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Regular Meeting August 1, 2005 154. Page 7 development funding. He stated he sees several opportunities to help start new businesses with loans or grants, which in the past were turned away. He stated the Economic Development Council is currently developing a loan program. Mr. Guerrero inquired as to the process for when a business prospect falls short, so the Chamber can evaluate and makes improvements for next time. Mr. Neighbors stated the Chamber tries to hold a discussion with the prospective business to find out why they chose another location. He stated often it is the location or incentives. Mr. Rogers stated the City usually make it past the first round of eliminations. He stated when a prospective business comes to town, the Chamber tries to find out how long they have been in town and who they have spoken to. He stated usually the site selector get a different view of the City. Mr. Mihalkanin inquired as to the way other cities receive economic development funding. Mr. Neighbors stated several cities have an economic development sales tax set up for economic development. He stated he feels this sales tax provides other cities with more funds, which allows them to provide more incentives. Mayor Narvaiz inquired as to the transitions if the Chamber is not awarded the contract. Mr. Neighbors stated when a prospective business comes to San Marcos, the Chamber will still need to provide some information to the business, but then they will have to refer them to the person who will provide the economic development contract. He stated when it comes to the property of the economic development, he will have to work with the Legal Department to find out the outline of the property in the current contract. Mr. Thomaides inquired whether the Chamber felt they could do a better job with the functions of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Minority Economic Development and Tourism. Mr. Neighbors stated the Chamber helps with providing information regarding Hotel lodging and shopping information. He also stated if it is a prospective business, the Chamber receives help with a Spanish translator. Mr. Bose stated he would like to market for high tech and hospital jobs in San Marcos. He inquired what the Chamber would do to achieve this. Mr. Rogers stated there are several small local job forces within a 55 mile radius. He stated the Chamber has a working relationship with the Austin Community College and hope to bring these types of courses to San Marcos. He stated with the creation of the Workforce Committee, this is something they hope to work on. Mr. Taylor inquired as to way the Chamber feels they can be more proactive and go out and get business. Mr. Rogers stated the Chamber has updated their website to promote San Marcos as a Technology Corridor, which has received 1,000 hits a month. He stated the City was the only City in our area that was in the running for two major auto suppliers, but they chose a location closer to the main supplier. He stated his biggest wish is for San Marcos to develop an industrial park. Mr. Guerrero inquired as to one qualification of a strong partnership. Mr. Schott stated he felt a qualification of a strong partnership is commitment. Mr. Neighbors stated he felt a qualification of a strong partnership is communication and proactive with the Council. Mr. Rogers stated he felt a qualification of a strong partnership is partnerships and friendships. He