Richard outlined the three basic elements of a new Gilroy EDC plan in the May 2010 issue of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce ’ s Business Focus : .
Support existing businesses to keep them viable and to encourage their expansion by :
• Initiating a “ Shop or Discover Gilroy ” campaign to bring attention to the importance of shopping locally . This would be combined with introduction of a reusable shopping bag program .
• Providing support for the expansion of Saint Louise Regional Hospital emergency department .
• Assisting the Gilroy auto dealers in their campaign to expand auto sales in Gilroy .
• Continuing Downtown revitalization by supporting efforts of the Downtown Business Association and by establishing a loan program to encourage renovation of historic buildings including unreinforced masonry buildings .
• Initiating a Gilroy Marketing Program that brings customers to Gilroy .
• Identifying funding to complete the installation of the Gilroy wayfinding sign program to benefit our residents , businesses , and visitors .
• Designing , identifying funding , and installing a new Gilroy Welcome sign at north entrance to town to replace the older auto dealer sign .
Attract new businesses or customers to Gilroy that brings jobs and services that are needed in the community by :
• Launching a Gilroy Marketing Program that solicits businesses and industries to bring their jobs and services to Gilroy .
• Developing a Material Recovery Facility ( MRF ) and transfer station to divert up to 75 % of garbage into beneficial recycled materials .
• Conducting a feasibility study to find a compatible commercial use of surplus Gilroy Gardens property to generate income and to enhance the Gardens ’ economic viability .
Enhance Gilroy ’ s business advantage by making it business friendly and relatively inexpensive to open a new business by :
• Submitting an application for an “ Enterprise Zone ” in Gilroy , which gives incentives to stimulate economic growth in depressed areas of the state . Incentives include : hiring credit , sales or use tax credit , business expansion deduction , net operating loss deduction and net interest deduction for lenders .
• Earning status as a Recycling Market Development Zone so that Gilroy businesses are eligible for the revolving recycling market development loan program .
• Reviewing City development policy and regulations and seeking a reduction in development impact fees to make them more responsive to the current economic situation .
Welcome to Gilroy , Richard . Your job is not easy . Success in your position brings jobs and economic development to Gilroy , which then translates into more revenue for the City and a better environment for all of us . Do well !
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