EDC director gives update on transparency, answers questions from Chickasha City Council

Oct. 3—Chickasha Economics Development's (EDC) transparency and role in promoting local businesses and jobs were addressed at the Chickasha City Council meeting on Monday night.

EDC Director, Jim Cowan spoke to the council about EDC's efforts to remain transparent.

"Certainly a lot of scrutiny, but a lot of positive things came from that scrutiny," Cowan said. "I believe we made some changes for the better."

He invited anyone interested in what the EDC does to attend their monthly meetings, which are open to the public.

The EDC board has a meeting at 7:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of every month in the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce Conference Room. He said there is usually a full room with guests. The agenda is posted in advance and can be found on the EDC's website. The next meeting is Oct. 11.

Cowan said at those meetings the EDC discusses their financials. The EDC has an annual contract with the Chickasha Industrial Authority (CIA). The EDC submits a work plan and outlines projects for the year. At the end of the year they discuss whether or not they met their goals.

"The EDC and its books are wide open," he said.

"We feel very confident that, even though not everyone agrees with every decision we make, that we are trying to move things in a positive way for Chickasha."

Cowan also spoke to the Chickasha City Council about the importance of creating jobs and bringing in new businesses.

Some businesses may be eligible for a new business startup grant which comes out of the EDC's allocated money from the CIA. This grant helps businesses with rent and/or utilities during the business' first three months. The EDC also works with the Oklahoma State Department of Commerce to find incentives for existing businesses.

Cowan also touched on tourism, sales tax and the influx of homelessness. To address the latter, the Chickasha Community Alliance was formed. The Resurrection House and Salvation Army of Grady and Caddo Counties are heavily involved in the group.

Council member Dr. R.P. Ashanti-Alexander asked Cowan what is being done to promote Chickasha as a place where all races can sense they belong.

Cowan said he agreed more could be done to promote inclusivity and recognize diversity.

Ashanti-Alexander suggested that the EDC bring in people who have that vision, such as consultants as well as people who already live in Chickasha.

"People who spend their money or vote for taxes, they want to feel a sense that they too are a part of this city and I'm not just talking racially," Ashanti-Alexander said.

Council member Dr. Rick Croslin asked what is being done to promote the Chickasha Sports Complex, which brings in nearly half a million people. The sports complex also raises funds in the form of the Chickasha hotel tax.

Cowan said the EDC has created a tourism brochure which is being distributed throughout Chickasha. There will be a holiday version coming out later this month.

Cowan said the EDC would love to be involved in promoting the sports complex and teams that visit. Croslin said a few towns are building ones and he'd live to see Chickasha stay ahead.

Council member Kelly Boyd asked about the EDC's accountability in reporting to the Chickasha City Council. Cowan said in the EDC's contract with the CIA, the EDC is obligated to report to the city council as well. Cowan attends most Chickasha City Council meetings. He said the EDC usually gives an update in the spring and again in the fall, but he is willing to report to the council any time.