Call with Sheri Collins (response in pink)
10/8/08
Maps
The corrections to our maps to include companies identified in the original proposal may still be submitted.
Report of call
Documentation of the conversation will be reviewed and confirmed/clarified by Sheri.
Pipeline Companies
Work with target cluster companies is allowable to the point where they do not meet the state eligibility for KIZ and are not interested in a spin-off or moving to meet the location qualification. If this is the case then the company would be referred to a partnering economic development agency to assist them in meeting their needs.
Property Swapping
In accordance with the KIZ White Paper, swapping should be considered first when looking at adding additional property to the geographic boundaries of the KIZ. Underutilized property should be eliminated; college/university campuses should not be included in the geography IF the educational institution is prohibited from or does not have room to incubate companies thereon. Geography should be determined based on the immediate availability of facilities in which a KIZ company could locate. Clarion’s football stadium should never have been included in the original geographic boundaries as it is obvious that a company could not locate there – same holds true for residential areas.
Property Additions
Swap out underutilized property first. Since we are a new KIZ it is difficult to identify underutilized property to swap. Property additions are considered based on staff review and their merit on a case by case basis.
Ernst Addition - In this situation, there is not an identified site for an agricultural based clean technology company. Sheri suggests that we should write a potential request for consideration of a property addition upon the completion of the facility.
Clarion Laminates –Sheri suggests that a letter be submitted as a plea for approval explaining that the building was in place at the time of the program approval.
New IHE’s and Partners should be able to demonstrate their strengths and resourcesfor inclusion in the KIZ partnership. Cash match should always be a condition of inclusion – for all partners. Match should be used to support programmatic elements of the KIZ including seed grants to companies, internships and business plan competitions. We are looking at their potential assistance for long term sustainability of the NWPA KIZ Program. Request of suitable property additions may be submitted to accompany new IHE’s/Partners. Undeveloped parcels of land are not to be included in the geography.
Internship Clarification
The purpose of placing a student intern at a company is two-fold, one to assist the company and two, to allow the student to gain hands-on experience in a particular field while attending school. The KIZ Coordinator shall make certain that the student intern is being utilized by the KIZ Company in an appropriate manner. In other words, student interns shall be placed at a KIZ Company to file paperwork in the office – the point of the internship is to provide the student with the hands-on work experience (ie, research and development, product development, etc.).
KISK and KIG Guidelines for 2009
KISK guidelines became available on October 17, 2008 and were distributed to KIZ Coordinators for distribution to educational partners. Applications are due December 12, 2008 – no exceptions. All things considered with the economy there is no guarantee going forward that these will continue to be available; however, it is the intention of the Deputy Secretary to continue this program moving forward. Tom Armstrong is the program manager of the KIG and KISK programs; all questions regarding these programs shall be directed to him.
Additional Questions
Sheri, I am anticipating a question that will be asked. The NWPA KIZ has incorporated as a non-profit. Is it possible for the NWPA KIZ to be the recipient of the Grant? Provided that the non-profit has been set up to focus on technology-based economic development initiatives, it will be considered; however, DCED Legal Counsel will review the request once submitted.