Title
Business Appreciation Proclamation Program (NB)
Explanation
On June 15, 2004, the City Commission directed the City Manager and the General Manager for Utilities to investigate a Business Appreciation Proclamation Program designed to call attention to the contributions of business to the City's overall well being. Over the past few months, the Economic Development Director has worked with partners through the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council to put together a proposed program complimentary to existing programs. The proposed Business Appreciation Program has been reviewed and accepted by the City Manager and the General Manager for Utilities.
The intent of the program is to recognize City business on a quarterly basis through a City proclamation provided by the City Commission utilizing Small Business Administration (SBA) criteria as the basis of said proclamation. Although it is likely that the majority of business recognized through the program will be small to medium size based upon the preponderance of this business type in the community, this will not preclude recognition of other larger business entities and their local affiliates. This opportunity and approach to business recognition brings the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and SBA on board to create a seamless recognition process and increases the prospective pool for business recognition at all levels of government.
The proposed criteria to be used in judging nominated businesses is the following:
· Staying Power: A substantial history as an established business.
· Growth in Number of Employees: A benchmark to judge the impact of the business on the job market.
· Increase in Sales and/or Unit Volume: An indication of continued growth.
· Current and Past Financial Reports: Substantiating the improved financial position of the business, a profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet for the last three complete years. Optional; may not want to use this but would need if submitted for National SBA recognition.
· Innovative Product or Service: Illustration of the creativity and imagination.
· Response to Adversity: Examples of business problems faced in the nominee's business and the methods used to solve them.
· Contributions to Aid Community Oriented Projects: Through the use of his/her personal time and other resources.
The Chamber Small Business Council (SBC) will coordinate a five person, confidential selection committee comprised of three Chamber Small Business Council representatives (business owners or staff), one past award recipient (first time would be one additional SBC representative) and one city staff member. The selection committee is intended to meet and judge on a quarterly basis.
The proclamation will be provided quarterly in December, March, June and September. The proposed timeline for the City's fiscal year 2005 first quarter is: 1) Occupational license information collected and provided to Small Business Council in October, 2004; 2) The selection committee makes a determination in November 2004 and; 3) The award is presented by the City Commission in December 2004. City staff in the Economic Development Department will provide the Small Business Council quarterly with Occupational License information on several City businesses in categories somewhat similar to those utilized by the Chamber of Commerce in the awarding of its Business of the Year Awards that includes Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Newcomer, Business Expansion and Export Excellence. From this list, a quarterly winner in each category will be chosen based upon the aforementioned SBA criteria.
Fiscal Note
If required, funds are available in the City of Gainesville 2005 Economic Development budget to cover the Business Appreciation Proclamation Program nominal cost.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hear a status report on the proposed Business Appreciation Proclamation Program and; 2) approve the Business Appreciation Proclamation Program.