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46 <br /> THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1997 <br /> <br /> replied that both bodies have been as helpful as possible in all cases, and could not have done more. When <br /> <br /> asked by Mr. Teague-what our available product in the community was, Ms. Ramsey stated that there was <br /> abundance of land, but a limited number of marketable buildings. Councilmember Haskell then asked what <br /> high tech companies were looking for, to which Ms. Ramsey replied that 4-year degrees are a big priority, <br /> with strong technical skills. Councilmember Teague stated his confidence in school-to-work programs to help <br /> satisfy these needs, as did Supervisor Paula BurneRe, who also was told the same requirements exist for Back <br /> Office industry. Vice-Mayor Crabtree noted that our prospect listings were improving, and that the <br /> community was getting short-listed more often. Ms. Ramsey agreed, noting that this was due to the fact that <br /> 90% of our leads came from the State economic development efforts. Ms. Ramsey then took the opportunity <br /> to recognize members of the PHDC Board that were present, and concluded her presentation. <br /> <br />The next kem on the Agenda was a briefing by the Southern Virginia Economic Development Partnership, <br />provided by Mr. James Frith. Mr. Frith covered the brief history of this new organization, and stated that Mr. <br />Jerry Jacobus, the Executive Director of the organization, was very busy traveling and becoming familiar with <br />the region and the State Support group. He characterized the organization's mission as that of marketing the <br />i~gion, and stated that plastics and technology industries were the main thrust of their efforts. Discussing <br />recent organizational change, Mr. Ffith stated that the by-laws had recenfiy been changed to reduce the <br />Executive Board from 15 to 6 members, and that the Executive Board planned to meet on a bi-weekly basis. <br />Mr. Frith then re-emphasized the need for all involved in economic development in the region to work as a <br />team. He stated that the Partnership's budget this year was $240,000, and that they hoped to have a budget <br />of $300,000 next year, with a greater emphasis on private sector support and funding. Mr. Frith went on to <br />say that they are striving to create and support great working relationships, and that they would continue to <br />try to bring the prospects that were the best match for the community. Mayor Adams then stated that this is <br />the most effective Marketing approach for all. Councilmember Haskell then thanked Mr. Ffith for being a real <br />leader in the community. She then asked whether the State brought the same prospects to both the PHDC <br /> <br /> <br />