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(Piper). She expounded on the Request for Proposal (RFP), mentioning the necessity of <br />maintaining strict confidentiality. Mrs. Chandler related that the minimum requirements for <br />Piper’s new site included (1) an on-site airport facility, (2) a location within 20 miles of an <br />interstate highway, (3) the ability to meet weather conditions, (4) a superior labor <br />management climate, (5) a work force with required skills, and (6) the availability of <br />business incentives. She remarked that Piper hopes to select a location site by the end of the <br />third quarter of 2007. Mrs. Chandler confirmed that Piper’s goals are to select a location for <br />their corporate headquarters and the current manufacturing facility, and to manufacture the <br />new Piper Jet. She disclosed that in March the Chamber had secured the services of the <br />Washington Economics Group, which provided a report showing that Piper Aircraft has a <br />$518 million impact on Indian River County. Mrs. Chandler concluded by stating that due to <br />the Sunshine Law, public discussion could now ensue. <br /> <br />B. KPP <br />EY ROJECT OINTS <br /> <br /> Helene Caseltine <br />, Economic Development Director, recognized team members’ <br />participation in the project. She announced that Piper currently employs about 1100 <br />residents and the new Plant would create 500 additional jobs. She reported that the estimated <br />investment in the Plant is approximately $40 million in equipment and machinery, and an <br />additional $60 million for a new facility. Director Caseltine revealed that Indian River <br />County is one of five sites still under consideration; the others being New Mexico, <br />Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tallahassee. She conveyed that Piper wants to: (1) have a <br />700,000 square foot building, (2) offset their insurance costs, (3) minimize their utility costs, <br />and (4) have access to skilled labor. Ms. Caseltine invited to speak Chuck Yaros, a <br />Consultant for the Washington Economics Group, who provided an analysis on the <br />economic impact of Piper on the County. <br /> <br /> <br />May 9, 2007 <br /> 3 <br /> <br /> <br />