"Expand the Tax Base and Create New Jobs"
Washburn County Economic Development Corporation
MONTHLY MEETING – Wednesday November 16, 2011
President Chuck Jenkins called the Monthly meeting to order at 7:35a.m. at the Washburn County Economic Development office located at 208 Vine Street, Spooner, WI.
Present: Chuck Jenkins, Rob Paine, Jim Bethel, Greg Krantz, Bill Marx, Lloyd Wallace, Mike Bobin, and Ken Schultz.
Absent: Morris Gillett, and Rob Lester
Others Present: Margie Quinn, and Steve Sather
Concerned Citizens: None
Approval of Agenda- Rob Paine made a motion to approve the agenda, Bill Marx 2nd the motion. M.C. by unanimous vote.
Approval of Meeting Minutes of October 19, 2011
Minutes of the previous meeting October 19th, 2011 were circulated. Mike Bobin made a motion to approve the minutes. Bill Marx 2nd the motion. M.C. by unanimous vote with the amended changes.
Members Comments-President Jenkins stated the Masonite Corporation announced that it has completed the acquisition of Birchwood Best, headquartered in Birchwood, WI on November 1, 2011. Birchwood Best will remain in Birchwood and keep the same operations with the same amount of employees as well.
Lloyd Wallace and Mike Bobin commented on the Links Snacks, and stated they are planning an expansion in their production capacity which might mean up to 75 new employees, with the addition approximately 250 employees already working there. The expansion is in part contingent on a permit from the WI DNR to install a crossing to the Wild Rivers Trail, on the south side of their plant. The Village of Minong will eventually necessitate in moving a street to accommodate the expansion plans as well. Lloyd stated there is an objection raised by a local DNR official and if this crossing is not granted, the expansion will not take place and the new jobs and possibly some or most of the new jobs will be lost. Discussions were made by board, with President Jenkins requesting Mike Bobin to write letters to Represent Milroy, Representative Rivard, WI State Senator Robert Jauch, and Regional Director for WI DNR, John Gozdzialkski. Mike Bobin agreed to draft letters and send.
Discussions were made on the New Dollar General store coming to Spooner. Marge Quinn and Greg Krantz updated the board on inquires/meetings of 3 new businesses in Washburn County, and one existing business for RLF application.
Marge Quinn stated she has been in contact with Julianne Raymond from UW of Superior, and Julianne has stated UW is going to be hosting a class on Business Planning in Hayward, WI. Julianne was not sure on the dates as of yet, but will get back to Marge Quinn. Marge will then post in the appropriate places for residents in WC to take advantage of the class with Business Planning.
Treasurer’s Report by Jim Bethel –Jim read the monthly Treasurer’s report and reported on the monthly bills. The total expense for October/November was $4307.05 with a checking account balance of $27336.89 and an additional $9348.64 in the CD account to be used for ½ marketing expenses, ½ for business plan development, and 501 (c)(3) expenses to the IRS and Anderson Hager and Moe. Total available funds are $39798.88. RMAP funds to include a loan to be processed in the amount of $260.00, Technical Assistance in the amount of $14685.50, and Loan Loss Reserve at $1750.00. Marge Quinn has provided board members with a Treasurer Report, P&L monthly and a balance detail from QB. Jim Bethel has volunteered to payroll for WCEDC starting January 1, 2012. President Jenkins thanked Jim, and stated this will be a big savings to WCEDC. Lloyd Wallace made a motion to approve Treasurer Report and pay bills, 2nd by Rob Paine. M.C. by unanimous vote.
Membership Letters- President Jenkins updated the Board on the membership dues and stated we have received $5450.00 in membership dues to date. Chuck stated he has had a few businesses contact him in regards of the membership letters stating “2011 membership” on them. Chuck has requested Marge to go through all the membership letters and make sure we correct those letters stating “2012” membership, and resend.
Budget for 2012-
President Jenkins stated the final 2012 Budget for WCEDC was approved by the County Board on Tuesday, November 15th, 2011.
Discussion Items- Director’s Position- Discussions were made by President, and board. Board Members have requested Marge Quinn to send both job descriptions of the Director and the Adm. Coordinator, along with the Ad we placed in the papers in 2009. WCEDC Board would like to review the job descriptions for discussions in December and January.
Agenda items for December meeting- Discussions on Director’s Position. Payroll Services.
Next Monthly Meeting: December 21st, 2011 at 730a.m. – Washburn County Economic Development Office located at 208 Vine Street, Spooner, WI 54801
Other Concerns:
Rob Paine made a motion to adjourn, 2nd by Lloyd Wallace. M.C. by unanimous vote.
Draft only! Board needs to approve at the December Meeting. Respectfully Submitted by Margie Quinn