Res-2019-158 Centerfuse - Laserfiche WebLink

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PROJECT NARRATIVE 1. Request Description: Please describe the work this position wlll perfonn. Include a Job descrtption and any other pertinent Information. The position of Executive Director to the Ellensburg Business Development Authority dba Centerfuse, Is provided by the City of Ellensburg through an lnterlocal agreement. The Executive Director reports to the Centerfuse Board of Directors, which is a Public Development Authority established under RCW 35.21. 730. This posltlon works with the Centerfuse board to create and Implement economic development strategies, meet with prospects to create new employment opportunities and connect them with available spaces and resources, promotes one of two designated state Opportunity Zones as well as the county-wide Foreign Trade Zone, coordinates economic development initiatives with other regional entities with similar roles, and provides outreach to existing businesses to determine needs development and expansion. In addition, CenterFuse manages the Ellensburg Business Incubator located 2100 N Prospect and owns and manages a light Industrial faclllty at 3110 N Airport Road Buildings at Bowers Field Airport. A full job description is induded 2. Is this a new position for your organization? If so, please describe why this position is needed. If not, why Is it a necn1ary for thill fund to continue to support this position? The Ellensburg Development Business Authority (EBDA) dba CenterFuse is a public development authority, authorized by RCW 35.21.730 and created by the City of Ellensburg in 1994 (City of Ellensburg Ordinance No. 3895). CenterFuse, per RCW 43.330.010, is an Associate Development Organization of Kittitas County, defined as a local economic development nonprofit corporation that Is broadly representatlve of community interests. The mission of Centerfuse Is to strategically recruit and support businesses and connect them to resources so they can start, grow, and prosper. In the spring of 2017, operations of the EBDA were moved from management by the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce back to the City. In February 2018, this Executive Director position was created In order to support a renewed focus on economic development. CenterFuse is a volunteer board which has had limited staff support to effect business outreach, to Implement marketing strategies and outreach, or to participate In regional planning or other activities and tasks essential to effective development. Over the past year, the position, partially funded by the distressed sales tax revenue, has performed these tasks and taken on one of the most challenging elements of economic development: creating a comprehensive resource to connect prospects with available facilltles and bulldable land. The work performed by the position over the past 12 months has positioned the board to begin outreach to prospective new business and to more effectively manage the Business Incubator and airport business park. Detail is provided in the attached work plan for Centerf use.