HomeMy WebLinkAbout072315 Economic Development Committee MinutesCouncil Economic Development
Members:
Councilmember Coffey
Councilmember Cawley
Action Items
Committee
CED Conference Room
City Hall
July 23rd, 2015
1:30 p.m.
Staff:
Cindy Epperson, Finance Director
Sean Hawkins, Economic
Development Mgr.
Colleda Monick, Economic
Development Asst.
Robert Peterson, Airport Manager
Executive Minutes
Others:
John Cooper, CEO
Yakima Valley
Tourism
Connie Upton, Yakima
Convention Center
Convention Center Update
John Cooper, CEO of Yakima Valley Tourism presented the completed market study
done by Kidder Mathews. The intended use of the study is to assist the City of Yakima
in its evaluation of the convention center and the market. Coffey and Cawley agreed to
bring the proposal forward to full council for 2016 budget discussions as a policy item
and asked Epperson to review possible bond funding options.
Discussion on Thomas Consultants Retail Plan
Hawkins presented an update on the retail plan that was put forward by Thomas
Consulting. Coffey made note that the City website does nothing to promote or provide
new businesses with information on getting started, incentives, or promote City
Economic Development Manager, Sean Hawkins as a business resource. Coffey also
stated that the City should move away from hosting and promoting events and focus on
business recruitment. Coffey requested an update regarding the 2015-2016 Economic
Development Plan.
Briefing Items
1) Craft Beverage Yakima — Sean Hawkins
2) Yakima Air Terminal Load Factor Update — Robert Peterson
3) Public Market Discussion — Sean Hawkins