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South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br />Regular Meeting –September 4, 2009 <br /> <br />6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) <br /> <br />B. Airport Economic Development Area <br /> <br />(3) continued… <br /> <br />program, there was great optimism that <br />Project Impact would not need TIF funds for <br />the second year. Does Project Impact still <br />expect that? Mr. Summers responded that <br />they are working still toward that goal. They <br />have two grant writers who have been <br />applying for grants. That is one reason the <br />program is concentrating on new job <br />creation: to have other sources of revenue in <br />order to become self-sustaining. Most grant <br />funds are aimed at helping youth. There are <br />not a whole lot of people who are excited <br />about helping adults who have made a <br />mistake. <br /> <br />Ms. Jones asked if Mr. Summers talks with <br />potential employers about supporting the <br />program financially. Mr. Summers <br />responded that he does. However, Project <br />Impact needs to show a real return on <br />investment, that the workers they provide are <br />not a problem, but a benefit. Then, there is a <br />list of various ways employers can provide <br />investment, from supplying trainers all the <br />way up to significant financial contributions. <br />Mr. Summers is still very confident Project <br />Impact will be able to use return on <br />investment as an incentive with employers. <br />He noted that employers are always surprised <br />that he is not looking for a handout, or for <br />them to do something that puts their <br />organization at risk. <br /> <br />Mr. Downes asked if there aren’t restrictions <br />resulting from the TIF dollars used to fund <br />Project Impact that require a certain portion <br /> 11 <br /> <br />