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Advisory board pushes for a focused economic strategy, consultant work and June workshop
Summary
Members urged a tighter focus for the board’s economic development priorities, asked staff to refine budgets for lead‑generation/marketing consultants (quotes ranged from $50k/yr to $75–85k), and voted to seek FGCU and Dover, Kohl & Partners presentations ahead of a planned June workshop where members will present top sector priorities to city council.
Board members pressed for a narrower, actionable economic strategy and asked colleagues to prioritize target industry sectors before the next meeting. A staff member outlined options for third‑party lead‑generation consultants and shared ballpark cost examples: one firm was described as $75–85,000 for initial work and another at about $50,000 per year for retail recruitment; members urged the board to identify 2–3 target sectors so limited marketing dollars can be focused.
The board agreed to request presentations by FGCU researchers (a Dr. Amir was suggested) and by Dover, Kohl & Partners (the consultant working on Midtown/News‑Press concepts) at a future meeting or workshop, and to set a June workshop to refine a short list of priorities to present to city council. One member summarized the assignment: board members should review a circulated list of eight potential sectors and each submit their top two choices at the next meeting.
"When you start a new business, you have a vision and you have a mission," the chair said, urging the board to define what the city should 'be when we grow up' economically, and to use that vision to guide consultant hiring and budget recommendations.
