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Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element 6.4 I Maintain and/or improve county characteristics IPD I Ongoing No 7.1 Provide speakers to educate private citizens regarding economic development EDD/PD Ongoing No 7.2 Maintain and increase funding for economic development EDD Ongoing No BCC = Board of County Commissioners COC = Indian River County Chamber of Commerce CVB = City of Vero Beach EDC = Economic Development Council EDD = Economic Development Division of Chamber of Commerce PD = County Planning Department IRCC = Indian River Community College PUD = Purchasing Division OMB = Budget Office TDD = Tourism Division of Chamber of Commerce As designated by the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners, the Economic Development Division (EDD) of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce functions as the official economic development agency for the county and is recognized as such by Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) the state's economic development agency. Therefore, marketing activities identified in the Economic Development Element are the responsibility of the EDD. The EDD has developed promotional materials designed to attract prospective companies that are relocating or expanding operations and maintains a strong business retention program. neee tly the EDD `a � � The EDD continues to focus its efforts on developing stronger ,, Ll1V LLLT relationships with site location consultants. Site location consultants represent firms that are actively searching for new locations to accommodate an expansion or relocation of their operations. These professionals also provide valuable insight into the site selection process and can offer communities advice on promoting an area for business attraction. Familiarization tours, or FAM tours are conducted where the EDD invites a group of consultants to visit Indian River County to see the benefits our area offers their prospective clients. Prior to a company executive or the site location consultant scheduling a site visit to Indian River County, the EDD submits a detailed proposal to the company or consultant outlining the properties or buildings that may meet their project needs along with other attributes that could benefit the prospective company's operations. During the site visit, the EDD meets with the prospective company or its representative to determine which sites in Indian River County that were previously suggested_are most suitable and to discuss incentive programs that could be available to the company. EDD walks the prospective company through the local site location process and facilitates the incentive application process once eligibility is determined. The company's due diligence process in evaluating all sites under consideration often takes months. EDD has assisted sevem4numerous local businesses in securing incentives and training grants which enabled them to expand their local operations thus creating jobs for local residents. The EDD has developed material, such as the promotional thumb drive, the Enterprise Zone b--eehure, and a eentives br-ee ••—promotional videos, and revamped its website, offering information needed to assist businesses in making their relocation and expansion decisions. Community Development Department Indian River County 56