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economic development -related programs and initiatives. and business retention and expansion issues that are unique to specific sectors. Roles and Responsibilities. Economic Development staff or consultants could take the primary responsibility for this program. Focus groups could be held in series. which would allow the Cite to proceed incrementally in implementing this action whether performed in- house. or by outside consultants. It is likeh, that selection of key informant group members would be accomplished in consultation with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers Association. Priority: HIGH Costs and Sources of Funding. Assuming that focus group participants would be volunteers. the principal cost associated with this action would be staff or consultant time to organize and conduct the focus group meetings. Assuming use of consultants to hold meetings in City facilities. estimated costs would be approximately $3.000 to $5.000 per meeting, including preparation time and coordination. holding the actual meeting. and documenting and presenting findings from the focus group session. Sources of funds could include the Economic Development budget for consulting services. other general fund allocations. and potentially CDBG funds and/or Redevelopment funds. One-time costs for an initial round of focus group meetings are estimated to be MEDIUM. The City may find it useful to conduct periodic focus group meetings to keep abreast of changes in ke, components of the local economy. in which case the periodic costs would likely be LOW. assuming two to three focus per year on an on -going basis. Action 1.5: Assist San Leandro Businesses in Expanding Their International Trade Activities San Leandro companies are currently exporting goods to overseas markets and it is clear that such markets offer excellent long-range growth opportunities for many of the Citv*s businesses. This is especially true for small manufacturing: firms making "niche" products that are not made elsewhere in the world. There is currently very high demand for such U.S. made products. However. man companies lack the resources necessary to establish trading links with other countries. Import activities also represent a significant potential opportunity. but considerable barriers also exist for companies who have not vet entered this market. The City of San Leandro can offer support to companies interested in engaging in either importing. exporting. or both through several specific activities. First. City staff should continue working with the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce. the Alameda County Economic Development Advisor\ Board (EDAB). and the Greater Oakland International Trade Commission to provide various mechanisms for educating local businesses of both the benefits the\ could derive from participating in international markets. and the resources 2 0" U 22