ResolutionPFAgmt2020_ChamberofCommerce

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PROJECT NARRATIVE 1. Request Description: Please describe the work this position will perform. Include a Job d4scription and any other pertinent Infornnatlon. These funds will be used to help fund staffing for the Kitt Co Chamber of Commence Economic Development Department. The core functions of the department are to provide assistance to the businesses that are looking to locate within the county, to provide assistance to those businesses already doing business here. and to assist individuals who are looking to start a new business. The department also tracks and maintains Information pertinent to the business community such as incentives, grants, and demographics. Multiple staff members share responsibilities to support and accomplish these functions and tasks. The funds requested will also support staffing, management and operation of the two catalyst Co -working Spaces in Ellensburg and Cie Elum. 2. Is this a new position for your organizedon? If so, please describe wiry this position is needed. if not, wiry Is it a necessary for this fund to continue to support this poshlon'7 The positions and related support staffing described above currently exist, but are not fully funded through other revenue sources. The Kitt Co Chamber of Commerce is the only countywide organization offering businesses technical assistance, assistance with the site selection as well as business start-up assistance. As the County's designated Associate Development Organization we maintain an inventory of business resources, track Inoentives, make business referrals to the State and Federal Departments of Commerce and are responsible for reporting all activity to the State Department of Commerce. We regularly conduct surveys with local businesses to keep kap wish the local trends and uncover barriers that Inhibit economic vitality. 3. Will your organinddh be capable of supporft this position in the future without support from this fund? Please describe your pian and Include target dates for implementation end completion. If no plan is ouNenW In place and/or no plans are feeing made, please exptaln why. No, the Kltt Co Chamber of Commerce cannot continue to support its current efforts of business recruitment, retention and asslstanoe without Umm funds. The State Legislature realized this and provided a provision in RCW 82.14.370 section 3 c(III) to fund an "economic development office". The legislature also recognized the importance of consulting with a local authority on economic development In making the decisions for use of these funds in RCW 82.14.370 section b 'in implementing this section, the count shall consult with cities, towns, and port districts located within the county and the associate development organization serving fire county to ensure that the expenditure meets the goals of chapter 130, laws of 2004 and the requirement of (a) of this subsection." (Please see attachment A for remainder of answer) 4. Will this position serve the needs and/or Interests of Multiple Jurisdictions and/or organimuons? Please explain In detall. Yes, we worts throughout all of Kittitas County and with all of the municipalities. We are currently working closely with the Sate Department of Commerce on local business assistance and funding opportunities. Through our business retention and start-up efforts we provided 64 businesses that were looking to located within Central Washington, starting a business, or expanding a current business. Additionally, we were part of 9 alta visits to Kittitas County specifically. By conducting surveys and hosting industry round -tables we have been able to identify some of the Issues facing our businesses and channel them to the appropriate city, county or state entity. We continue our partnerships with the local munlclpalitles, Centeriuse (formerty EBDA), Central Washington University, the Ellensburg Downtown Association, Cie Elum Downtown Association, SBDC and the Yaldma Development Association with projects like Cie Elum Main Street Revitalization, Downtown Master -plan, the Enterprise Challenge Business Plan Competition and small business incubation through the Catalyst Co -working spaces.