Business Development Corporation of Vernon
Strategic Planning Session
Goals and Objectives Document
July 24 & 25, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD ……………………………………………………………………………       2

DAY I: EXTERNAL COMMUNITY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...…………..           3

TAKE CARE OF EXISTING INDUSTRY ………………………………………...          4

AND GROWNING YOUR OWN

QUALIFIED BDC ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT ………………………………..        4

ENTREPRENEURIAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE …………………………….        5

AND TECHNOLOGY

SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATOR …………………………………………………..      5

COMMUNICATION OUTLETS …………………………………………………….       6

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT …………………………………………….      6

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT ……………………………………...      6

CITY AND COUNTY RECOMMENDATIONS …………………………………….      7

INDUSTRIAL RECRUITMENT ……………………………………………………..     8

INDUSTRY RECRUITMENT AREAS OF INTEREST ……………………………      8

INDUSTRY SPECIFIC INVOLVEMENT …………………………………………..       9

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT ………………………………     9

MAREKTING MATERIALS AND EFFORTS ……………………………………...      9

REGIONAL MARKETING NETWORK …………………………………………….     10

DAY II: INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL ………………………………………….     11

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

STAFFING NEEDS …………………………………………………………………….    12

OFFICE EQUIPMENT ………………………………………………………………...     12

BUILDING NEEDS ……………………………………………………………………..   12

VERNON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE …………………………………………….   13

RETREAT AGENDA ……………………………………………………………………  15

BDC FUNDING AND ASSISTANCE REQUEST CHECK-LIST …………………...    20

2009 RETREAT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES SPREADSHEET ……………………    21

FORWARD

On Friday, July 24^th and Saturday, July 25^th the Business Development Corporation (BDC) of Vernon Board of Director’s, here forth referred to as The Board, met in a Strategic Planning Session to lay out the short and long-term Goals and Objectives for the organization over the next three to five years.

Guests during the session included City of Vernon Mayor Jeff Bearden, City of Vernon Manager Mitch Grant, Wilbarger County Judge Greg Tyra and Vernon Chamber of Commerce In-Coming President Sandra Holley. Dr. Theodori, a Professor of Community Sociology with Sam Huston State University served as the moderator for the day and a half session.

Day one focused on External Community Goals and Objects centering on the “Three Legged Stool” of successful economic development: “Take Care of Existing Industry”; “Growing Your Own”; “Recruitment of New Industry”.

Day two focused on Internal Organizational Goals and Objectives and centered on staffing levels, building and equipment needs and the BDC’s working relationship with the Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

The Outline that was followed is attached (see appendix I)

The following is a break down of the discussion and the Goals and Objectives that came out of the day and half session. These goals and objectives are meant to be a guide for staff to follow in order to meet the ultimate goal of the BDC Board of Directors: A more diversified, solidified regional economy and an overall higher quality of life for our residence.

Throughout the planning session, and as is made evident throughout this document, it was made clear that the BDC is but one piece in the overall economic development picture of Vernon, Texas and Wilbarger County. We rely on our partners within the City, County, Chamber, College, ISD, Hospital and the individual citizens of Vernon for our ultimate success as much as they rely on us. In short, we believe that we will succeed as a whole or fail as a whole.

This plan is intended to be living document and should be treated as such. As outside influences dictate, as the economy changes and as the needs of our community diversify so too shall the goals and objectives of the Business Development Corporation.

Lastly, it is imperative to note that Economic Development takes time and patience. It does not happen over night. The seeds of development we sew today are intended to be reaped many months and possibly years down the road. As one of the many guardians of our community’s future, it is in all of our best interests that we be cautious but strategic in the investments we make. Calculated risk is acceptable and needed, so long as the long term benefit outweighs the overall immediate risk assumed.

DAY I

EXTERNAL COMMUITY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

TAKE CARE OF EXISTING INDUSTRY (LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE) AND GROWING OUR OWN (ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT)

Because the themes surrounding the discussion of these two topics were so intertwined and both are interdependent upon the success of the other, the following synopsis will encompass the discussion and outcomes of both topics.

