HomeMy WebLinkAboutLansing Economic Development Corporation Minutes 8.8.25The 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, August 8, 2025 – 8:30 AM
Lansing EDC Office - 401 S. Washington Sq. Suite 101, Lansing, MI 48933
MINUTES
Members Present: Shelley Davis Boyd, Catherine Rathbun, Dr. Alane Laws-
Barker, Jonathan Smith, Bryan Britten, Dr. Cristina Benton,
Calvin Jones, Rawley Van Fossen
Members Absent: Chaz Carrillo
Staff Present: Kris Klein, Brian Swett, Alex Watkins, Aurelius Christian,
Kimberly Lavon
Guests:
Call to Order
Chair Shelley Davis Boyd called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to
order at 9:38 A.M.
Approval of LEDC Board Meeting Minutes – Friday, July 11, 2025 (ACTION)
MOTION: Member Smith moved to approve the LEDC meeting minutes from Friday, July 11,
2025, Board of Directors meeting, as presented. Motion seconded by Member Laws-Barker.
YEAS: EIGHT (8); Unanimous; motion carried.
Financial Update
Swett offered updates on the Lansing EDC financials. It was requested that the financial
reports be presented monthly.
Operations Update:
a. HR Recommendations
Klein updated the Board on the status of the revised Team Member Handbook and the
development of performance measures for all employees.
LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, August 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3
b. Job Posting
Klein informed the Board of posting for a Director of Economic Development and that
this role is part of the effort to develop departments within the organization and that
the position will have direct reports.
c. Project Management Tool
Klein updated the Board on efforts to implement new project management software
called Pipedrive which will assist with internal processes and workflow as well as
external reporting on projects and programs.
Project and Program Updates
a. SEED Academy Graduation
Klein recapped the August 4th Graduation for the inaugural cohort of the SEED
Academy and mentioned the launch of Cohort 2 is scheduled for mid-October.
Member Jones suggested the Board Chair share comments at future graduation
ceremonies.
b. REO Town Grant Initiative
Klein provided the Board a draft copy of the REO Town Talent District funding
pitchbook created as part of efforts to seek a Michigan Talent Partnership Program
grant award for the district. It was requested that a digital copy of the packet be
shared with the Board.
c. Lansing Pitchbook
Klein shared an update on efforts to create a Lansing Pitchbook that will summarize
tools and resources available for development projects and businesses as well as
highlight premier sites for investment throughout the city.
Open Forum for LEDC Board Members
Member Rathbun discussed planning a gathering.
Member Laws-Barker shared two event opportunities including a Melanated Business
Alliance Business Mixer on August 20, 2025 at Jollof and a Youth Small Business Expo
planned for November 19, 2025.
Member Jones shared Board of Water and Light’s Walk/Run event on Saturday.
Other Business
None
LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, August 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3
Public Comment
None.
Adjournment
Chair Shelley Davis Boyd called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to
adjourn at 10:03 A.M.
__________________________________________
Kris Klein, President & CEO
Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)