BusHsgDev Highlights 2009 0312 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF SAN LEANDRO MEMORANDUM Date: March 1, 2009 To: Business and Housing Development Committee From: Steve Hollister, City Manager Via: Luke Sims, Community Development Director By: Cynthia Battenber , ~ usiness Development Manager Subject: SAN LEANDRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE SERVICES FOR FY 2008-09 The City's Office of Business Development staff has been working with the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) to develop a program to enhance the City's efforts to support the strong industrial economy in San Leandro. Development of an industrial strategy is a City of San Leandro Redevelopment Agency (Agency) goal for FY 2009-10. In order to most effectively develop a strategy, it is necessary to gain input from industrial businesses and property owners as well as other stakeholders such as brokers, financial and training institutions, etc. With the City's recent invitation to participate in the East Bay Green Corridor (Corridor), the City also needs to get connected and involved with green business leaders and other Corridor participants. The Chamber, representing the voice of business, is an important partner in these efforts. The proposal from the Chamber is attached for your information. In response to the above, staff recommends an amendment to the current Consulting Services Agreement between the Chamber and Agency for $12,500 in additional services in FY 2008-09 for outreach and networking. The tasks to be performed by the Chamber, in partnership with the City's Office of Business Development, include outreach to the industrial community to learn about their needs and challenges and exploration of ways that the City and Chamber can assist businesses in effectively competing in the marketplace, support local sourcing efforts, and attract new industries, businesses and employees to the area. To date, five industrial areas have been established and an introductory meeting with the Adams Area Industrial Council occurred on March 4, 2009. At a minimum, by June 30, 2009, meetings will be held in each of the five industrial areas. Building these working partnerships is a necessary first step in developing a strategy for the industrial area. Additionally, the Chamber, along with Office of Business Development staff, will be meeting with green business leaders and other current Corridor participants in Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville and Richmond to gain an understanding of how the City of San Leandro can most effectively participate in and benefit from this exciting initiative.