For the purposes of this document, the terms “Support” and “Assistance” shall be used interchangeably and have the broadest definition possible as allowed under the 1979 Texas Economic Development Act, here forth referred to as “The Act”.

Qualified BDC Assistance and Support

To begin with, it was agreed that “No Business is Too Small for BDC Support or Assistance.” The basis of any successful community is its local small business base and it is estimated that 75% to 85% of all jobs created in the United States come from small business.

While it was understood that not all business assistance inquiries will qualify for BDC support as defined under The Act, it was decided that it is the role of the staff to investigate all opportunities presented. If the opportunity does in fact qualify for BDC support as defined under The Act, it is then the duty of the staff to work with the client to put together a package to be presented to The Board that has the best chances of receiving the support requested.

Staff will inform all potential clients of their responsibilities in order to receive the best chances of receiving support. Each Client will receive a “Check-List” (see appendix II) outlining these responsibilities. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1.                          All clients must have at least one counseling session with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 
                             to help determine the feasibility of their proposed business.

2.                          All clients must prepare and submit a business, marketing and financial plans for presentation to The Board.

3.                          All clients will be strongly encouraged to utilize the services of the SBDC for preparation of all required 
                             documents. If the client chooses not to use the services offered by the SBDC, the package prepared for 
                             presentation to The Board should be of the same quality as would have been received if the SBDC had been
                             used.

4.                          Each Client must fill-out an Authorization Credit Check form to allow the BDC to complete our due-
                             diligence.

5.                          All clients will be informed upfront that because their request has been determined to qualify for assistance
                             as defined by The Act, that any upfront assistance offered by staff in preparing the Request for Assistance
                             package is in no way a promise or guarantee of any type of further BDC assistance and that the final
                             decision for receipt of assistance lies solely with The Board.

6.                          The Check-List is subject to change in whole or in part at the discretion of staff or The Board at any time in
                             order for the BDC to conduct our due-diligence to the best of our ability.

Entrepreneurial Center of Excellence and Technology

It was agreed during the session that there is an unmet need for entrepreneurial support and development. It was discussed that this is not only specific within Vernon but in the surrounding region as a whole. Therefore, it was decided that the BDC would not only continue to work closely with the SBDC, Vernon College, MSU, the Vernon Chamber and other entrepreneurial development organizations, but would also immediately begin discussions with the above mentioned organizations to being the formation of a Regional Entrepreneurial Center of Excellence.

The development of an Entrepreneurial Curriculum in partnership with the SBDC, Vernon College and MSU is an essential step in the continued development of an entrepreneurial friendly community. Further, the development of an “Entrepreneur Support Network” that offers a step-by-step process that entrepreneurs would in fact “graduate” from one level to the next while developing their business idea would help in better assuring ultimate success for the entrepreneur. The goal being from going to an idea on paper to developed business and financial plan to funded business to location in a regional Small Business Incubator (see Small Business Incubator Discussion below) for a period not to exceed 5 years when the business would then “Graduate” into the local business community as a strong, sustainable business.

It was agreed that the BDC should serve not only as the “one-voice” for the continued fiscal development of Vernon, Wilbarger County and the surrounding region, but should also be the “Organization of Choice” of surrounding communities for entrepreneurial development and support. To further develop this objective, it was decided that the BDC should be seen as the regional organization that offers State-of-the-Art technological services, tools and access to technology that would otherwise be non-existent or inaccessible in our region to both new and existing businesses. The goal is to become the regional center for technological excellence for both entrepreneurial development and existing industry growth.

These tools and access to technology, over time, should include video conferencing capabilities; computer(s) and computer related technologies i.e. upgraded software for entrepreneurial use, upgraded audio and video capabilities for local and regional use, etc.

Small Business Incubator

Further, over the next several months and in cooperation with the previously mentioned entities, the BDC shall investigate the need, necessity and practicality of the development of a Regional Small Business Incubator.

A place to “incubate” newly developed regional businesses as well as allow existing industries a place to test and/or manufacture their new and existing products, i.e. regional food products, local novelties such as candles, soaps, and other crafts being produced for retail sale. Such a facility would offer not only a place for new businesses to operate with reduced costs, but also give existing smaller home-based businesses a “physical address” to operate out of as well as offer the potential for growth. It was recognized that in order for such a facility to successfully exist, that the involvement of Vernon College and MSU would be paramount.

