Members present: Diane Smith, Sue Pigg, Dave Ivan, Hal Hudson, Doug Woodard, Ron Steiner, Van Varner, Colletta Moser, Mark Thomas.
Co-Chair Smith called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.
Minutes of the June 30, 2005 meeting were approved as submitted. Moved by Ivan, 2nd Pigg.
Smith reviewed the financial report (attached). She reported that the AoE received $4,756 in new funds for Team operations along with $5,000 for the Entrepreneur Conference. $2,375 remains for County Economic Development Enhancements Visits, as does $470 for Team operations.
Doug Woodard introduced Don Merzer and Cheryl Peters of the
South Central Michigan Community Action Agency.
They have received a Kellogg Grant to develop and deliver entrepreneur
training for youth through ISDs. This is
part of a radically different mindset to impact economic development efforts in
the Calhoun County Area. Working with
ISD superintendents, the Kellogg Foundation and the Coleman Foundation they
investigated the available curriculum for student run businesses. They would
like to work with MSUE to develop a state model by using a 501(c) 3. This non-profit would oversee Generation E
development and delivery, new business start ups and continually review
curriculum. It is hoped that teachers
could be certified, web site could be built and state wide entrepreneurial
competition could be fostered. A
resource Center could be established to provide evaluation for competitive
awards and an incubator site developed. Moved
by Steiner, 2nd by
Dave Ivan reviewed
the upcoming (before 6/07) Entrepreneurship
Conference. He has had productive meetings with the
Product Center regarding participation and sponsorship. The conference would most likely be held in
the Lansing Area. The audience is
envisioned to be; communities, policy people, and the education community
(?). The North Central region is holding
a “listening session” on Entrepreneurship on
Dave Ivan discussed
the Campus Co-Chair position.
Zenia Kotval has a 9-month appointment and likes the freedom to work the
other 3 months away from campus. Perhaps
someone from the Product Center would be a good fit. Stay tuned as Dave Ivan confirms the
Co-Chair from the
Ron Steiner
introduced Diane Brown of MIFFS (Michigan Integrated Farm and Food
Systems). She described her organization
activities; finding market niches, offering “Tilling the Soil of Opportunity”,
Select Michigan support/development, How to reach tomorrow’s farmers today,
supporting agricultural in general, and like that there.
AoE Work Plan discussion.
After some discussion it was agreed that Diane Smith and Dave Ivan would
meet with Director Coon to ascertain his vision for the ED AoE statewide
thrusts (and parries) for this knowledge based unit to best exploit our skills,
training opportunities and financial resources.
Potential members of
the Advisory Board for the AoE suggested by the assembled group were; Carol
Lopucki, SBTDC, John Czarnecki, MEDC, Mark Cleavy, SBAM, Dave Holister, DLEG,
Bob Johnson, DLEG, Those not in attendance are asked to kindly make
additional suggestions to Diane Smith. It
was suggested that perhaps the December meeting of MEDA could provide the
opportunity for an educational session/focus group. Sue Pigg to explore.
Hal Hudson is
hosting a CAT focusing on entrepreneurship and economic development. There will be an Entrepreneur Program in
Tuscola County in February of 2006. He
is developing a road map of services for business. He has affiliate status with CARRS.
Doug Woodard is conducting a BRE program with help from Bill Carpenter. A senior housing market study is taking place in Clare County. He is preparing a Housing Revolving Loan Fund feasibility study.
Colletta Moser is working on a Women’s Entrepreneur effort and teaching Human Resources Management.
Diane Smith received a Brownfield Assessment Grant. Has been actively marketing a Renaissance Zone building in Belding. She has actively been growing top employers program and is developing print material for marketing the County.
Sue Pigg has
established a Land Banking Program and is assisting with the Micro Enterprise
Grant program in Lansing. She also has a
Brownfield assessment Grant. Business
development seminars with the Library along with IFT requests, grants and CDBG
work are keeping her fully engaged.
Van Varner is
working on a 5 county Strategic Planning iniative in SE Michigan. The Hort College of Knowledge business model
is being delivered in 4-hour blocks.
Mark Thomas is
assisting the City of Bangor in attracting the Michigan Bio Diesel project to
its Renaissance Zone. Working with the
Women’s Business Center (SBA) project in Benton Harbor (and Van Buren County). He is also working with the Product Center.
Next Meeting will be January 24, 2006 at a place to be determined. Perhaps in Oceana County with a tour of the new incubator.
Meeting
adjourned at 3 pm
Mark
Thomas
Former
Note Taker