THE MONONGALIA COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

THE MORGANTOWN AREA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

MISSION, GOALS, AND

THE FISCAL YEAR 2010 WORK PROGRAM (Version 02/10)

 

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, 2009 - June 30, 2010) 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 2/10) appears in italics following some of the objective.

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

• Invite the Director (Bill Austin) and Chairman (Asel Kennedy) of the Metropolitan Planning Organizations to a joint meeting of the MAP and MCDA Board on September 24. Discussion topics will include the status of the implementation of the Monongalia County Transportation Plan, and what specific actions MAP/MCDA can take to facilitate the implementation of the County Transportation Plan. (This meeting was held. Since then a representative from MAP and one from the MCDA have been appointed to the MPO’s Policy Advisory Committee.)

• The MCDA will work with the City of Morgantown to facilitate the construction of infrastructure and the development of a business park and perhaps other sites 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. Construction of the road could begin in late 2010).

• MAP will retain a consultant with a national perspective in ED Marketing Programs and Practices to review, evaluate and make recommendations on all of MAP’s marketing tools and practices.

(Negotiations are underway with Mark James of ED Solutions to provide these services.)

• The MCDA will offer to partner with the City of Morgantown to undertake a cost/benefit analysis and/or economic impact study of extending the current runway to 6,500 LF when the City develops its new Airport Master Plan in 2010.

(In December 2009, Michael Baker Corporation was retained by the Airport to be the consultant for the new Airport Master Plan. The Airport Manager has stated that alternative runway extensions to as much as 7,000 LF will be thoroughly considered in the development of the new Master Plan.)

• MAP will apply for and secure the renewal of Certified Development Community (CDC) designation for Monongalia County from the WV Development Office when it expires in August 2009.

(Application approved and CDC designation renewed through 2012.)

• 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.

• Special Opportunities:
• MCDA made two loans to a local manufacturer that helped them stay out of bankruptcy and turn the business around. These loans have been repaid.
• MCDA is selling Parcel 6 of the Chaplin Hill Business Park to a manufacturer/construction services business based in Maryland.

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

• MAP/MCDA will advocate the implementation of the Monongalia County Transportation Plan, and other transportation related activities directed at addressing the growing traffic congestion problem in the Morgantown Urbanized Area. (Ongoing)

• 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 on the Internet, 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. (Ongoing)

• 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.

(Business assistance seminar held on August 12. Direct marketing letter mailed to 60 local employers on September 9. Twelve personal retention visits have been made to date to local employers.)

• 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 currently100% leased to five tenants including Protea Bioscience, the Iridium Group, Community Health Initiatives, and the Mid-Atlantic Technology Research and Innovation Center. The offices of MAP/MCDA are also located in the MEC.)

• 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, Monongalia County Farmland Preservation Board, 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. (Ongoing)

• Monitor and take appropriate actions regarding environmental issues that may negatively impact economic development in our area (e.g., air and water quality).

(MCDA member Barry Pallay has been a leader in local efforts to facilitate the study, analysis, and action to address the water quality problems that caused the2009 fish and aquatic life kill in Dunkard Creek and other regional waterways. Legislation to address this issue was introduced at the current session of the State Legislature.)

• 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. (Ongoing)

• MAP will maintain and update community profiles, site and building inventories, employer lists, and marketing materials for Monongalia County. (Ongoing)

• MAP will sponsor periodic Morgantown Entrepreneurial Forums and business assistance seminars. (Business assistance seminar held on August 12. First two EF’s held on October 14 and December 8. Next EF scheduled for February 9.)

• MAP will apply for and secure the WV Local Economic Development Grant (LEDG) for fiscal year 2010.

(Accomplished)

• Inform the public about the activities of MAP and the MCDA via press releases, speeches, interviews, and the MAP web site. (Ongoing)