HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-21-19 City Commission Packet Materials - C2. Letter of Support for Prospera CRDC Application to the MDC for ED
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Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Brit Fontenot, Economic Development Director
SUBJECT: Letter of Support for the Prospera Business Network’s 2020 CRDC
Application to the Montana Department of Commerce.
MEETING DATE: October 21, 2019
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize Mayor Andrus to sign a letter of Support for the
Prospera Business Network’s 2020 CRDC Application to the
Montana Department of Commerce
STRATEGIC PLAN ELEMENTS SUPPORTED:
2. An Innovative Economy
We grow a diversified and innovative economy leveraging our natural amenities, skilled
and creative people, and educational resources to generate economic opportunities.
2.1 Business Growth - Support retention and growth of both the traded and local
business sectors while welcoming and encouraging new and existing businesses, in
coordination with the Economic Development Plan.
2.3 Workforce Development - Support education and workforce development initiatives
to improve the skills of our citizens.
BACKGROUND:
The Certified Regional Development Corporations (CRDC) program was
created by the 2003 Montana Legislature to encourage a regional approach to
economic development that facilitates the efficient delivery of economic
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development programs by supporting regional capacity. MCA 90-1-116 provides
additional information and definitions regarding the CRDC program.
The State of Montana adopted CRDC rules (Administrative Rules of
Montana, Sections 8.99.301 through 8.99.306) addressing implementation of the
program. The rules define the CRDC certification process, the method of quarterly
distribution of assistance grants, allowable uses for assistance grants, quarterly
reporting requirements and criteria for determining non-compliance and de-
certification.
The CRDC program supports each of the CRDCs with annual funding for
economic development services supporting their region, including personnel and
operating expenses, and any other expenses deemed necessary to maintain the
organization’s certification as a CRDC.
A CRDC must be a private, non-profit corporation, and apply for
certification through a competitive state Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
Current CRDC contracts expire on December 31, 2019.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:
None at this time.
FISCAL EFFECTS:
None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES:
As directed by the Bozeman City Commission.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. October 7, 2019 proposed letter of support for the Prospera Business Network’s
2020 CRDC Application to the Montana Department of Commerce.
Report compiled on: October 8, 2019
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October 7, 2019
Tara Rice, Director
MT Department of Commerce
301 S. Park Ave.
Helena, MT 59620
Re: Support for Prospera Business Network’s 2020 CRDC Application to the Montana
Department of Commerce
The City of Bozeman is pleased to provide this letter of support for Prospera Business
Network to continue serving as our Certified Regional Development Corporation (CRDC)
for the Gallatin and Park County region. Prospera has served as our economic and
community development organization for 35 years and has been a great partner with
the City helping advance our economic development goals.
Prospera provides vital business development services that help our residents start and
grow new business, and the professional trainings offered by the Montana Women’s
Business Center have taken that program to new levels.
Prospera has also been instrumental in publishing our regional economic profile,
developed our application for our Opportunity Zone, expanded the effectiveness of the
MT Photonic Industry Alliance, and helped establish the MT Innovation Campus at
Montana State University.
Prospera’s experience and track record supporting business development, job creation,
access to capital, and positive community impact illustrates why the City supports
Prospera’s application to continue serving as our regional CRDC.
Thank you and I look forward to learning of their renewal as our regional CRDC.
Sincerely,
Cynthia L. Andrus
City of Bozeman, Mayor
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