PROGRESS ALLIANCE

Partners Meeting – March 15, 2011

CALL TO ORDER  

President Kenneth Perkins called the meeting to order at 3:31 p.m.  The meeting was hosted by the YMCA Wellness Center.

ROLL CALL              Present:  Kenneth R. Perkins, President; David Skiviat, Vice-President; Alex Marshall, Secretary; William Blake, Immediate Past President; Trustees Robert Hargrave, Patrick Hyer, Robert Chapman, John Riley, Jim Conrad, Thomas Minor, Nick Caccicario, Elizabeth Campbell, Jay Phillipone, Andrea Sheeler, Fred Brower, Billy Petrella, Tom Timmons, Rob O’Hara, Susan Hershey, Commissioner Tom Gentile, Commissioner Thomas Graham, Commissioner David Maple, Mayor Domenick Mucci, City Manager Cathy Davison, Councilman David Lalich, Councilman Tom Bottorf, Trustee Dan Stone, Mayor Harry Thomas

Absent but represented:  Anthony Mougainis, represented by Chrissy Taylor; Deborah Venci, represented by Robert Naylor

Absent:  Dr. Edward Florak, Treasurer; Mark Teramana, Geary Teramana, B.J. Smith, Karen D’Anniballe, Ross Patten, Derek Ferguson, Jody Glaub, Austin Copeland, Lou Petrozzi, David D’Anniballe, Richard Delatore, Dr. Laura Meeks, Jim Emmerling, Huberta Siciliano, Kyle Brown, Nick Latousakis, Kristin Cantrell, Severine Petras, Joe Miller, Scott Mazzulli, Sam Shorac, Frank Bovina, Keith Saltsman, Chuck Robinson, Jon Rogers, John Turziano

Others in Attendance: Nancy Ronevich, Director of Career Services, Franciscan University; Michelle Wilson, YMCA; Paul Giannamore, Steubenville Herald-Star; Executive Director Ed Looman, Ruth Casey and Donna Hrezo, Progress Alliance

President Perkins welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

11-03-01          Following the board’s review, without comment, of the minutes of the CIC meeting of February 15, 2011, Trustee Tom Timmons made a motion to approve the minutes as presented.  Trustee David Lalich seconded the motion; motion approved unanimously.

REPORT OF TREASURER

In the absence of Treasurer Florak, President Perkins advised the board that all accounts were balanced and expenditures approved.  Mr. Perkins drew the board’s attention to the status of accounts sheet attached to the balance sheet, and said that of all the accounts administered by CIC/Progress Alliance, the ones on the upper half of the list (approximately $163,000) are the only funds which are accessible and can be used for operating.  The accounts on the second list all serve designated purposes, and are restricted for those purposes only.  The balance shown as “sequestered funds” was reduced in early March by $35,000, the amount of the RLF loan to Mark Nelson Enterprises LLC.

11-03-02          Trustee Tom Bottorf made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Trustee.  Domenick Mucci seconded the motion; motion approved unanimously.

INTRODUCTION OF HOST; HOST’S REMARKS

Executive Director Ed Looman said that he wanted to thank the YMCA Wellness Center and Trinity Health System for what they have done with the arena; he then introduced the meeting’s host, Rob O’Hara. 

Mr. O’Hara began by welcoming the board to the YMCA Wellness Center facility, saying that he would be available for tours and to answer questions after the meeting.  When he spoke to the board in 2010, the Y had just opened.  Since then, both the growth in membership and programs at the facility have shown excellent growth.  Mr. O’Hara commented that, when reviewing today’s agenda, he noted that the board would be voting on a resolution supporting continuing funding for the ARC.  He said that, if it hadn’t been for ARC’s financial assistance, they couldn’t have opened the facility.  ARC had set aside funds to help “jump start” this type of facility.  Mr. O’Hara said that without ARC and the involvement of Trinity, the business would never have happened.

Construction is underway or being planned for the building’s lower rooms and the roof.  Additional programming will begin within the next three to six months.  The Wellness Center is quickly becoming a very diverse facility.  The anticipated membership at this point was about 2,000; there are as of this date 2,490.  A market study will be undertaken soon, to see what the community wants from the facility.

REPORTS OF TRUSTEES AND COMMITTEES

Marketing Committee:  Committee Chairman Alex Marshall named the members of the committee:  Jim Emmerling, Kristin Cantrell, Judy Vavrek, Tim McCoy, Karen D’Anniballe, Tom Sofio, Mark Nelson, Geary Teramana, Ed Looman and Ruth Casey.  Mr. Marshall said that the focus of the committee is on the strategic plan second quarter goal to determine rebranding; he hopes to bring tangible results to the next meeting.  Among the items discussed at the last meeting of the marketing committee were the creation of a video to be shown at the Best of County annual dinner which will highlight the Progress Alliance success stories over the past fifteen years, and the completion of a website assessment which parallels comments in the strategic plan.  The next committee meeting will be held on Friday, March 18; Mr. Marshall invited anyone who wishes to participate to attend the meeting.

Partnership Development Committee:  Committee Chairman Perkins announced that the scheduled meeting had to be canceled, but the group met by email and laid out partnership levels.  They have 72 prospects, and the committee’s goal is to have twelve new members by the end of the year.  Mr. Perkins said that the committee is larger than it has been in the past, and that he hopes to be able to announce new partners and partnership levels at the next board meeting.  He also commented that he plans to work more with marketing.

