Minutes 02/10/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

J. 6O TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1998 they would not consider a l~esolution of support as requested by Loudoun County at this time, but that the Mayor should send a letter of response stating the Council's general support of and commitment to efforts which would result in the State providing a direct and higher level of financial support to localities for funding of school construction projects. Next on Councils agenda was an update report from Ms. Sherry Ramsey, Executive Director of the Patrick Henry Development Council, on her organization's recent economic development efforts. Ms. Ramsey provided a packet of information to all members of Council which gave information on the PHDC's marketing efforts, a grant received from American Electric Power, Inc. for marketing materials, planned business expansions in the area, funds to be received from the Partnership for Progress, plans for attendance of trade shows, targeted direct mail programs, improvements in their informational and marketing materials, and other issues. Ms. Ramsey stated that the new materials should make it clear that the PHDC's mission is marketing, first and foremost. She also stated that Project Managers at the State office of Economic Development in Richmond were very impressed with the activity in the Martinsville-Henry County area, and particularly with the greatly increased numbers of marketable sites added to the local inventory. Mr. Teague asked what more the City Council could do to support the PHDC's efforts, and Ms. Ramsey replied that the Council had already done what was most needed, by acquiring additional sites for new prospects to consider. She also stated that Tom Harned, Assistant to the City Manager for Development, had been great to work with and always responsive to her organization's needs. Ms. Ramsey closed by stating that the current Council had really put Martinsville on the map in the economic development arena. She also expressed her appreciation to her Board Chairman, Carolyn Shough, for her support and assistance. Vice-Mayor Crabtree then asked if it was a good idea to continue the area's efforts to solicit "back office" industry, and Ms. Ramsey replied strongly in the affirmative. Mrs. Haskell asked Ms. Shough if she wished to add anything, at which point Ms. Shough simply stated that the City and its officials had been a real joy to work with, and always responsive to the PHDC's needs.