Title
Receive an oral presentation from the Monterey County Business Council regarding the status of the Monterey County Competitive Clusters Project.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors receive an oral presentation from the Monterey County Business Council regarding the status of the Monterey County Competitive Clusters Project.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The MCBC continues to provide facilitation and implementation of all aspects of the Clusters Project, including the Monterey Bay Ambassador Program, Small Business Outreach and Entrepreneurship, and Technology Development and Transfer. MCBC makes continuous efforts to support the designated four pillars of the Monterey County economy through accelerating regional development of Small and Medium Businesses and the creation and retention of jobs.
Other MCBC key Programs/Projects include:
· Monterey Bay Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
PTAC provides procurement and technical assistance to help companies sell their projects or services to appropriate government agencies by offering confidential counseling at no cost. PTAC is staffed with counselors experienced in government contracting and provides a wide range of services, including classes, seminars, and individual counseling. PTAC provides companies with convenient, easy access to bid opportunities, contract specifications, procurement histories, and other information necessary to successfully compete for government contracts.
· Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP)
In June 2014, the MCBC launched the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), in which regional businesses, governments, and other agencies combine efforts to better brand, showcase, and promote the Monterey Bay Region. The MBEP's mission is to establish the Monterey Bay Region as a top tier location for economic development and investment in order to create new business opportunities and a dynamic job base.
The MCBC is engaged in economic development activities that include showcasing events: Annual MCBC Anniversary Gala; Public-Private Partnership Awards; Economic Forums; and Monthly Business Luncheons, etc. The MCBC focuses showcasing events and economic development activities on key industry clusters (Higher Ed/Research; Creative; Technology; Ag/Eco-tourism; Advancing Manufacturing; Health/Wellness).
As part of the County's Development Set-Aside Agreement with the MCBC, they are required to provide periodic presentations to the Board of Supervisors.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Economic Opportunity Committee supports the Competitive Clusters Project.
FINANCING:
Funds for the Monterey County Business Council, in the amount of $87,210, have been included in FY 2014-15 Adopted Budget, via the Economic Development Department's Development Set-Aside Unit 001-8043-DE0019. There are no additional fiscal impacts to the Department Budget attendant to this recommendation.
Prepared by:
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Debby L. Bradshaw, Ext. 5338
Management Analyst III
Approved by:
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David L. Spaur, CEcD, EDFP
Economic Development Director, Ext. 5387