The Greater Columbus Economic Development Corp. (EDC) is proposing less travel and slightly lower fees in its 2021 contract with the city of Columbus.
The city has approved a fee-for-service agreement with the EDC, which city Director of Finance, Operations and Risk Jamie Brinegar said is basically a renewal of what has been approved with the EDC in the past.
The only difference is that EDC has lowered its fee-for-service fee from $125,000 to $110,000 as a result of "reduced travel" due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"They are still marketing the area, continuing to participate electronically in as many activities as they can," Brinegar said. "We still feel very strongly that this is a great agreement for us to stay a part of."
The EDC is a non-profit organization with the mission statement of building "a world-class community by enhancing the quality of life, economic opportunity and personal well-being of our citizens."
"Our strategic goal is to grow and attract well-paying, high value-added, community-minded base/primary businesses by influencing and leveraging the area’s distinct capabilities in advanced manufacturing, Science Technology Engineering & Math (STEM) education resources, and design," the EDC’s website states.
The organization’s approach is three strategic goals. It involves helping "existing primary employers" with growth, attracting and recruiting new companies to the area and working with other community leaders to "build upon and continuously improve our area’s desirability to businesses and residents."
Over 70% of the EDC’s support comes from local businesses, and the balance of funding comes from "local units of government."
