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eommunittt S?Lationz. Committr <br /> The November 22, 2004 meeting of the Community Relations Committee was called to <br /> order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 5:00 p.m. in the Council <br /> Informal Meeting Room. <br /> Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, <br /> Varner,Kuspa,Coleman,Kirsits and White; Citizen Member Suzanne Karin,Executive Director <br /> of the Department of Community & Economic Development Sharon Kendall, Rita Kopala, <br /> Maurice Hoban, Ken Marks,Michael Daminano, Ann-Carol Nash Patrick McMahon and Kathy <br /> Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. <br /> Council Member Pfeifer noted that the meeting was called to receive updates from <br /> Project Future and the Solid Waste Management Board. She noted that communications with <br /> various boards and commissions are hoped to be enhanced by having these updates as the <br /> Council learns about their challenges and their activities. <br /> Patrick McMahon, Executive Director of Project Future then addressed the Committee. <br /> He noted that Council Member Sean Coleman is the Council representative. They have several <br /> objectives including attracting new business to the community; having a small business <br /> development center with a paid staff as well as volunteers; and CONNECT which addresses <br /> education and training for K-12. <br /> The small business development center hosts the SCORE Chapter. St. Joseph County <br /> has assisted over 250 individuals who are looking at starting or reorganizing their businesses. <br /> SCORE was rated 10th best in the United States four years ago and was rated 2nd best in the <br /> United States in 2003. <br /> Collegiate Management Program connects local college students for one semester with <br /> local businesses. 55-70 cases are handled each year regarding financial management. There are <br /> separate programs for women and minorities. Start-ups and acquisitions had 166 inquiries this <br /> year. <br /> CONNECT is a partnership of education and labor on common problems. Julianne <br /> Jankowski is its interim director. CONNECT has been in existence for 13 years and focuses on <br /> helping children be ready. They work with the Children's Health Insurance Partnership. Since <br /> 1998 in St. Joseph County, 23,000 kids have been assisted and over $18 million of procedures <br /> using state and federal funding have been delivered. <br /> Project Future also concentrates on attracting new businesses and assists in helping <br /> business expand. RACO is just one example. <br /> Project Future has been in existence for 22 years. This year inquiries have been down, <br /> but many have made no decisions regarding investments. The distribution side has slowed, and <br /> manufacturing is more difficult in light of many businesses operating overseas. They are <br /> however working with people from other countries. <br /> Community Relations Committee November 22,2004 Page 1 <br />