MONROE - Green County Development Corporation is ready to delve into 2014 with an approved budget and a prioritized work plan, based on its three-year strategic plan, after the board of directors met Thursday, Dec. 19 for the last time this year.
Michael Johnson, GCDC executive director, presented a budget consistent with 2013, based on revenues of $156,300. Johnson said he assumed no new increase of revenues for 2014, compared to 2013.
GCDC anticipates about $111,000 from municipal members, whose contribution amounts are calculated on a per capita basis of $2.65. Private investor contributions are expected to come to $45,000.
While the bottom lines remain the same as last year, Johnson shifted some line items' funding.
Johnson reduced a labor study from $25,000 to $10,000, and increased professional contractors fees from $800 to $10,000. Based on his past experiences, the labor study wouldn't cost that much, Johnson said. He also reduced salaries and benefits by $20,000.
That left many smaller line items to get a boost next year, such as community preparedness up from $500 to $1,000; business retention from $800 to $2,000; and website enhancement from $2,030 to $4,000.
Johnson asked for board volunteers to form a "website enhancement" committee. The website, he said, needs to feature the Green County branding logo for GCDC as well as to be clean out, updated and restructured for easier access by potential businesses and local users.
Top priorities in the 2014 workplan include "a new and reinvigorated private funding campaign," according to Johnson, and he also asked for volunteers to form a fundraising committee to plan a feasible approach to the effort.
He said he compiled what he believes to be "the most critical immediate needs" in each of the strategic plans focus areas.
Other priorities are to develop a mentor network to recognize and connect with home-based employees and businesses and, to enhance growth in "clusters" of industries, GCDC is expecting to map the supply chain and revisit a "fast response team."
Finding access to training for innovation and entrepreneurships as well as expanding on school-to-work programs meet some of the educational endeavors of the corporation.
The CEO breakfasts and meetings with businesses of more than 50 employees will continue in 2014, but Johnson also wants to put more focus on smaller businesses, which have good job growth potential for the county, he said.
Michael Johnson, GCDC executive director, presented a budget consistent with 2013, based on revenues of $156,300. Johnson said he assumed no new increase of revenues for 2014, compared to 2013.
GCDC anticipates about $111,000 from municipal members, whose contribution amounts are calculated on a per capita basis of $2.65. Private investor contributions are expected to come to $45,000.
While the bottom lines remain the same as last year, Johnson shifted some line items' funding.
Johnson reduced a labor study from $25,000 to $10,000, and increased professional contractors fees from $800 to $10,000. Based on his past experiences, the labor study wouldn't cost that much, Johnson said. He also reduced salaries and benefits by $20,000.
That left many smaller line items to get a boost next year, such as community preparedness up from $500 to $1,000; business retention from $800 to $2,000; and website enhancement from $2,030 to $4,000.
Johnson asked for board volunteers to form a "website enhancement" committee. The website, he said, needs to feature the Green County branding logo for GCDC as well as to be clean out, updated and restructured for easier access by potential businesses and local users.
Top priorities in the 2014 workplan include "a new and reinvigorated private funding campaign," according to Johnson, and he also asked for volunteers to form a fundraising committee to plan a feasible approach to the effort.
He said he compiled what he believes to be "the most critical immediate needs" in each of the strategic plans focus areas.
Other priorities are to develop a mentor network to recognize and connect with home-based employees and businesses and, to enhance growth in "clusters" of industries, GCDC is expecting to map the supply chain and revisit a "fast response team."
Finding access to training for innovation and entrepreneurships as well as expanding on school-to-work programs meet some of the educational endeavors of the corporation.
The CEO breakfasts and meetings with businesses of more than 50 employees will continue in 2014, but Johnson also wants to put more focus on smaller businesses, which have good job growth potential for the county, he said.