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NEWS RELEASE
May 30, 2012
For further information, contact:
Rick Osborn, Public Information Officer, Benton County Board of Commissioners
(541) 766-6082, rick.osborn@co.benton.or.us
County partners in economic development effort
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Board of Commissioners agreed unanimously Tuesday to partner with the city of Corvallis in economic development activities.
Commissioners voted to direct staff to prepare a contract with the city for final approval at their next regular meeting. The county will contribute $100,000 per year for three years, but can opt out in the third year if performance is deemed unsatisfactory.
“Economic development efforts need to be collaborative, focused and coordinated,” Board of Commissioners Chair Jay Dixon said. “This partnership will foster greater economic development in Benton County through our involvement because efforts will be focused inside and outside Corvallis city limits. When a new business puts down roots or an existing business expands anywhere in Benton County, it is good for the entire county.”
The county funding will be used by the city to support carrying out the goals outlined by the City of Corvallis Economic Development Commission, of which Dixon is a member. These include focusing on existing business retention and expansion, promoting innovation and related startups and recruiting businesses to Benton County.
Staffing to accomplish those goals will be tied closely to success meeting benchmarks established by the Economic Development Commission. Economic development activities are expected to include promoting sites in the enterprise zones sponsored by Benton County, marketing the area for business development, establishing a Web-based data portal with information useful to startups as well as companies looking to expand or relocate locally and connecting current and potential local businesses with an inventory of local properties and potential resources.
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