New Partnership Between the City and Roswell CVB On Hold

After going over the proposed budget and learning a little bit about the new Roswell Business Alliance Initiative, the Roswell City Council decided to defer signing a contract for $175,000 to fund the start up until councilmembers could get more clarity.

(Editor's Note: the approval was granted by council during early October, 2011)

As a public/private partnership between the city and the , the Business Alliance Initiative would not only attract new business to the city, but also help retain those already here.

"Yes, we want to bring new businesses to town; but we also need to keep the shopping centers and offices we already have full," said Steve Stroud, president of the Board of Directors for the CVB. "It does no good to bring in a new business if we don’t keep them alive and well."

City Administrator Kay Love told the council that the new initiative would help market the city, without putting any city staff in a disreputable - or possibly illegal - position of having to "wine and dine" prospective new businesses.

"Basically, it's a shot in the arm for economic development here in the city of Roswell,” said Love.

The initiative would cater to businesses, making sure they found the support, marketing and help they need to survive and thrive in Roswell. New businesses would be able to join the alliance and get assistance in their start up.

The "" campaign would continue under the umbrella of the new alliance, however, a more aggressive attempt to unite all businesses in Roswell would be made - giving everyone an extra networking and marketing edge.

The $175,000 start up funds would be used to hire two full-time and one part-time staff. The alliance would have to report to the city on expenditures and progress made after six months and then each year thereafter.

While the council seemed to be behind the idea, several council members, including Councilwoman Betty Price and Councilman Kent Igleheart, wanted to make sure contract details were first ironed out before it was approved.

In other council news:

• The council approved setting a five minute time limit on speakers if and when meetings are televised.
• Roswell Recreation and Parks Director Joe Glover accepted an award on behalf of the city for winning the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Agency of the Year. State Sen. John Albers presented Glover with the award.