CVC Board Meeting 1 PM – 3:30 PM

Room 4350, Building 4, ISU Research Park
19 November 2007

Call to Order 1:00 PM

Board Attendance: Linda J. Barnes, Tim Borich, Roxanne Carisch, Burt Chojnowski, Maureen Collins-Williams, LaVon Eblen, Sandy Ehrig, Jim Erb, Rand Fisher, Rita Frahm, Jane Halliburton, Mark Hamilton, Curt Heidt, Debra Houghtaling, Bonnie M. Meier, Bill Menner, Rick Morain, David Osterberg, Lars Peterson, Severin M. Roberts, Susan S. Skora, Carol Richardson Smith

Minutes – motion to approve – seconded – carried

Agenda – motion to resequence – seconded – carried. 

FFY08 Congressionally Directed Appropriations - Jack Payne

Federal Fiscal Year 2007 earmarks did not receive any direct appropriations during FY 2007 due to actions in Washington.  Agricultural related earmarks totaled $186 million, $10 million of that for Iowa.  Through efforts of National Association of State Land Grant Universities and others we were able to retain that $186 million through Hatch and Smith-Lever formula funds.  In reality however, the amount retained was half that for ISU because formula funds received by ISU were less than the earmarks for which ISU  previously participated.  ISU terminated two programs and used those funds to keep selected ISU earmark projects fully functioning.  CVC was one of those projects.   

If the Ag appropriations earmarks are eliminated in FFY08 actions, ISU does not have any backup funds to counteract that change. 

Iowa Foundation for Microenterprise and Community Vitality Business Plan - Mark Edelman

Plans are moving forward. Top ISU administrators are meeting with the ISU President on Wednesday to discuss project.  This entity will work with SBDC’s and other providers including MyEntreNet, ISU Extension, local developers and lenders.  Goal is to not duplicate existing capital and technical assistances for small businesses, but to provide access to capital where there are gaps and to collaborate with technical assistance providers and provide incentives for collaboration.    

The program will serve both rural areas and LMI neighborhoods in metro communities.  Some funding source restrictions will also influence where the loans are made.  The USDA funds have a rural requirements.  The SBA programs will serve both rural and metro areas.   

Local entities currently own local revolving loan funds and the new entity will look for ways to encourage their involvement and participation.   

Moved that board endorse business plan direction and support writing letter to ISU President.  Seconded, carried. 

Federal Initiative Reports:  Farm Bill 2007 and Ag Appropriations - Mark Edelman

The Farm Bill has several new rural development concepts that are of interest to CVC Board.   The FY008 Approps for CVC will likely be similar to FY2006 with the possibility of a bump.  Edelman reported on discussions invited by Senator Harkin’s staff and CVC Board leaders and would provide talking points to board members who requested them.   

State Initiative Reports – Mark Edelman; Burt Chojnowski

Fairfield National Entrepreneurial Gathering Workshop Nov 1-3, 2007

Workshop covered microenterprise promotion, county microenterprise data from Norm Walzer, Univesity of Western Illinois, Iowa’s Microlending Initiative, Fairfield’s Public Library microenterprise resource center, community radio station, Civic Center Auditorium, and establishment of an entrepreneurship Charter High School in Sigourney.  Also toured the new civic center and discussed its value to entrepreneurial efforts, toured the EcoVillage and learned of energy efficient housing development, and toured the sustainability program at Maharishi University where students are designing energy efficient technologies. 

New Movers Report – Sandy Burke

Latest report is on the family aspects of moving.  Interesting finding is that young people say they move out of state to find partners.  Older people are moving to live near children.  How do we keep them all in Iowa?  An upcoming report will address other reasons people move including desire for a pleasing natural environment and a more exciting lifestyle.  Community factors report will follow that and an overarching report will cap the series.  A question the study raises is how do we adapt the housing stock for younger families to include accessible portions for seniors.  A board member mentioned that it proved very beneficial to include social events for interns. 

Farm Bureau-CVC Rural Entrepreneur Roundtable Update

A wide array of groups meet quarterly
They are collaborating to plan the MyEntreFest
They have identified the need to update Iowa’s Revolving Loan Fund Map.

Rural Development Council Update

The last board meeting was last Summer and the future is unclear.  They found the Harvesting Resources Forums to be useful.  Two attorneys advised strongly against linking a new non profit entity to a pre-existing non-profit.  Too much risk of inheriting problems, not much probable benefit, and it can cloud the decisions of the IRS in approving of the new nonprofit. 

Iowa IMAP Update

The grant award letter and subcontract approval for the Iowa Microenterprise Assistance Project is moving through the ISU Administrative system.

MyEntreNet and ISED collaboration Update

UNI is exploring expanding the MyEntreNet program throughout the state.  They are holding meetings with interested agencies and are encouraging collaborative work. 

EntreFest

Scheduled for February 21-22 in Cedar Falls.  Further information en route. 
Plan to arrange for buses to take people to it and may put banners on the buses. 

MicroEnterprise Summit

This December 17 event is being organized by IDED Microenterprise consultants.  The IDED study will be released that day and leaders of examples of similar entities from other states will participate along with selected IDED administrators and Legislators.

Philanthropy Academy

Scheduled for 4 February 2008 in the Hotel Fort Des Moines.  Mark Edelman gave an overview of the event.  Nancy Straw will keynote.  Board members suggested that a Maxine Moul of Nebraska would also be a good keynote speaker.  Local philanthropy for local economic development is moving forward much faster in Nebraska than in Iowa.

Philanthropy Website Assistance Proposal

Mark Hamilton reported he plans to have a template website up by December 31 for 1 to 3 counties.  The site enables easy giving to local philanthropies. 

CVC Staffing

Mark Edelman introduced Andrew Hug to the board.

Director’s Budget Recommendations

Mark Edelman presented the draft budget.

Committee Project Evaluation Timeline

There will be phone conference calls before January 8.

Community Grant Submissions

Initial proposals submitted in response to the RFP were distributed to the board for initial comment.

Maureen Collins-Williams said that due to CVC’s program in support of MyEntreNet communities, the funding MyEntreNet assistance in one of the Community proposals should be revised as they have not been selected for the MyEntreNet program yet.

Regarding the Growing New Food Farmers proposal, Carol Smith expressed a desire that it include more than one farmer. 

Motion to Adjourn. Seconded and Carried.  Meeting Adjourned.