Prescott eNews

Charile Grantham (left), and Chris Hoy (right), discuss issues at the October Economic Development Committee meeting.

After the call to order and approval of prior minutes from the 10/15/08 meeting, Chairman Charlie Grantham will start out by offering a Thank You to Chris Hoy for his service as Vice-Chairman of this particular committee. It is not known at this time if Hoy is stepping down from his position or if he is resigning from the committee all together, or if he is simply being thanked.

Malcom Barrett and Guy Roginson will make a guest appearance and provide an update on the Ernest A. Love Airport. Roginson is the developer of FlyPrescott.com; the Aviation Advocate and Resource Organization: Making the Economy Fly. According to the website, "Fly Prescott's Mission is to promote the safety, training and security of Aviation in the U.S., educate pilots and local businesses on KPRC (Prescott Airport) developments and promote Prescott Aviation Businesses locally, regionally and nationally. We are the region's Aviation Advocate and Resource Organization with the purpose of making the Prescott economy soar through flight."

What About That Business License?

One of the items that the Economic Development Committee has discussed many times is whether or not to have a Business License in the City of Prescott. Jane Bristol, the City's Economic Development Director believes that a business license will have many benefits for the city, and in past meetings, most, but not all, of the committee has appeared to agree with her. At one point the question was asked, "What benefit would a business license have to a businessman?" Bristol attempted to explain that it would provide funds to help large and small companies network more effectively and have a better grasp on what other kinds of business was in operation within the City of Prescott. Furthermore, Bristol pointed out, both Prescott Valley and Chino Valley require a business license.

Later in the same meeting, another pointed question was raised by a committee member, "How many sitting at this table derives none of their income from the government?" Only about two hands were raised, indicating that the majority of the attendees received some sort of income from assorted government entities. Those who didn't appear to be convinced that a license was necessary were from the private sector.

Likewise, members of the City Council have not been fully in support of adding another fee to businesses at this time, either. At the November 4, 2008 City Council Workshop, the item failed to reach a consensus, and it appeared that there might not be enough votes to support the measure. Finally, Mayor Jack Wilson gave specific instructions to Bristol, saying, ""We need to develop a mechanism for getting the businesses more involved. We need to market this so they become proponents rather than opponents."

Since there has not been an Economic Development Committee meeting since that workshop, it is expected that Bristol will provide a full update of the council reaction and subsequent efforts with getting businesses to 'buy in'.

Also on the Agenda

Bristol will also give an overall economic projects update, while Grantham will provide an economic summit update to the committee.

Before adjourning, Grantham will make a December program announcement.

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