Business Resources Coordinator

During 2006/2007, the Northwest Workforce Investment Board received a grant from the Division of Workforce Development to provide funding for a position to be created that would be charged with assisting businesses with retention needs or expansion issues. During the first year the WIB contracted with the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, which provided funds and in-kind services to support the position. After the first year of the program it was determined, due to personnel changes, the St. Joseph Chamber would no longer house the project and a new sponsor was sought to partner with the WIB to deliver the services. After a thorough evaluation, the WIB became interested in the Green Hills Regional Planning Commission becoming the contractor to operate the program. In December 2007, the GHRPC accepted a contract from the WIB to provide Business Resources throughout a 17 county area.

Steve Agenstein was hired as the Coordinator, and since his coming on board Steve has provided resources and technical assistance to well over 100 businesses in the 18 county area. Other services provided have included providing educational articles in the local media, coordination of a Business Succession Workshop, and attending training and workshops to expand the capacity of the position.

Ordinance Codification

GHRPC contracted with the City of Milan for city ordinance codification. The Ordinances were completed in July of this year. It is one of the goals of GHRPC to assist communities with ordinance codification and updates as needed. For assistance, call Elaine at 660/359-5636 ext. 19.

FHLB Housing Complex Grants

GHRPC staff assisted three housing complexes in the Green Hills Region with grant writing assistance. All three grants have been awarded by the Federal Home Loan Bank in Des Moines, Iowa. The grants totaled $816,880 in rehabilitation funding. This is a funding source for housing complexes to receive monies to upgrade apartments for elderly, handicapped, and low income families throughout the Region.

During Fiscal Year 2007-2008, staff submitted four additional grants to the Federal Home Loan Bank for consideration. This program is very worthwhile if your housing complex is looking for funding to do some major rehabilitation work. GHRPC staff is available to assist any other housing complexes wishing to apply for FHLB funding. You may contact Elaine Loghry at 660/359-5636 ext. 19 for additional information