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newly established Economic Development Program. Ms. Johnson gave an update <br />on current manufacturing and retail projects. Ms. Johnson gave as much <br />information as she could without breaking any confidentiality agreements with the <br />prospective business. Each business is given a “code name” in order to give some <br />information without revealing the actual business name. Ms. Johnson also <br />announced that the State Chamber has a pilot grant project and our Chamber <br />received a $35,000.00 grant. The grant includes retail data from a Retail Coach, <br />with which Mr. Hill was able to develop a marketing package that has information <br />that site consultants and prospective businesses need in order to make informed <br />decisions. Ms. Rayford introduced Mr. Brian Shonk, to inform the council of the <br />work of the Workforce Operation for Rural Communities Initiative. Mr. Shonk said <br />the grant provided by the United States Department of Labor is a great tool, along <br />with the local partners with White River Medical Center, Bay Boy Mowers and <br />Intimidator Group, they will provide training at no cost to the perspective employee <br />and will also help with costs such as child care. The grant funds of $1,075,000.00 <br />over a 3-year period will also add $2.00 per hour on starting wages for those who <br />complete the training. <br />D) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A <br />CONTRACT FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BATESVILLE PRESCHOOL <br />FACILITY <br />Councilmember Bryant introduced a resolution to authorize the Mayor to enter into <br />a contract for an Arkansas Economic Development Commission grant for <br />improvements to the Batesville Preschool facility. Councilmember Bryant moved to <br /> <br />