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155. Regular Meeting August 1, 2005 Page 8 stated he also feels development of a partnership with regional areas and friendships with competitors is important. Mayor Narvaiz inquired as to different ways the Economic Development Council has helped with prospective businesses. Mr. Rogers stated the Economic Development Council brings prospect information to the City Council and then presents it to the Board. He stated the Board is mainly used for strategy purposes. Mr. Guerrero inquired as to whether there is a strategy approach Economic Development Council uses to assist with minority businesses. Mr. Rogers stated the Chamber is currently working on the creation of a small business program, which will provide grants or loans to those who would qualify. The normal process is to go through the Small Business Development process to get the business plan together. The Economic Development Council and the Board review the plan to see if the business qualifies for a grant. If the business does not qualify for a grant, then the business would go into a guaranteed loan program, and work on a credit program to help build up their credit. He stated the Chamber is there to help San Marcos grow regardless of the type of business. Mr. Neighbors stated the Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the City for 17 years. He stated he feels the partnership has worked well, but has some room for improvement. He stated the Chamber of Commerce has the support of several professional businesses and surrounding cities. He stated he feels the Chamber of Commerce is a professionally run business. Global Marketing Group: Margie Moore stated she and her team will work aggressively on economic development projects with the City and Staff. Jim Aanstoos stated his background is in Finance. He worked with Ms. Moore at the State of Texas Economic Development. Ms. Moore introduced Rosemary Suniga and stated Ms. Suniga is a San Marcos resident and will be the Office Manager. Daniel Hernandez stated he is an attorney from Bryan, Texas. Ms. Moore stated Ms. Montemayer is not present, but has agreed to be the Bookkeeper. Mr. Taylor inquired as to the length of time it would take Global Marketing Group to start up. Ms. Moore stated Global Marketing Group brings a lot of experience, knowledge and contacts to the table. She stated there will be a minimum start up time, and they will begin the day the contract is signed. Mr. Aanstoos stated GMG is a dynamic group with a new approach. He stated they will be streamlining the process and work together as an EDC Team. Mr. Hernandez stated GMG already has the network, which allows GMG to get started right away. Mr. Bose inquired as to the networking and the contacts mentioned. Mr. Hernandez stated his role will be to facilitate the TEAM. He stated the contacts GMG have are with the Governor's Economic Development Office, Dallas, Houston and several Cities and organizations. He stated he has worked with several other Regional Economic Development Programs. Ms. Moore stated she has several International Economic Development contacts in Africa, Mexico, Canada and more. Mayor Narvaiz inquired if GMG is not awarded the contract, what improvements would need to be made with the Economic Development Council. Ms. Moore stated she feels one of the weaknesses is not collecting an