Finance Committee:  Committee Chairman David Skiviat reported that the committee did not meet during the past month, but will holding a meeting.

Nominating Committee:  Committee Chairman William Blake said that the committee will present a proposed slate of officers at the April board meeting.

Executive Committee:  Committee Chairman Ken Perkins advised the board that the committee plans to set specific goals for Executive Director Ed Looman; he said Mr. Looman is doing a great job, and goals will provide a target for his actions.  Mr. Perkins reported that the committee is working on the Code of Regulations, as provided for in the strategic plan, and will hold a meeting soon.  He said this is a slow process, but the committee will have something for the board at the May meeting.  It is possible that the committee will present separate bylaws for the CIC and Progress Alliance.

Business Attraction, Retention & Expansion (BARE) Committee:  Committee Co-Chair Cathy Davison, Steubenville City Manager, said that this committee is a result of the combination of two committees and is performing dual activities.  She described the duties of the committee as follows: “This Committee shall be responsible for planning and oversight of all business attraction, retention and expansion (BARE) matters relating to the CIC, including business retention and expansion visits, and the review and approval of a visitation program, as well as business attraction activities.”  The members of the committee are Ms. Davison, Domenick Mucci, Susan Hershey, Laura Meeks, Ed Rice, John Riley, and three other persons with an interest in serving on the committee.  Ms. Davison thanked Mr. Looman for providing the current visitation policy and grant information.

Port Authority Committee:  Mr. Florak was not present to provide a report; the port authority report will be part of Executive Director Looman’s report.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director Ed Looman expressed his thanks to Mr. O’Hara and Ms. Wilson for hosting the meeting, saying that when we talk with existing businesses or potential investors, we talk about the county’s assets and thanked the Y and Trinity for providing another asset.

INTRODUCTION OF GUEST SPEAKER; SPEAKER’S REMARKS

Mr. Looman said that Franciscan University and EGCC together have a $3 million per year impact on the community, but in addition to the financial benefit, both provide other additional valuable resources.  He introduced Nancy Ronevich, Director of Career Services at Franciscan University, saying that she is involved with internship programs; Progress Alliance currently has two Franciscan interns working with the organization. 

Ms. Ronevich said that Franciscan University provides both paid and unpaid internships; it is important for students to gain practical experience, and they need multiple internships in order to find employment upon graduation.  She said the students don’t have to do internships for credit; the requirements are that the internship be in the student’s field of study.  For every fifty hours of work, the student can receive one credit, up to a total of six credits.  The internships must be approved.  Ms. Ronevich said that interns are available and asked that anyone interested contact her with the job description, hours needed, whether paid or unpaid, and the specific field of work.  She said that on the back of her business cards, which she provided, there is a website address where jobs can be posted.

Mr. Looman thanked Ms. Ronevich, saying that both Franciscan University and EGCC have talented young people who would like to get involved in the community.

Mr. Looman encouraged all the board members to consider serving on a committee, saying that type of participation is a big help to the Progress Alliance staff.

The Best of County Annual Dinner will be held on March 28 at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville.  This is the 15^th anniversary of Progress Alliance, and there have been many accomplishments over the years.  Paul Giannamore, business editor of the Herald-Star, is preparing an article which will appear in the Herald-Star on Sunday, March 27.

Mr. Looman and Dr. Florak have been working on the formation of a county-wide port authority and hope to achieve that goal by the end of the second quarter of 2011.  Robert Naylor, who has recently returned to Jefferson County, has been of great assistance in this process. 

Progress Alliance will benefit from the Buckeye Hills economic development grant which is funded by the Ohio Department Development to launch the “Early Warning” program.  The grant will provide funding for retention and expansion visits to businesses.  The information thus gained can be shared with board members; i.e., Ms. Ronevich, EGCC, and CAC can help employers find the people they need; banking partners can have access to financial information.  Preparation of a survey to be used for the visits is underway.

Mr. Looman said that the board will note in the staff monthly reports that Progress Alliance has been extremely active in meeting with prospects and working with local businesses.  The inventory program is paying dividends in providing information to prospects.  Mr. Looman said that economic development is a slow process, but this program is moving the process along more quickly initially.  He thanked those who have provided information, saying that Progress Alliance’s infrastructure is getting stronger.

Mr. Looman reported that he would be attending an OMEGA meeting the next day.  Christy Tanner, ODOD assistant director, will be the speaker, and he hopes to learn more about the Jobs Ohio program and find out what incentive programs will be available. 

OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business to place before the board.

NEW BUSINESS

Three resolutions were placed before the board for consideration.  In response to a question, Mr. Looman said that approved resolutions would be taken to the OMEGA meeting, and would be forwarded to state and federal government entities, along with similar resolutions from other organizations.  He also said that these funding programs are critical to economic development in Jefferson County.

There was no objection from the board to voting on all three resolutions with one vote.

Resolution 2011-02   Resolution in support of the US EDA

Resolution 2011-03  Resolution in support of ARC

Resolution 2011-04  Resolution in support of ARC Ohio Programs

11-03-03          Trustee Domenick Mucci made a motion that the resolutions be adopted by the board.  Trustee Cathy Davison seconded the motion; motion approved unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

11-03-04          Trustee Tom Timmons made a motion that the meeting be adjourned.  TrusteeTom Bottorf seconded the motion; motion approved unanimously.

President Perkins declared the meeting adjourned at 4:32 p.m.

 ________________________________ 

  Kenneth R. Perkins, President                                                           

 Minutes prepared by Ruth Casey