabjiniak

Jim LeCheminant Sue Cason

Theresa Carmichael

Steve Parker

1. Chair’s Call To Order

Chairman Brian Campbell called the November 25, 2008 meeting of the EDAB Executive Subcommittee to order at 1:35 P.M. at the Mesa City Plaza 20 E. Main St., Ste. 200 Mesa, Arizona 85201.

2. Develop Recommendations for EDAB Chair and Vice Chair

After consideration of all Board members to appoint as the new Chair and Vice Chair for the Economic Development Advisory Board, a motion was made.

MOTION: Theresa Carmichael moved that the Executive Subcommittee recommend Jim LeCheminant be appointed as the new Chair and Jeffrey Crockett be appointed as the new Vice Chair.

SECOND: Steve Parker

DECISION: Passed unanimously

3. Discussion of Strategic Plan for Mesa’s Economic Development Program

Chairman Campbell stated that due to the City budget restraints and staff reductions, the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) needs to find ways to leverage business resources for the City. Chairman Campbell said that he is hopeful that some significant economic development tools will be adopted by the State Legislature, such as:

• Renewable Energy Tax Credits

• Retooling of the Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET)

• Revisions to Enterprise Zones

• Retention & Development Tax Credits

• Foreign District Investment Credits

The subcommittee also discussed the possible use of the City of Mesa’s Industrial Development Authority (IDA). Mr. Jabjiniak stated that the IDA has not been used in at least eight years, but can be a viable tool as well. Chairman Campbell also mentioned

that it might be in the City’s best interest to recreate MEGACORP or an equivalent entity to help facilitate some public/private partnerships to promote economic development projects within the City.

Ms. Carmichael asked if EDAB can help implement some changes within the City’s permitting processes to help expedite projects and create a more user friendly atmosphere. All members agreed that Mesa needs more businesses with higher paying jobs in order to be a viable City.

The EDAB Executive Subcommittee was challenged to bring forth some ideas to formulate a Strategic Plan for the Economic Development Program.

4. Adjournment

Chair Campbell adjourned the meeting at 2:59 P.M.

Submitted By:

William J. Jabjiniak

Economic Development Department Director

(Prepared by Sue Cason)