MANSFIELD — The Richland County Board of Commissioners voted four years ago to pay $100,000 annually to the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development.
Made through the Richland Community Development Group — part of the chamber — the six-figure payment, typically billed in August or September, is intended to “enhance local economic development efforts.”
On Tuesday, Ellen Heinz, president and CEO of Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, told commissioners opportunities are present to grow its team with some “technical expertise.”
She said the chamber is also aiming to expand its economic development efforts. But these opportunities require additional funding.
Heinz’s request of $15,000, for “added economic development support,” was approved by commissioners.
The chamber is requesting that, if possible, the $15,000 be paid within the next month in order to help build capacity now, rather than waiting until summer.
Commissioners agreed to supply the requested amount out of contingency funds.
Currently, the annual payment from commissioners covers economic development, community development and workforce development supports.
Heinz said it also covers executive leadership, her time and the ability to host events, including the economic development forecast breakfast and economic development forums throughout the community.
Why the additional investment?
Commissioner Tony Vero questioned Heinz on what taxpayers should expect to see for their additional $15,000 investment.
“Expanded technical expertise and growth in our economic development efforts,” she said.
The additional funds would also allow for more training and team growth opportunities to assist with development efforts, the CEO said.
The chamber is currently seeking to fill an economic development project manager position and is in the final stages of selecting a candidate.
“But in addition to that (position) we would like to bring in some technical expertise in regards to financing — for initiatives in regards to redevelopment opportunities and site control,” Heinz said.
Commissioner Darrell Banks asked Heinz to confirm that “technical expertise” was referring to an additional employee — not technology — that has experience with work similar to the goals of communities around the county.
She said a priority is finding a candidate with a successful track record.
“That’s what we would build on, looking at what the communities’ strategic priorities are and then finding some additional expertise to bring in to help us fill that gap,” Heinz said.
