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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-23 Lansing Economic Development Corp Minutes FinalThe 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, September 22, 2023 – 8:30 AM Temple Lofts - 502 E César E. Chávez Ave, Lansing, MI 48906 MINUTES Members Present: Chair - Calvin Jones, Vice-Chair - Shelley Davis Boyd, Treasurer - Catherine Rathbun, Jordan Hankwitz, Jordan Sutton, Members Absent: Secretary - Dr. Alane Laws-Barker, Chaz Carrillo, Sandra Lupien, Michael McKissic Staff Present: Karl Dorshimer, Kris Klein, Brandy Standler, Aurelius Christian, Simon Verghese, Alex Watkins, Kahleea Washington Guests: Cathleen Edgerly (Downtown Lansing, Inc.), Rhonda Jones (LBWL) Call to Order/Roll Call Chair Jones called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to order at 9:46 AM. Approval of LEDC Board Meeting Minutes – Friday August 04, 2023 (ACTION) MOTION: Member Rathbun moved to approve the LEDC meeting minutes from the Friday, August 04, 2023, Board of Directors meeting, as presented. Motion seconded by member Hankwitz. YEAS: Unanimous, motion carried. Update on Financials Standler discussed that year end work is continuing as we lead up to the audit in November. Being the first month of the fiscal year there has not been much activity. Money Market fund has been opened with PNC bank and funds will be transferred in order to take advantage the higher interest rates. LEED Initiative Update Christian updated the board concerning the Empower Program. Great feedback from participants. They are learning about the legal aspects of financial lending, operations, and branding. The LEDC team participated in a MEDC Emerging Developers Roadshow event. LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, September 22, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 2 Programs and Corridor Updates Cathleen Edgerly presented a synopsis of the completed DLI Comprehensive Market Analysis. Information can be found at Cma.downtownlansing.org. Alex Watkins discussed the FAÇADE Improvement program recipients and showed the board some of the completed projects. They include Grewal Hall 224, Poppity Popcorn, The Bike Co-Op, and Moneyball Sportswear. Kahleea Washington discussed the Lansing Gateway Corridor survey results. Kris Klein discussed that LEDC staff Alex Watkins, and Simon Verghese completed the MEDA Economic Development Basic Course. Watkins, Christian, and Verghese are also taking additional classes toward certification. Staff and Chair Jones attended the National Brownfields Conference which was held in Detroit. LEDC was recognized for the Allen Place Project. Project Updates Simon Verghese discussed the Unity Apartments project. Groundbreaking will be September 29th. Klein discussed other projects such as the new Lansing City Hall and the upcoming Ovation Performing Arts Center. New Vision Lansing – Tower on Grand, Washington Square, and Capitol Tower were presented to the board. Tower on Grand will be the tallest structure in Lansing. Over 450 apartments will be added to the downtown area between all three projects. Office Update Renovations are underway at the new office. Permanent furniture will be delivered last week of September. LEDC staff is hoping for an open house in soon. Open Forum for LEDC Board Members None. Other Business None. Public Comment None. Adjournment Chair Jones called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to adjournment at 10:32 AM. ________________________________________________________ Karl Dorshimer, President, and CEO LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, September 22, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 2 Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)