MEMORANDUM

TO:                  CITY COMMISSION

COUNTY COMMISSION

                        SCHOOL BOARD

                        CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD

                        ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD

FROM:            LYNN PARMAN, LAWRENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

DATE: 2/25/04

RE:                   FEBRUARY 25, 2004 STUDY SESSION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CC:                  TIM COWDEN, KANSAS CITY AREA DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

                        ERIC DANIELSON, LENEXA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                        JONATHAN SANGSTER, CB RICHARD ELLIS, ATLANTA, GA

                        BILL THOMPSON, KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

As you are aware, the City and County Commissions and the USD 497 School Board have scheduled a special joint meeting regarding economic development on February 25, 2004.  As we understand, the purpose of the meeting is to hear presentations regarding the use of incentives in the economic development site selection process and overall best practices in economic development.

We have prepared the following content for the presentation:

I. Economic Development Overview – Lynn Parman, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

Presentation items including Douglas County Economic Development programs and 2003 activity,  and comparisons with other Big 12 Cities with regard to structure and funding of economic development efforts. 

II. Importance of Incentives in the Site Selection Process – Jonathan Sangster, CBRE

Jonathan was the lead site selector on the Serologicals’ project and will provide an overview of the role incentives play in the site selection project.  Jonathan will also provide insight as to the method a company goes through to choose a community for a new facility and how a site selector is involved.

III. Competitiveness of Economic Development in the KC area – Tim Cowden, Kansas City Area Development Council.

“What does it take to get in the game” and how can a community win the deal.  Additionally, Tim will discuss what makes Lawrence stand out in a regional market.

IV. Overview of State and Local Incentives – Bill Thompson, Kansas Department of Commerce and Lynn Parman, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

Bill will describe all of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s incentive programs utilized for expanding existing companies and/or new companies locating to Kansas.  Additionally, Bill will provide information regarding tax abatement laws in Kansas.  Lynn will provide information of local incentive programs offered in surrounding communities.

V. Questions and Answers