HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 -14- 23 Lansing Economic Development Corp Meeting Minutes 04.14.12The Lansing EDC’s Mission is to improve the Lansing community by fostering economic growth that is strategic, sustainable and equitable.
Board of Directors Meeting
Friday, April 14, 2023 – 8:30 AM
Lansing EDC Office - 230 N. Washington Sq., Lansing, MI 48933
MINUTES
Members Present: Chair - Calvin Jones, Vice-Chair - Shelley Davis Boyd, Secretary - Dr. Alane Laws-
Barker, Treasurer - Catherine Rathbun, Chaz Carrillo, Sandra Lupien, Michael
McKissic
Members Absent: Jordan Sutton
Staff Present: Karl Dorshimer, Kris Klein, Brandy Standler, Aurelius Christian, Simon
Verghese
Guests: Aurora LeMule (LBWL)
Call to Order/Roll Call
Chair Jones called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to order at 8:31AM.
Approval of LEDC Board Meeting Minutes – Friday March 03, 2023 (ACTION)
MOTION: Member Davis Boyd moved to approve the LEDC meeting minutes from the Friday, March 03, 2023,
Board of Directors meeting, as presented. Motion seconded by member Lupien.
YEAS: Unanimous, motion carried.
Update on Financials
Brandy Standler reported that a financial report will be given at the upcoming meeting on May 05, 2023.
Budgets have been submitted to the City of Lansing.
Changes to BFAP Micro-Loan Policy
Simon Verghese introduced the board to the Business Finance Assistance Program Micro Loan Policy. Simon
covered a variety of updates to the micro loan policy that the committee is discussing, such as: eligibility,
LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, April 14, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3
application changes, loan terms, the approval process, disbursements, and fees. The committee is considering
changing the maximum loan amount to $50,000 among other items.
Memorandum of Understanding - Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority Façade Program
(ACTION)
Aurelius Christian reported the Michigan Ave CIA approved a Façade Improvement request to use $100,000 or
ARPA funds for improvements to the 2000 block of East Michigan Avenue.
MOTION: To accept the MOU for the Michigan Ave CIA Façade Program. Moved by Vice-President Davis
Boyd. Second by member Carrillo.
YEAS: Unanimous, motion carried.
LEED Initiative Update
Aurelius Christian discussed the technical assistance program with Operations School is underway. The
committee is beginning to look at the small business grant program.
Update on Marketing and Branding Effort
Karl Dorshimer presented the new Brand Standards document and the new Lansing EDC logo.
Projects Update
Kris Klein reported there are plans for a groundbreaking in a month or two. Also the Moneyball project will be
opening soon. Lofts at Dodge Park is progressing with hopes to see construction early next year. The Façade
Improvement Program has been closed for the fiscal year. There were 43 applicants. CEDAM Community
Development Fellowship will begin in mid-May. Karl Dorshimer discussed the Economic Development
Specialist position and that interviews will begin the following week.
Open Forum for LEDC Board Members
M3 Group will be hosting the City of Lansing reception at the Mackinaw Policy Conference.
Other Business
Aurelius Christian reported that he had attended the National Association of Community Health Centers Policy
& Issues Forum in March. Ingham Community Health Center is federally funded, however there are issues
LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, April 14, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3
with securing multiyear funding. Advocating of funding for CH and community workforce development was
part of the forum. Strategic expansion of the ICHC is underway, with that is the possibility of expanding the
health care workforce and being a part of the Pleasant Grove School Redevelopment Project.
Calvin Jones mentioned that Mayor Schor has announced that Washington Park will have a plaque honoring
Senator Debbie Stabenow. Calvin asked for consideration of the LEDC/LBRA/TIFA pay for the plaque.
Calvin Jones also stated that he would like to step off the loan committee and is looking for some other board
member to fill the opening on the committee.
Public Comment
Aurora LeMule from the LBWL introduced herself to the board and Lansing EDC staff.
Adjournment
Chair Jones called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to adjournment at 9:31 AM.
________________________________________________________
Karl Dorshimer, President, and CEO
Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)