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e If a foreign trade zone application has feasibility in this area, Oregon Pacific would like to see it tied to the metropolitan area and to the Airport. It would have to be done in conjunction with a foreign trade zone established at the port of entry. The choice of ports would include ports such as Coos Bay. VI. DISCUSSION Councilor Lindberg said that he had recently been to an SBA 503 workshop where participants were warned about multi-purpose organizations setting goals in conflict, and decisions being made too slowly by boards. He also had a ques- tion concerning the difference between a port or free port and a trade zone. Mr. Stewart pointed out that a port district had the authority to tax and a trade zone did not. Councilor Wooten stated that the City of Eugene has been actively working with a seven-county group mentioned by Mr. Anderson on the SBA 503 project. The City of Eugene is on the verge of membership in that organization. Also, the Economic Subcommittee of the council has worked through staff to create a revolving loan program for small businesses, with initial funding coming from the Community Development funds set aside for that purpose. A third program the City has been working on concerns cultural destination point planning activities. In regard to foreign trade zones, Ms. Wooten said that she spent some time with John Anderson and John Martin of Coos Bay, and there are still many unanswered questions. Mr. Martin will be organizing a workshop on foreign trade zones. e Mr. Holmer asked how many foreign trade zones are there now in the US. Mr. Anderson responded that in the early 1970s there were fewer than 50 of the private warehouse types. Since about the mid-1970s, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of applications and approvals and in the innovative types of trade zones. Lincoln, Nebraska, created a zone for the Kawasaki Motorcycle Company. There are now about 1,000 foreign trade zones. Mr. Ohm asked if there was a clearcut agreement on who is doing what in terms of recruiting. Mr. Eveleth, Mr. Anderson, and Mr. Gleason all felt that recruitment activities were going well since the last meeting. Mr. Gleason stated that with the increased participation in the BAT program and with the Ambassador Program, he felt good about linkage, sorting of potential prospects, and how to handle them. Computers are helping to perfect the program. Councilor Smith asked questions concerning communications between Oregon Pacific and the Eugene City Council and staff in regard to contacts from prospective businesses. John Anderson answered that there was communication, that each case was dealt with on an individual basis, and that the staff should be relied upon to use professional judgment and sense. Ms. Smith asked if there were any joint efforts on tourism available. Mr. Anderson said that Oregon Pacific was involved with a tourism project until September, but they did not have the long-term commitment to tourism that they had to facility development. Councilor Obie commented in favor of moving forward to understand what a foreign trade zone is and how to achieve it. He asked the City Council to comment on the idea of having Oregon Pacific act as Eugene's agent in developing the capability. Ms. Wooten said she was optimistic about the idea, but there were e MINUTES--Eugene City Council/OPEDC May 23, 1983 Page 4