The Hollister City Council directed staff Monday to draft a job
description for a new economic development director.
Creating the position was a key recommendation of a work plan
drafted by the council’s ad hoc economic committee and presented to
the full council earlier this month.
Hollister – The Hollister City Council directed staff Monday to draft a job description for a new economic development director.
Creating the position was a key recommendation of a work plan drafted by the council’s ad hoc economic committee and presented to the full council earlier this month.
The new director will be charged with creating and implementing a marketing strategy to pull new business into the city. Council members were enthusiastic about the upcoming hiring.
“We need it,” said Councilman Brad Pike, echoing the opinion of several council members. “I’m all for the economic plan and a planner, somebody to lead the charge.”
Councilwoman Monica Johnson, who sits on the ad hoc economic committee, told council members that having a point person to market the city was key.
“It’s important to have someone who is part of the city government who may be able to coordinate efforts,” said Johnson. “We’re not going to get different businesses that have never thought of us without a key person to market the city.”
In addition to creating an economic development strategy and attracting new business to the city, the economic development director will coordinate the efforts of various regional agencies, such as the Hollister Downtown Association and the San Benito County Economic Development Corporation.
“We need to get everybody on the same page,” Pike said.
The salary for the position has not been determined, but it will be paid by the Hollister Redevelopment Agency, City Manager Clint Quilter told the council Monday.
Councilman Doug Emerson said having a plan for Hollister’s economic development is important, but creating a strategy to implement it is crucial.
“I’m big on planning and looking ahead,” he said. “But the strategy really gets down to implementation.”
In addition to creating an economic development director position, the work plan calls for forming a committee that will draft a comprehensive economic development strategy and implementation plan.
One idea called for in the work plan is the creation of “power centers,” which are essentially small malls – retail areas with small businesses clustered around one or two anchor stores. Development of commercial and residential space in downtown Hollister is also a priority.
The council will review the job description at its September 6 meeting and appears ready to authorize staff to start recruiting for the position.
“We need to take action to get action,” Pike said. “We’re at the point of no return. Every step has to be forward.”
Luke Roney covers politics and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at lr****@fr***********.com
