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B. Organizational Capability 1. Provide the mission statement and vision of your organization: Mission Statement: The mission of the Economic Development Office (EDO) of the Chamber is to effectively bring together and coordinate a public-private partnership which will further develop, refine, and implement programs and policies to retain and grow existing targeted business; encourage new targeted businesses to locate in the county; and facilitate relations between existing businesses, residents, and governments in a way which benefits all parties while meeting the objectives of the Economic Development Element in the county's Comprehensive Plan. Vision: To enhance and preserve the economic well-being and quality of life of all citizens in Indian River County through the execution of our mission. 2. Provide a brief summary of your organization, including areas of expertise, accomplishments and population served. For over 90 years, the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce has served as the voice of the business community, growing from thirty business leaders to an organization representing approximately 800 businesses with tens of thousands of employees. Our award-winning organization is built upon the strengths of our professional staff, volunteers, and our ability to bring consensus among diverse groups. The Chamber's EDO offers the professional staff, resources, and volunteers, as well as professional office space necessary to provide service to existing businesses throughout the county for retention and growth, and to those businesses exploring relocation or targeted as potential candidates for relocation to Indian River County. The County Commission, the Chamber, the Economic Development Council and the County's Community Development Department have identified the need for growing quality jobs and diversifying the county tax base through balanced industrial growth, and a well -organized industry development and retention effort as increasingly important to the overall economic well-being of our county. The Chamber's EDO brings volunteer resources from business and residential communities together with elected officials and representatives from the public sector to assist in the implementation of the program. On a regional basis, the EDO works closely with its economic development partners in neighboring jurisdictions toward the common goal of promoting the region to targeted companies in the light manufacturing, marine and aviation industry sectors for relocation and expansion. Florida's Research Coast Economic Development Coalition (FRCEDC) is comprised of the executives from the primary economic development agencies in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties and the President/CEO of CareerSouce Research Coast. FRCEDC is a registered Florida non-profit corporation. Coalition members collaborate through site consultant events, industry trade shows, and other means, to promote Florida's Research Coast as a desirable location for businesses within the targeted industries. The Director of the Chamber's Economic Development Office serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the organization. Staff continues to inform and educate the public regarding the importance of industrial growth for the long-term health of our local economy and tax base. We assist in facilitating development of approved industrial sites and necessary infrastructure to attract new industry and expand our existing industrial base. Since the early 1990s, the Chamber has developed funding sources beyond the public contribution from the county to offset costs. Through the Economic Leadership Alliance, the EDO received $41,100 in private sector funds in FY2017/18. The Chamber fully covers the entire cost of the facility including maintenance, utilities, plus the professional services of our President and staff not reflected in this request. 126