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156. Regular Meeting August 1, 2005 Page 9 Economic Development Sales Tax. She stated since the City does not collect the Sales Tax, then other resources will need to be leveraged. Mr. Hernandez stated he feels Texas State University is a main resource. Mr. Mihalkanin inquired how the Economic Development in San Marcos can be strengthened. Ms. Moore stated she feels local businesses need to be resourced. She stated she feels businesses not involved in the Chamber need to be contacted and expanded to them. Mr. Guerrero inquired how GMG would improve Economic Development. Mr. Hernandez stated GMG is creative and has legal thinkers. He stated the first step would be to see what the City wants and how the Council sees the City developing. Ms. Moore stated she feels every member of GMG is an expert in economic development. Mr. Diaz inquired how GMG proposes to be visible in the community. Ms. Moore stated once a contract is negotiated, GMG will be informing the community and local business owners will be contacted. She stated she will go door to door to the businesses to see what their needs are. Mr. Bose inquired how GMG proposes to bring in High Tech jobs into San Marcos. Mr. Hernandez stated he proposes to work with the University and to also approach businesses that provide these services. Mr. Aanstoos stated he would also approach the High Schools to help get technical jobs and training. Mr. Thomaides inquired as to why GMG can do a better job than the current contract holder. Mr. Aanstoos stated GMG has created a measurable program with accountabilities and goals with a creative approach. He also stated GMG will show a return on the City's investment. Mayor Narvaiz inquired how GMG would handle a prospective business coming into the office unannounced. Mr. Martinez stated he would have the prospective business see GMG in an active manner. He stated GMG has created goals and procedures on how to handle prospective businesses. Mr. Mihalkanin inquired what GMG feels is an important goal. Ms. Moore stated she feels a business plan which is customized, based upon the visit and the needs of the business. Mr. Hernandez stated he feels an important goal is to build a relationship and make it a team effort. Mr. Guerrero inquired how GMG plans on meeting the economic development needs of San Marcos on a small budget with a large Staff. Mr. Hernandez stated he would create a working relationship with the Board and citizens and approach the community to help with services. He also stated the salaries are for the expertise. Mr. Aanstoos stated his goal is to apply for the Texas Economic Development funding. Ms. Moore thanked the Council for the opportunity to present their RFP. She stated this has been a team effort and she is proud of the team. She stated she proposes that every dollar the Council provides will have a $400.00 return. She also stated GMG will hit the ground running if they are awarded the contract. Mr. Aanstoos stated economic development is hard work and marketing is a small amount of economic development. He stated he feels GMG will help with existing businesses, and they will also help add businesses to San Marcos. Mayor Narvaiz inquired which group the Council wants to negotiate the economic development contract with. Mr. Guerrero stated he was thankful for the overall RFP process. He stated he feels GMG provided a professional and detailed RFP, but he feels the