HomeMy WebLinkAboutEconomic, Tourism, Resource Mar 15, 2011Economic, Tourism & Resource Committee
March 15, 2011
The Economic, Tourism & Resource committee met on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. in Room
266 second floor of the Administration Building, Lancaster, WI pursuant to the adjournment of the
February 15, 2011 meeting.
Members present: John Beinborn, Vince Loeffelholz, Vern Lewison, Vince Loeffelholz and Grant Loy.
Todd Johnson, Comm. Resource Development Agent and Ron Brisbois, Economic Development and John
Patcle were also present.
The meeting was called to order by Chair John Beinborn. The County Clerk verified that the meeting was
in compliance with the open meeting laws.
Grant Loy, seconded by Vern Lewison, made a motion to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Vince Loeffelholz, seconded by Vern Lewison, made a motion to approve the minutes. Motion carried.
Revolving Loan: Ron Brisbois, Economic Development Director, presented a revolving load application
for Fennimore Lumber, an existing business planning on expanding and adding a larger show-room. This
will allow them more opportunities for sales growth and allow the company more flexibility and to be
more marketable. They are planning to invest $60,000 in their business with the build-out and
equipment. They will add 2 new full-time jobs, one in Computer Aided Design and one in
Sales/Estimator. The loan will be for $20,000 at 3% interest, term of 5 years. Collateral will be a
personal guarantee and liens. Vern Lewison, seconded by Vince Loeffelholz, made a motion to approve
this Revolving Loan Application for Fennimore Lumber. Motion carried.
Request of fund: Ron Brisbois, Economic Development Director requested the $5,900 designated in
Grant County’s budget under the title “special project” to be transferred to Economic Development to
use the money for tourism marketing and to encourage more people to visit Grant County. A target use
of the money will be producing at least a 3 year supply of Grant County maps for future use. Vince
Loeffelholz, seconded by Grant Loy, made a motion to approve the transfer of money to Economic
Development. Motion carried.
GCI: The committee gave Todd Johnson, Comm. Resource Development Agent , the go ahead to make
the final decisions on the script and people, groups, etc., that will be used for the production of the web
site. GCI would like to have at least 4 to 5 people represent the county in the web site production. The
goal for the company to shoot the Grant County web site is May 17, 18, 19, 2011.
Tourism Grants: Todd received a late application for the grant money from Muskets and Memories. He
informed the group that the second round of applications would be due on July 10, 2011 and that they
could apply at that time.
Todd has developed a spread sheet that will help track the applications and the rating process of these
applications. It should make the application process easier for the committee. At this time there is
about 35% of the grant money left to disperse in the second round. Todd felt the committee will have
to scrutinize the applicants much more closely in order to award the final funds.
Old/New Business: Todd Johnson was asked to look into the situation that has occurred with the
dispersement of the Hidden Valley Magazine. Cory McCullick has requested that he be paid to disperse
the Hidden Valley magazines and they can not be left at the information centers until he received
payment. He has requested that all of the magazines be picked up from the Kieler rest area until this
issue has been settled. Todd will call this gentleman too work something out with him. The information
centers want this magazine; they are very popular in this area.
Adjourn: Vern Lewison, seconded by Grant Loy, made a motion to adjourn the meeting pursuant to the
call of the chair for the next meeting time. Motion carried.