THE MONONGALIA COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

THE MORGANTOWN AREA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

MISSION, GOALS, AND

THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 WORK PROGRAM (Version 06/10)

 

The Morgantown Area Economic Partnership (MAP) is a regional, non-profit, public-private sector partnership that helps businesses expand, grow, and locate in Monongalia and Preston counties. Operating under the direction of a 23-member board of directors, this economic development partnership includes representation from local governments in Monongalia County, the Monongalia and Preston County Economic Development Authorities, the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce, West Virginia University, and banks, utilities and businesses in Monongalia County.

The Monongalia County Development Authority (MCDA) is an arm of county government whose purpose is to "promote, develop and advance the business prosperity and economic welfare of Monongalia County." The Monongalia County Commission makes those appointments to the 21-member board of directors that are not already set forth by State enabling legislation.

MAP and the MCDA work together to help new and existing businesses in such areas as capital financing, employee recruitment and training, sites and buildings, international trade, and community and economic data. The offices of MAP and the MCDA are currently located in the Morgantown Enterprise Center, 955 Hartman Run Road, Suite 200, Morgantown WV 26505. Donald Reinke, CEcD, AICP, serves as the Director of both organizations.

At the beginning of each fiscal year the Board of Directors of MAP and the MCDA jointly develop a written work program in order to chart the course of action for the organizations and to provide a bench mark to review the progress made at the end of the year. The mission, core goals, and work program of MAP and the MCDA for Fiscal Year 2010 (July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011) are as follows:

VISION: The Morgantown Metropolitan Statistical Area's strong commitment to future generations has created a vibrant and diverse economy, supporting business development and growth, quality jobs, and the area's natural beauty. The Morgantown MSA has a highly skilled, diverse, and educated work force; is a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship; and offers an excellent quality of life for all residents.

MISSION: Strengthen and expand the area's economy by making, and influencing others to make, strategic investments; and facilitating the creation of more quality jobs.

CORE GOALS:

1. Retain and expand existing businesses.

2. Recruit new businesses and investments.

3. Stimulate and support small business and entrepreneurial activity.

4. Improve the local, regional, and state business environment and increase the capacity to support economic growth and community development.

FISCAL YEAR 2010 WORK PROGRAM:Work objectives are categorized as either a new or short-term "Initiative Objective" or as more routine, longer-term "Ongoing Objective." Guiding principles for work objectives are that they be measurable, important, and achievable. The Work Objectives for FY 2010 follow. Where applicable, a brief status comment (AS OF 6/10) appears in italics following some of the objectives.

INITIATIVE OBJECTIVES (Short Term – 1 to 2 years):

1. The MCDA will work with the City of Morgantown to facilitate the planning, construction of infrastructure, and the development of a business park on the east side of the Morgantown Airport.(MCDA has executed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Morgantown to assist the City in bringing an access road to the proposed 90-acre Airport Technology Park. The MCDA has retained an engineer to do the design and engineering work for the Airport Access Road. The engineering plans for the road are complete and undergoing review by the WVDOH. The City and the MCDA are working to secure the estimated $4.5 million construction funding for this project. Senator Byrd has announced that a $1.96 million federal earmark has been made for the access road. In December, the Federal Aviation Administration gave conditional approval for the proposed development plan, including the proposed Army National Guard Readiness Center and the City is working to meet the conditions set forth by the FAA .Once the funding is in place and FAA gives final approval to the development, ROW acquisition for the access road will commence.)
2. If Parcel 6 in the Chaplin Hill Business Park is sold to Beitzel Corporation, apply to the WVDOH for a $400,000 Industrial Access Road Grant to construct the next extension of that road and thereby open up additional parcels for development.
3. Update the MAP website and related marketing materials as per recent review and recommendations made by ED Solutions.
4. The MCDA will construct a light manufacturing business incubator building of at least 20,000 SF in the Morgantown Airport Technology Park when the access road and utilities are extended to serve that park.

ONGOING OBJECTIVES (Long – Term – 3+ years):

1. MAP/MCDA will support the efforts of the Morgantown Metropolitan Planning Organization to improve transportation facilities and services in the Morgantown Urbanized Area.(The MPO has developed a priority listing of local transportation improvements and a Traffic Demand Management Study underway. The WVDOH has elevated the Route 705 Connector to a high priority project and the construction of this $30 Million project could begin as early as 2011.)
2. MAP will market the area to prospective businesses via a combination of print ads (including ads in the Dominion Post, select issues of The State Journal, and in the Commercial Real Estate Guide of the Pittsburgh Business Times), through local (www.morgantown.org) and state (www.wvdo.org) Web Sites, and through direct mailings and meetings with local businesses and commercial/industrial developers. Work closely with the WVDO for business referrals. Participate in and support financially a regional targeted marketing program through the I-79 Development Council. Two particular target audiences for the marketing efforts include corporate site selection consultants and alumni and friends of WVU with corporate connections. Make initial response to inquiries from business prospects within 24 hours.
3. MAP/MCDA will market available business development services to existing local employers through its web site, periodic direct mailings, local media ads, and seminars. Make personal business retention visits to at least 10 local employers in Monongalia County. Conduct local/state business assistance seminar.
4. The MCDA will continue to operate the 14,000 S.F. Morgantown Enterprise Center (MEC), and lease available space in the building, in some cases at below market rates, to new small businesses that employ skilled workers and have good growth potential.(The MEC is currently 100% leased. Tenants include Protea Bioscience and the Mid-Atlantic Technology Research and Innovation Center. The offices of MAP/MCDA are also located in the MEC.)
5. Cooperate and coordinate with other local, regional, and statewide economic development efforts including, but not limited to, West Virginia University, Fairmont State University, the Pierpont Community & Technical College, The Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau, Main Street Morgantown, Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, Region VI Planning and Development Council, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Monongalia County Planning Commission, I-79 Development Council, Region VI Work Force Investment Board, the WV Development Office, and appropriate labor organizations.
6. Monitor and take appropriate actions regarding environmental issues that may negatively impact economic development in our area (e.g., air and water quality).(In May, the MCDA approved a resolution of support for the purpose of the 5th Annual Mon River Summit which is to further discussion of issues and opportunities for the Monongahela River including commerce, economic development, infrastructure, water quality, energy generation, environment and recreation.)
7. MAP will continue to participate in a regional micro loan program that can offer direct loans of up to $35,000 to existing and new small businesses.
8. MAP will maintain and update community profiles, site and building inventories, employer lists, and marketing materials for Monongalia County.
9. MAP will sponsor periodic Morgantown Entrepreneurial Forums and business assistance seminars.
10. MAP will apply for and secure the WV Local Economic Development Grant (LEDG) for fiscal year 2011.
11. Inform the public about the activities of MAP and the MCDA via press releases, speeches, interviews, and the MAP web site.