Communication Outlets

There was discussion regarding the need for better, more frequent communication within the local business community as to what services the BDC may have to offer. It was decided that the dissemination of information via the local Civic Clubs on a regular basis as well as strategic door-to-door visitations with potential clients was warranted, so long as the visits were strategic and not a waste of resources.

Other forms of on-going communication activities discussed and agreed to were the development of a one page “Fact Sheet” identifying who and what the BDC is, what our Charter is and who and how we may be able to assist local industry. These will be made available at the City, Chamber, County and other areas typically trafficked by local industry.

Finally, is was decided that utilization of Leadership Vernon graduates as advocates of regional business development opportunities, occasional newspaper articles and columns by staff discussing BDC activities should be resumed as well as an occasional profile in the Chamber’s monthly “Spotlight” column.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Before the “Third Leg” of the Economic Development Stool, Recruitment of New Industry, could be discusses, it was necessary to have a discussion regarding the development of industrial property and infrastructure that would in turn allow for successful Industrial Recruitment.

For this portion of the discussion, Mayor Bearden, City Manager Grant and County Judge Tyra joined the discussion.

Industrial Property Development

It was agreed that in order to be a strong competitive force in the Industrial Recruitment arena, be it regionally or nationally, the BDC needs to continue to lead the charge in the development of our industrial property and infrastructure. This property includes both the 50+ acres available in the Vernon Industrial Park as well as the 90+ acres of industrial property available at the Wilbarger County Airport.

It was agreed that good steps had been taken thus far with the partnership between the BDC, Industrial Foundation, City and County in the activities taken place to date with the surveys and topographical maps that were completed earlier this year, but that it was now time to start the next steps in the actual development of the property with the necessary infrastructure that will make the property desirable for industry investment.

It was decided that the first step to be completed was the development of a Master Plan that will lay out the actual development of the property, denote where the streets and utilities will be placed and how the land parcels will be laid out and divided. It is hoped that this stage of development will continue to be done in cooperation with the Vernon Industrial Foundation.

After the Master Plan has been developed and approved, the BDC will then lead the actual infrastructure development of the property, to include the installation of all utilities, roads and other essential infrastructure necessary, such as the erection of possible “Speculative/Shell Buildings” at some point in the future in order to make the park desirable for industrial development.

All of these activities will be planned and completed in logical, prioritized stages. It is expected that the development will be financed through a combination of annual budgeted line items from the BDC, City, County and Vernon Industrial Foundation as well as through Regional, State and Federal Development Grant opportunities made accessible through the completion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Study (CEDS) being implemented via NORTEX.

City and County Recommendations

The City and County were both in agreement that the as a whole, the City of Vernon is making great strides in many areas. The relationships between the three organizations and the Chamber of Commerce are as strong and successful as they have ever been. The cooperation and “can-do” attitude that exists amongst the organizations has made working together very easy and productive.

The City agreed that they would like to see the BDC continue our efforts in the recruitment of industries such as Agriboard to the community. The City would also like us to pursue business themes that may perhaps build on, or benefit from, our Western Heritage theme. The City encouraged the BDC to participate in any Heritage Tourism activities and support this effort up to the point we are allowed to do so.

The City further stated that they would like to see a continued commitment from the BDC for the Downtown Development activities that are currently underway and that will continue well into the future.

Leadership Vernon was held up as a positive program for Vernon by the City during the discussion and they look to the BDC for our continued support and involvement in the program.

While it was recognized that for the most part our involvement in the recruitment of Retail has to be very limited, they would like the BDC to consider any assistance we may be able to offer in the recruitment of such Western Ware themed stores such are Cabala’s, National Roper’s Supply and other such hunting and fishing industry related operations.

The City is looking into a GIS mapping program for Vernon and would possibly like our assistance in the purchase of such a program. It was noted that such a tool could have a positive impact on our Economic Development and Industrial Recruitment efforts. The program will show all existing roads and various buried infrastructure in and around the city such as water, sewer, electric, telecommunication and gas lines.

