Council approves EDC incentives for Laura’s Cheesecake expansion and Mobile Medic ambulance conversions
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Summary
Mount Pleasant council unanimously approved EDC performance agreements on Nov. 4 to support Laura’s Cheesecake’s expansion into a dedicated commercial kitchen and Mobile Medic Automotive Conversion’s manufacturing operation, tying incentives to job-creation milestones.
The Mount Pleasant City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 4 to approve two EDC-backed performance agreements supporting local business expansion and a new manufacturing operation.
Laura’s Cheesecake: The council approved a performance agreement for 206 West Second LLC, supporting Laura’s Cheesecake as it separates its retail operation from an expanded commercial kitchen at 1709 W. Ferguson. City staff said the business will invest more than $500,000 in equipment and building costs and is expected to create at least six full‑time jobs; the EDC proposed a $60,000 forgivable incentive tied to job creation with a potential additional $20,000 if the company reaches eight positions and maintains them for two years. Kevin (EDC staff) said the EDC board approved the project unanimously. "They've grown that much," Kevin said of Laura’s Cheesecake; partner Richard Witherspoon was present at the meeting.
Mobile Medic Automotive Conversion LLC: Council also approved a performance agreement backing Mobile Medic’s move into a county‑road facility that will remount modular ambulance boxes onto new chassis. Staff reported a planned company investment of approximately $150,000, a lease with an option to buy, and creation of 10 full‑time positions with wages starting at about $20.25 per hour. The EDC recommended a $100,000 forgivable incentive paid as the company meets employment milestones over three years.
Clawbacks and approvals: Both agreements include standard clawback language requiring payback if the business fails to meet employment or performance thresholds. The EDC director said the incentives are structured to be forgivable once job targets are met and that deed fees or purchaser fees will not come from the city operating budget.
Votes and next steps: Council members moved and seconded motions to approve both agreements; each motion passed unanimously. Staff will finalize performance agreements and return documents for contract execution.
