Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chamber outlines KPIs and highlights Project SURGE; True Lighting incentive is subject of public hearing
Summary
The Chamber reported quarterly KPIs and described Project SURGE/True Lighting — a prospect recommended for a $300,000 incentive — and outlined recruitment activity. The board held required public hearings on Goodfellow AFB support ($75,000) and the True Lighting incentive (no public comment).
Michael Looney presented the Chamber of Commerce quarterly economic development report, summarizing recruitment and retention work, capital investment pipelines and workforce partnerships.
Looney said the Chamber has secured nearly $9 million in capital investment so far against a $100 million seasonal target and reported roughly 11 recruitment leads to date. He highlighted Project SURGE (True Lighting Protection) as a tractionable BRE project; the developer has requested a $300,000 incentive that COSIDC previously recommended to support capital investment and job creation. Looney described the prospect as specializing in surge protection and said the company’s technology fills a unique market niche.
Bob Schneeman later led required public hearings on two Type B projects. He said a $75,000 program agreement with the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee would reimburse the Chamber for activities that promote and support Goodfellow Air Force Base. On True Lighting, Schneeman summarized the proposal: at least $851,000 in capital investment, creation of eight full‑time positions with an average wage of about $58,750, with a projected 10‑year economic impact of $15 million. Schneeman said the proposed incentive not to exceed $300,000 would be split between capital investment and job creation metrics; the Small Business Development Center reviewed the business plan and offered support for its projections. No public speakers registered at these hearings.
Board members requested documentation and transparency on incentive terms and the Chamber’s ROI metrics; Looney offered to provide the full quarterly report and a break down of return‑on‑investment analyses.