The City would like our continued involvement in identifying and researching possible alternatives for uses of the Victory Field Texas Youth Commission facility that has been scheduled to shut down September 30, 2010.

Finally, it was discussed that at some point in the future, discussion may be warranted between the City and the BDC regarding the construction of a Western Trail Heritage Visitor’s Center. The mechanism to be used to obtain BDC funding would be the same as was used for the construction of the Wilbarger County Covered Events Center.

The County concurred with all the suggestions and recommendations presented by the City. In addition, the County would welcome any help the BDC may have to offer with the future development of infrastructure and runways at the Wilbarger County Airport as well as the recruitment of Aviation-based industry for the airport property.

INDUSTRIAL RECRUITMENT

Industry Recruitment Area of Interest

It was discussed as acknowledged that while we need to place a strong emphasis on our existing industries as well as the area of entrepreneurial development, the BDC would be remiss in our duties if we did not expend an equal amount of effort on the recruitment of new industry into the region.

The types of industry the BDC recruits, and ultimately lands, will play a significant part in the type of community Vernon evolves into over the years to come. While we want to be an “open and progressive” community, we also want to be sure to grow in a way that is healthy and beneficial to our existing businesses and local residence. The key is to balance the two objectives without over emphasizing one criterion over the other.

Taking into consideration the strategic location of Vernon within the region and the positive attributes that Vernon has to offer new industry, it was agreed that the following areas of recruitment would be both beneficial for the future of Vernon, but also help in encouraging and sustaining the immediate growth of the community. The areas of recruitment include, but may not be limited to:

1. Green Energy and Manufacturing
   1. Wind
   2. Solar
   3. Other “Green” Industry i.e. Agriboard

2. Value-Added Agriculture and Food Processing

3. Product Warehousing and Lay-Down Yard Capabilities

4. Strategic and Logistical Distribution Opportunities

5. Other Specific Light Industrial and Manufacturing Industries/Sectors

Industry Specific Involvement

In order to be successful in the recruitment of the above identified industries, involvement in their organizations and tradeshow events for networking opportunities is essential for ultimate success. It was agreed that involvement in the following industry organizations and tradeshows would be beneficial to the organization’s recruitment efforts.

1.      AWEA (International Wind Organization)
           a.       Annual Wind Power shows and events

2.      IAMC (International Manufacturing Association)
           a.       Regional and National shows and events

3.      Solar Organizations
           a.       TBD

4.      Plastics Manufacturing Organizations
           a.       TBD

5.      Ag Related and Value-Added Shows
           a.       Food Processing
           b.      Equipment Manufacturing

6.      Other Trade Organizations and Shows as Identified by Staff and Board

Professional Membership Involvement

It was agreed that having a well trained, educated and informed staff is paramount to the success of the organization. Keeping up to date on the current trends in Economic Development not only will benefit the staff, but also make for a more competitive organization and community. It was agreed that continued membership in organizations such as the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), and the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) was important to the overall health and success of the staff and organization.

Marketing Materials and Efforts

In order to better communicate the benefits and opportunities available to industries looking to relocate or expand into Vernon, we must have up to date and useful marketing materials. Further, it has been noted that during the Site Selection process, 95% of the information being gathered on a particular community by Real Estate Executives and Site Selection Officials is done via the community’s Website(s) without the community ever knowing they are under consideration for possible investment by a company.

Staff will continue to monitor and update our marketing materials as need dictates as well as insure that our website contains accurate, up to date information on all Vernon and Wilbarger County demographics, tax information, census statistics, etc. We will also work to ensure that our website complements the websites of the City, County and Chamber in appearance, information and accessibility via shared links to all our partner sites.

Regional Marketing Network

A regional approach to marketing and promotion is a normal, acceptable and most often successful way of doing business in the world of Economic Development. It is an easy way to stretch marketing dollars and a more efficient way to market a region and community. Ultimately, what benefits one community in the region benefits us all.

