Monday, February 22, 2016

Commissioners move forward with separate economic development plan

Andrew J. Polk
kvia (abc affiliate)


El Paso County is looking to put a greater focus on economic development. County commissioners don't want to leave the economic development partnership with the city, but are looking to pursue additional goals, like rural development and heritage tourism.

"We're actually embarking on bigger things now, which is very exciting," said County Judge Veronica Escobar. "One of those things is economic development."

[...] El Paso County commissioners held a special meeting Monday focusing on a more detailed plan for economic development within county lines.

The meeting was one of the county's first efforts to work on its own economic development priorities. The meeting included Market Street Services, a firm that was hired by the county last year on a $25,000 contract to help with a plan.


To read the full article click here. If it has been removed please email Alexia Eanes for a copy of the entire article.

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Commissioners to vote on economic development plan

Andrew J. Polk
kvia (abc affiliate)


El Paso County Commissioners have been increasing their focus on economic development around the county lately, part of a re-focused set of priorities. So far, it can be seen in recent public-private partnerships, activity around the Tornillo port of entry, and the recently approved downtown historic building survey.

[. . .] In line with that, county commissioners will hold a special meeting Monday morning to with the agenda set to "receive a presentation from Market Street Services regarding the development of an economic development strategic plan and policy for the County of El Paso."


To read the full article click here. If it has been removed please email Alexia Eanes for a copy of the entire article.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Loris Community Easter Egg Hunt set for March 20

By Samantha Norris
myhorrynews.com

Have you ever thought about joining the Loris Chamber of Commerce? According to a research study by The Shapiro Group, Inc. and Market Street Services, when consumers know that a small business is a member of their local chamber of commerce, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.


To read the full article click here. If it has been removed please email Alexia Eanes for a copy of the entire article.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Columbus Net Zero Job Growth Addressed with Regional Prosperity Initiative

MercerWRBL


You’ve probably heard in recent weeks about Columbus having net zero job growth in the past thirty years. Mayor Teresa Tomlinson mentioned this issue in her state of the city address. So what is the city doing about it?

A good work force **is** the focus. In 2015 they entered in a relationship with Columbus State to create a new cyber security program to ensure a highly qualified workforce. When you talk about a thriving Columbus business – TSYS is always a part of the conversation. And like TSYS- city leaders want to focus on the people coming to Columbus. Bill Murphy with the Columbus Chamber says, “While there is a lot of good things going on – we saw opportunities to realign and refocus our energies so we’re firing on all cylinders.”

It’s called the Regional Prosperity Initiative. Chamber and community leaders will work together to find ways to counter the zero net job growth.


To read the full article click here. If it has been removed please email Alexia Eanes for a copy of the entire article.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Community Foundation rolls out new Q2030 Grants

By Jennifer DeWitt
Quad City Times


The Community Foundation of the Great River Bend has launched a new grant program for area nonprofits whose programs contribute to the regional movement to make the Quad-Cities a cool, creative, connected and prosperous place.

Inspired by the Quad-Cities Q2030 Regional Action Plan, the new Q2030 Grants are designed to help nonprofits across eastern Iowa and western Illinois fund projects and programming that will help advance the regional vision.



To read the full article click here. If it has been removed please email Alexia Eanes for a copy of the entire article.