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Vice Mayor Starosciak stated that Costco is good for the City and that she supports the process to further study the issue. Chair Stephens posed the philosophical question: "Is big box retail an asset or a liability?" For example, without big box retailers where would a person buy a television? Councilmernber Reed added that residents from other cities come to shop at Target and wondered why the City would want to prohibit them from buying things in San Leandro as the sales tax benefits the City. The Committee directed staff to continue working to revise the language for the retail big box ordinance. 2. Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report - October/November/December 2009 Mr. Johnson explained that the Chamber has been aggressive in working with the industrial community to promote San Leandro as a great place to do business. In addition, he explained that the Chamber wants to assist industrial businesses with their challenges. One way is with Natural Capitalism, Inc.'s work with businesses to improve their sustainability. The goal is that the program will include a study circle of at least six medium to large companies in the City. Ghirardelli and OSI Soft will participate in the first study circle and there is also interest from Scandic Springs. The cost is $6,000 for each of the participating companies, and if the company is in a redevelopment project area, the Redevelopment Agency can assist with a forgivable loan for one-half of that cost under the Industrial Competitiveness Program. The Agency's assistance gives the program an advantage over other cities competing for Natural Capitalism's services. The Committee asked what results the Chamber expects to see with this program for next quarter and for the year. Mr. Johnson replied participation by three groups of six businesses was the goal however participation by four groups of six businesses would even be better. Participation would gauge businesses involvement, completion of efficiency improvements, and implementation of sustainability practices. The Committee asked what results the City has seen with its partnership with the Chamber. Manager Battenberg replied that the partnership, created last year, successfully created five Industrial Councils and held a meeting in each area. The goal of the Councils was to learn what the City and Chamber could do to support businesses. As a result, a crime free business program for the Adams Area Industrial Council was launched by the San Leandro Police Department. The City is also exploring the possibility of joining the OaklandBerkeley Recycling and Market Development Zone (RMDZ) to benefit the Davis/Doolittle Area Industrial Council. Another program idea that is being explored is the creation of a careers in manufacturing program for junior high and high school students to identifying employment opportunities in the industrial fields and what skills and education would be required. Manager Battenberg further reported that the City is involved in additional programs to support industrial businesses including participation in the East Bay Green Corridor Partnership, and creation of an Industrial Competitiveness Program. Manager Battenberg clarified that Natural Capitalism's technical assistance to participants would not only address how to recycle materials for cost savings but it would also include how to be more efficient with heating, ventilation, and lighting. The Committee understood the program's goal was valuable in reducing carbon footprint and greenhouse gases and keeping businesses in San Leandro; however the question was asked if the program would increase the number of employees and property values. Mr. Johnson replied that the program participants could result in the increased value of their business and value of their property.