In 2007, the BDC was invited to participate in a Regional Marketing Group being spearheaded by the Wichita Falls Board of Commerce and Industry (BCI). The program being offered at the time was pitched to the BDC as a “Pay to Play” effort and the BDC would be allowed to decide at what level of sponsorship we would join. Membership into the program allowed us space on regional marketing materials produced, access to tradeshow events, industry contacts as well as a seat on the Regional Marketing Teams Membership Board, which decided ultimately how to utilize the funds to better market the region. At the time, membership in the organization included the cities of Wichita Falls, Iowa Park, Electra, Burkburnett, Henrietta, and Bowie and the County of Wichita.

After in-depth staff and board investigation into the program, an on-site visit by staff and board members to a Regional Marketing Team presentation and a visit from BCI President/CEO Tim Chase, it was decided at the time that it was not in the best interest of the BDC to participate.

During the 2009 BDC Retreat, it was agreed to investigate the following:

1.      Is membership within the Regional Marketing Group still available? If so, under what terms and conditions?

2.      If the terms and conditions are agreeable, then the BDC should consider joining for a year in order to evaluate the cost 
         verses the benefits received.

3.      If participation in the Regional Marketing Group is still determined to be undesirable, the BDC should then look at the 
         creation of our own Regional Marketing effort to include the communities of Crowell, Quanah, Chillicothe, Seymour and 
         Childress.

DAY II

INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The second day of the retreat focused mainly on the internal goals, objectives and issues facing the organization currently and those that we may face in the future.

Staffing Needs

The staffing level of the organization was discussed. Is the organization staffed at the correct level? Are we meeting all of our goals with current staff resources? Are the new goals and objectives being set forth in this planning session going to be successfully met with the current staffing levels?

The group looked at two areas of possible need. The first being additional front desk/office help in order to free up the current administrative staff to be more involved in the actual Economic Development work of the organization and to help in accomplishing the regular administrative duties as well.

The second area looked at was the possible need of a Business Retention and Expansion position to compliment the efforts of the CEO within this newly energized area of activity.

In both cases it was determined to gauge the level of activity being undertaken and reevaluate the staffing needs at a later date and as the need dictates.

Office Equipment

It was agreed that in order to be the regions “One Voice” for business development, the organization needed to be kept as technologically up to date as possible in the future. The organization will begin to implement new technologies within the working environment of the office as the budget allows. The technology advances will include, but not be limited to:

1.      Video Conferencing capabilities

2.      Audio/Video upgrades as warranted

3.      Computer hardware and software upgrades as needed and warranted

4.      Overall office furniture and equipment that is current, aesthetically appealing and modern

These upgrades will take place as need requires and the budget allows. All expenditures will be budgeted for, when possible, over the course of the next few years.

Building Needs

Certain necessities are required to operate an office, especially one that is as frequently used by outside parties as the BDC location is used. Current needs are particular to “Kitchen” area where sanitation needs can be met without having to use the sinks in the washroom facilities. It was agreed that staff would approach the building owner about the cost and possible construction of such a “kitchen” area for our use.

Vernon Chamber of Commerce

The success of the Business Development Corporation is directly dependant upon the success of our partners, one of the most important of which is the Vernon Chamber of Commerce. It is believed that our goals and objectives are ultimately the same: A strong and healthy business climate within the City of Vernon and Wilbarger County.

Incoming Chamber President Sandra Holley joined the session and discussed the fact that the Chamber is undergoing some vital and necessary internal restructuring and reorganization. It is believed that once complete, the Chamber will be a much more viable and accountable organization within the business community.

It is the overall goal and wishes of both organizations’ boards that the BDC President/CEO and the Chamber Executive Director have a well established, functional, beneficial and cooperative working relationship; the success if which will be measured through the following activities.

Because of the constraints and laws that surround the use of the BDC funds for development (4A), the Chamber will serve as a natural partner or “hand-off” for projects in which the BDC cannot participate. The Chamber has plans to institute different financial assistance programs, including the creation of a small business revolving loan fund that many local retailers and other such projects will be able to utilize. These projects would otherwise go unfunded if they were to solely rely upon the BDC for financial assistance.

