The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas began its series of discussions focused on future efforts during its monthly board meeting Friday morning.
The board tackled a series of topics including the RDA red team, a small group that, conceptually speaking, would have the power to act on certain matters in a “nimble manner” according to RDA board member Jamie Sauder.
Sauder says there will need to be certain parameters in place for the red team to operate. He says those parameters are currently unknown as there is no formal system in place for the red team at this time.
Board Chairman Jon Geitz stated during the meeting that the City Commission ultimately “holds the checkbook” for the RDA and therefore the commission would need to be on board with the red team’s development if it were to move forward.
In separate, but related, discussions the board also dove into the topic of grant writing. Sauder stated during the meeting that having a grant writing program as part of the RDA would help make the organization more “robust.”
Sauder went on to say the topic of grant writing revolves around a much larger discussion regarding small business development and entrepreneurship, two other topics that were also discussed briefly Friday morning. Sauder says if the RDA were to bring those focuses into its overall mission it would help to continue growing and expanding the RDA’s partnership with Emporia Main Street.
He says an ideal of the RDA is to always find ways to enhance relationships amongst the community groups focused on economic development. He says overlapping in those efforts is “not a bad thing” so long as everyone can coexist effectively.
The RDA will continue its discussions on future focuses during its next monthly meeting in March.
