Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Santa Fe EDC tables Retail Coach retail-recruitment agreement until new director is hired
Summary
The board voted to table consideration of a Retail Coach retail-recruitment and retail-data contract after discussing price, scope and whether the EDC should wait for a new director; staff said the vendor offered a discounted rate but the board preferred to revisit the proposal after the director hire.
The Santa Fe Economic Development Corporation on Jan. 28 tabled consideration of an agreement with Retail Coach to provide retail data analysis and retail-recruitment services.
Rudy O'Neil told the board that Retail Coach had reduced its proposed price and that board members had previously expressed interest. Board members discussed the contract’s scope: several directors said they understood Retail Coach would both build a database of available parcels and actively recruit retailers using its vendor contacts and conference outreach. Board members who had contacted other cities that used the firm reported generally positive reviews.
Board members discussed costs and timing. Staff said Retail Coach initially quoted as high as about $30,000, then offered a reduced amount; meeting comments referenced a reduction to $24,850 for the initial period and a subsequent lower ongoing fee (about a 20% reduction after year one, according to the vendor representatives board members consulted). Several board members said they were reluctant to proceed until a replacement for coordinator Josh is on board so the new director can evaluate and help manage the vendor relationship.
A motion to table formal consideration until the board hires a new director was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.
Board President and staff said they would contact Retail Coach to confirm whether the discounted price could be held while the EDC completes the hiring process.
