05/14/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e The strategy discussed by the committee dealt with the development of employment and training programs for specific components of the labor force. The Committee recommends that the City should: 1) encourage development or facilitate programs similar to those available to CETA participants which provides a greater understanding of the "work world"; 2) coordinate development of affordable day-care programs for children of parents who are undergoing employment training or just entering employment~ 3) encourage maintenance of a current listing of upwardly mobile career choices; 4) encourage the private sector to create more flexible employment policies for work hours and scheduling accommodating less than full-time employment. Downtown Eugene businesses have already put some of these policies into practice; and 5) obtain and use Private Sector Initiative Program funds for research and matching employer training needs in the community. Regarding expanding tourism and convention activities, the Economic Development Committee recommends that the City should: 1) develop programs to advertise existing attractions in Eugene and promote Euqene as an end-trip destination point: 2) identify and implement actions which will further develop entertainment, including the performing arts, as tourist attractions; 3) identify and implement actions which will further develop hosting facilities; and 4) promote coordination in the use and management of area tourist facilities. e Mr. Farah indicated that these strategies summarize approximately nine months of discussion by the Economic Development Committee. The recom- mendations are backed by detailed information which the committee has accumulated during its discussions. At direction of the council, the committee can further refine these strategies and develop more detailed background for these recommendations. The committee realizes the one-year lifetime of the committee, but it realizes also that there is a great deal more work to be done. Mr. Farah feels that this a big step for Eugene. Mr. Hamel stated that he feels it is important to help small business owners that are already in Eugene and noted that this was felt to be important by the committee. Ms. Miller stated that this committee was so well-balanced that it created some problems and compromises were reached on many issues. She feels the presentation included a good set of recommendations, some of which could be implemented right away. She noted that the land issues have got them stuck, especially phasing for industrial use. Mr. Hamel noted that the people involved in the committee complemented one another. Mayor Keller stated that he thinks the staff did an excellent job as well. The committee realizes that there are many areas for development besides heavy industry. He felt the tourism and convention section was very important. He feels a couple more months would be beneficial and hopes the council will extend the life of this committee. -- 5/14/80--7