tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3067042139498314114.post-49337591415989989112007-01-18T09:31:00.000-08:002007-01-18T09:34:35.565-08:00Big news for the area this week and thank goodness it isn’t about another business closing.<br />The announcement that there are plans to build a 100 million gallon ethanol plant near Moorefield is welcome news for an area reeling from recent announcements of business closings. And while there are many individuals that have been involved with getting this project to its current stage there is one group that has been invaluable in this accomplishment, the Medicine Valley Economic Development Corporation.<br /> The EDC board should be thanked for the announcement, for without the hard work of its board members on the announcement would not have been made.<br /> While the completion of the plant is not guaranteed, there would be no possibility of its being built here without the tireless efforts of the EDC board.<br /> It was the EDC that spearheaded the effort to get the variance on well restrictions at the plant site. It was the EDC that asked the county to rezone the site. It was the EDC that worked with area property owners on the option agreements. It was the EDC that hosted the MANY parties that expressed interest in developing the site the past couple of years. It was the EDC that prepared all of the appropriate materials needed for the sales presentations. It was the EDC who paid for the Corn Study that showed the area could support another ethanol plant. In short, it was the EDC that made it possible for the announcement to be made.<br /> This is the second big action accomplished by the EDC board the past couple of weeks. For without the EDC board stepping in, there is a very good chance that Sunset Haven would be closing next week.<br /> The EDC has been criticized by a variety of people for the things it has done, for the things it is perceived to have done, and for the things it has not done. Some of these are legitimate, some of them are not.<br /> All I know is that the EDC has done everything it can to promote the area and try and recruit businesses here. But these type of efforts are slow moving and have a low rate of success, and unfortunately they often require a certain amount of secrecy.<br /> But here is something that is not a secret. There is a pool of tax dollars that has been collected and is waiting to be used. These tax dollars are for local business development projects.<br />There is a specific amount of money set aside for a facade improvement program in downtown Curtis. There is business development money that is available for anyone in the Medicine Valley area who has a business idea they would like to explore.<br /> But the EDC does not go out and try and find people to distribute the money to. If you are interested in these funds you need to apply for them. And putting your hand out and asking for something for nothing is not appropriate. If you have an idea for a new business, you will need a business plan and you will need to fill out an application. If you are an existing business you will need to bring us your expansion plans and documentation supporting your request.<br />If the application is deemed feasible they are supported. The EDC will then evaluate the application and forward it to the Curtis city council who has the final say on the use of these tax dollars.<br /> Oh, one last thing. The EDC gave money in the form of a forgivable loan to Sunset Haven so they could buy a new kitchen range hood, but even Sunset Haven had to apply for these funds.<br />If you are happy that Sunset Haven has received a reprieve, or if you are excited about the new ethanol plant thank an EDC member. Because without them neither would be a reality.Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01811280713013038324noreply@blogger.com