In turn, the Chamber will also serve as a natural “Lead Generator” for the BDC. As a result of the number of inquiries that Chamber receives on a daily basis, they will undoubtedly be able to filter qualified leads back to us for assistance.

It was agreed that the BDC and Chamber will also partner on the representation of our region on the State and Federal levels as well; partnering at state and federal meetings to gather information for the collective betterment of out community. Meetings such as IEDC’s annual meetings and Federal Summits in Washington D.C. as well as TEDC regional annual and quarterly membership meetings and missions to Austin are venues where both organizations will partner and attend to better represent our community.

Lastly, better partnering with the Chamber will result in more effective utilization of time and resources. Teaming up for tradeshows and other events will insure a better representation of our community and show better solidarity. In short, it will make Vernon a better place to live, work and play.

APPENDIX I

AGENDA

2009 Business Development Corporation of Vernon
Board and Staff Strategic Planning Session
July 24^th – 25^th, 2009
Holiday Inn Express
Vernon, Texas

DAY 1 FRIDAY, JULY 24^th

9:00am – 10:00am Housing Keeping Details, Etc.

I.                    Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Bar

II.                 Move into Conference Room and begin with Introductions

III.               Discussion of Desired Goals/Outcomes and Expectations of Session #1

10:00am – 12noon      External/Community Goals and Objectives for the BDC

I.                   Local Small Business Assistance (Take Care of Existing)

a.       BDC Role/Level of Interest

b.      Programs/Services to be Offered by BDC to Local Small Businesses

                                                                           i.      SBDC Relationship

                                                                         ii.      Vernon College and MSU Partnership(s)

                                                                        iii.      Small Business Incubator

c.       Goals and Objectives

d.      Expected Outcomes and Timeframes

                                                                           i.      1 year

                                                                         ii.      3 years

                                                                        iii.      5 years

II.                Entrepreneurial Development (Grow Your Own)

a.       BDC Role/Interest Level

b.      Vernon College/MSU Relationships

c.       Programs and Services to be Offered by BDC

                                                                           i.      SBDC Partnership

                                                                         ii.      Vernon College and MSU Partnership(s)

                                                                        iii.      Small Business Incubator

d.      Goals and Objectives

e.       Expected Outcomes and Timeframes

                                                                           i.      1 year

                                                                         ii.      3 years

                                                                        iii.      5 years

12noon – 1:30pm Lunch Break and Errands

I.                   Lunch Catered In (TBD)

II.                Errands and Phone Call Returns/Office Check-In

1:30pm – 3pm External/Community Goals and Objectives for the BDC continued

I.                   Infrastructure Development (Discussion with County and City Reps)

a.       Vernon Industrial Park

b.      Master Plan

c.       Infrastructure

                                                                           i.      Streets

                                                                         ii.      Utilities

                                                                        iii.      Water/Sewer

                                                                       iv.      Fiber Optics

d.      Wilbarger County Airport

                                                                           i.      +/- 90 Acres of Developable Land

                                                                         ii.      Future Use Plan

                                                                        iii.      Development Strategy

e.       Other Items of Interest for Discussion Between BDC and County/City Reps.

3:00pm – 3:15pm        Break

3:15pm – 5:00pm        Commerce and Industry Discussion

I.                   Industry Recruitment Areas

a.       Wind

b.      Solar

c.       Value Added Agriculture

d.      Warehousing

e.       Distribution

f.        Specific Manufacturing Sectors

II.                Industry Specific Involvement

a.       Trade Show Attendance

                                                               i.      AWEA (Annual Wind Power Shows)

                                                             ii.      IAMC

                                                            iii.      Solar

                                                           iv.      Plastics Manufacturing Shows

                                                             v.      Ag Related and Value Added Shows

1.      Food Processing

2.      Equipment Manufacturing

                                                           vi.      Other Trade Organizations and Shows

b.      Professional Membership Involvement

                                                               i.      IEDC (International Association)

                                                             ii.      TEDC (State Association)

                                                            iii.      SEDC (Regional Association)

                                                           iv.      IMAC (Manufacturers Association)

                                                             v.      AWEA (Wind Power)

III.             Marketing Material and Efforts

a.       Revision of BDC Marketing Materials

b.      Website Update

c.       Participate in Wichita Falls Regional Marketing Team Efforts

d.      Develop our own Regional Marketing Team

                                                               i.      Vernon

                                                             ii.      Crowell

                                                            iii.      Quanah

                                                           iv.      Chillicothe

                                                             v.      Seymour

                                                           vi.      Altus??

