At the meeting this Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Lois called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. starting with a roll call: Robin Vos, Pat Hoffman, Ken Jaeger, Bill Phenicie, Matt Russell, Frank Cannella, David Torgler, Mayor Claude Lois and Jenny Trick. Excused: Karen Schinke. Absent: Paul Mueller and Larry Dawley.

Approval of Minutes. Motion by Frank Cannella, seconded by Robin Vos the minutes of the January 31, 2001 EDC meeting were approved.

Old Business.

Chamber Information Intake Document. A copy of the completed document was provided to the EDC members. Karen Schinke delivered the document to the Chamber of Commerce, for their future economic development inquiries.

Economic Development Committee Information. A copy of the EDC information document was provided to the committee for their review. Some changes were noted and a new document will be completed and available at the March EDC meeting.

Economic Adjustment Strategy Burlington Representative. Mayor Lois has requested that Karen Schinke act as the Burlington Representative on the Economic Adjustment Strategy committee. Ms. Schinke has agreed. Mayor Lois indicated that this Study is quite comprehensive, encompassing the entire County.

New Business. A copy of the Summary Report of Strategic Planning and Organizational Mission Workshop (8/00) was provided to the committee members. David Torgler summarized the composition of the committee, its purpose and resulting issues that occurred subsequent to the Workshop session.

Economic Development Programs and Information. Gordon Kacala, Executive Director of the Racine County Economic Development Corporation, was present for a discussion regarding the various economic development programs, as well as, offer a broad overview of RCEDC.

Mr. Kacala provided copies of the 1999 RCEDC Annual Report, as well as a copy of the Economic Adjustment Strategy memorandum. Mr. Kacala explained the various activities and areas wherein RCEDC becomes involved. He further explained the composition of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, their various functions and roles within the Corporation.

Mr. Kacala further explained the marketing role that RCEDC performs with other agencies within the State, from the Regional Economic Partnership (REP), to Department of Commerce and Forward Wisconsin. He indicated that the marketing efforts of all the agencies have been impacted by the outstanding workforce needs, in that as the marketing continues, attraction activities have been tempered with the workforce issues. Mr. Kacala indicated the lack of success of blind, mass mailings. They are very costly and unfortunately generally unsuccessful.

However, he explained that a more successful approach may be to market to a cluster of businesses, i.e., technological companies. He further discussed the quality of life issues that employees and employers are searching for. He stated that the Racine area, i.e., Southeastern Wisconsin may not draw the 18-30 year olds, but more likely to be attractive to the 30-45 year olds. Mr. Kacala also discussed the growing concern for Venture Capital and the Racine Technology Center.

Frank Cannella asked Mr. Kacala if the prior Shopping Mall Conference was successful. Mr. Kacala indicated that the cost to attend may prohibit a return visit. However, he stated that the regional marketing efforts are less costly and often more successful. An example of this marketing opportunity is the annual Illinois real estate brokers outing.

Robin Vos inquired about the Business Intermediaries versus Brokers as well as questioned the potential opportunity to link the marketing efforts to Lake Geneva, Twin Lakes and surrounding. Mr. Kacala concurred that the link to Lake Geneva would likely be successful.

Mr. Kacala’s presentation concluded with the general discussion of the County’s industrial park "Absorption Rate Study", protective covenants of business parks and website development.

Other Matters. Mayor Lois indicated that the next EDC meeting is scheduled for March 21, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. with a presentation by Polacheck Company representative.

Adjournment. Attorney Phenicie motioned and David Torgler seconded to adjourn. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

Recording Secretary – Jenny Trick, RCEDC