Meeting Minutes from Monday, May 14, 2007

NEDERLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Minutes
May 14, 2007

MEETING

A meeting of the Nederland Economic Development Corporation was called to order at 5:33 p.m. at the Nederland Economic Development Corporation Office, 1903 Atlanta Avenue, by President Larry Ducharme.

QUORUM

Board members present: Paul Baker, Larry Ducharme, Nick Phillips and Bert Rogers. Absent: Mike Guidry, Billy Neal, and Dick Nugent. Others present: Jim Wimberley, NEDC Attorney; Tracie Killian, Executive Director and Marlinda Eastberg, Secretary, NEDC. Guest present was Bonnie Haddock, Jazz Etc, Inc, doing business as Rad Graphics.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Bert Rogers and seconded by Nick Phillips to approve the minutes of April 2, 2007. Motion carried.
Ayes: Baker, Ducharme, Phillips and Rogers.
Noes: None. Absent: Guidry, Neal, and Nugent.

PUBLIC HEARING

The regular meeting was recessed at 5:35 p.m. by President Ducharme for the purpose of conducting a public hearing regarding the potential expenditure of funds for an economic development incentive to Jazz Etc, Inc.

Ms. Bonnie Haddock reported Jazz Etc. is the parent company for All That Jazz and Rad Graphics which is currently located in Groves, Texas. All That Jazz has been in business for twenty (20) years and sells retail dancewear. Rad Graphics is a retail and commercial screen printing business and has been in business for about ten (10) years. Ms. Haddock stated that she is constructing a two thousand forty six square foot (2046) building located at 1308 South Twin City Highway, Nederland, Texas and will employ three (3) full time employees and one (1) part time employee.

Conrad Cooper with Small Business Development Center, Lamar State College-Port Arthur stated that he has been working with Ms. Haddock since 2000 and reported she bought and paid for the land before she started building her new store. Mr. Cooper stated he is very excited to see this project move forward.

A discussion was held concerning employee numbers. With no more questions and/or comments, President Ducharme adjourned the Public Hearing at 5:40 p.m.

JAZZ ETC, INC.

Mrs. Killian reported that the Impact Analysis Committee (IAC) had met and recommended that the NEDC approve an expenditure of funds not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars and no/100 ($15,000.00) with a payback period of two (2) years to Jazz Etc, Inc. doing business as Rad Graphics for the development of a retail dancewear and screen printing store to be located at 1308 South Twin City Highway, Nederland, Texas.

Motion made by Bert Rogers and seconded by Paul Baker to approve the expenditure of funds, not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars and no/100 ($15,000.00) to Jazz Etc, Inc. doing business as Rad Graphics for the development of a retail dancewear and screen printing store to be located at 1308 South Twin City Highway, Nederland, Texas with a payback period of two (2) years.
Ayes: Baker, Ducharme, Phillips and Rogers.
Noes: None. Absent: Guidry, Neal, and Nugent.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

The Board reviewed the income and expenses for the NEDC ending March 31, 2007.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The regular meeting was recessed at 5:47 p.m. by President Larry Ducharme for the purpose of conducting an Executive Session as authorized by the Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.087, to discuss the offer of an incentive to a business prospect; Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.071 to discuss litigation and/or legal advise; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.072, to discuss acquisition, exchange, and/or release of property.

RECONVENE

The regular meeting was reconvened by President Larry Ducharme at 6:10 p.m. President Larry Ducharme announced no action is needed on Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.087, to discuss the offer of an incentive to a business prospect; Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.071 to discusslitigation and/or legal advise; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.072, to discuss acquisition, exchange, and/or release of property.

COMMUNICATION

Tracie Killian presented the Board with a written Executive Director's Report with each item detailing activities of the NEDC office since the last board meeting.

Mrs. Killian reminded the board she would be attending the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Retail Show in Las Vegas on May 20-23, 2007.

Mrs. Killian reported the Nederland Economic Development Corporation would be closed Monday, May 28, 2007 in observance of Memorial Day.

ADJOURN

There being no further business, a motion was made by Nick Phillips and seconded by Bert Rogers that the meeting be adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Motion carried.
Ayes: Baker, Ducharme, Phillips and Rogers.
Noes: None. Absent: Guidry, Neal, and Nugent.

END Meeting Minutes from Monday, May 14, 2007