6:00pm – 8:00pm Dinner at Hillcrest Country Club (Spouses Welcomed and Encouraged)

DAY 2 SATURDAY, JULY 25^th

9:00am – 9:30am Housing Keeping Details, Etc.

I.                    Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Bar

II.                 Move into Conference Room

III.               Recap of Friday Discussion/Any Followup Needed

IV.              Discussion of Desired Goals/Outcomes and Expectations of Session #2

9:30am – 12:00noon Internal/Organizational Goals/Objectives/Issues

I.                    Staffing Needs/Levels

a.       Front Desk Receptionist

b.      Local Small Business Rep for Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program

II.                 Office Equipment

a.       New Computer

b.      Lobby Television

c.       In-Focus Machine for Board Room and other Off-Site Meetings

d.      Future Video Capabilities for Office

e.       Resurface of Board Room Table

f.        New Conference Room Chairs

III.               Office Building Needs

a.       Sink/Kitchen Area

                                                                           i.      Cost Split with Doyle

                                                                         ii.      Other

IV.              Vernon Chamber of Commerce (Guest Sandy Holly In-Coming President Invited)

a.       Healthy and Positive Separate Identity Development

b.      Current Relationship

c.       Future Relationship

d.      Collaborative Efforts

                                                                           i.      Project Specific

                                                                         ii.      Trade Show Attendance

                                                                        iii.      Etc.

e.       Separations of Duties/Responsibilities

V.                 Other Items of Interest or Importance

APPENDIX II

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF VERNON
Phone (940) 552-6502  *  FAX (940) 552-2817
1819 Wilbarger Street    *       PO Box 2037   *   Vernon, Texas 76385-2037

BDC FUNDING AND ASSISTTANCE REQUEST CHECK-LIST

1. An initial meeting with a Small Business Development Center counselor to discuss the feasibility of your project. This initial meeting is mandatory for funding consideration. Further meetings and counseling sessions can and will be arranged at the client’s request and held in the BDC Offices in Vernon.

2. The EXACT amount of funds being requested, how the fund will be used, and the form in which receipt of funding is requested, i.e. a grant, a small business loan, a line of credit, etc.

3. A thorough explanation of the project to be funded. This should detail how the funds will be used and over what period of time. It should also detail what will the final outcome from use of the dollars will be, i.e. new equipment, better trained skilled employees, a new hanger, other infrastructure, etc. Uses of funds not outlined in the initial request for assistance prior to Board review and approval will not be allowed without a new review by the Board.

4. The number of new jobs to be created and/or existing jobs to be retained and over what time period the creation or retention of said jobs will take place.

5. The estimated overall growth in size of the company the BDC investment will have, both in physical footprint, employment levels and financially.

6. How this assistance will benefit the company, its employees and the community overall.

7. If the business is currently in operation, a copy of the last 2 years worth of financials, current inventory, and projected growth over the next 5 years.

8. A signed copy of the enclosed Financial/Credit Release Authorization form by the primary owner(s) to allow the Business Development Corporation to undertake a background/credit check.

9. A copy of your business plan, marketing plan, financial plan. It is strongly encouraged that these be reviewed by the Small Business Development Corporation at MSU. This is a free service and the BDC can help set up that appointment.

10. Any other material or items that may be deemed necessary by staff or the Board at a later date for project approval.

11. Qualifying for assistance as defined by The 1979 Texas Economic Development Act and upfront, initial assistance offered by BDC staff in preparing the Request for Assistance package for presentation to the Board of Directors is in no way a promise or guarantee of any type of further BDC assistance and the final decision for receipt of assistance lies solely within the discretion of the Business Development Corporation of Vernon Board of Directors.

BDC 2009 Strategic Plan

Action Items and Timeline