The Clarendon Economic Development Corporation will provide half the funding needed to conduct a study of the economic impact of Clarendon College following Monday’s meeting of the CEDC board.
CC President Robert Riza said the study, conducted by the private firm EMSI, will look at value the college has to its eight-county service area and to Clarendon in particular by examining payroll, purchasing, student spending, and other factors such as event hosting. The survey will also gather information to see what workforce skills are needed in the area.
The study is part of a larger effort across Texas to measure the impact of community colleges on the state economy. In conjunction with that work, EMSI offered to do more in-depth studies for individual college districts at a cost discounted from their regular charge, Dr. Riza said.
“This is an example of a partnership to make the community better and stronger,” Dr. Riza told the Enterprise after the meeting. “You have to have data to do that, and this survey will give us the information we need to make decisions, especially in terms of workforce skills.”
CEDC board members expressed their opinions that most people do not realize the substantial impact Clarendon College has on the local economy.
The CC study will cost $9,900, and the CEDC will provide $4,950 for the information.
In other business, the CEDC board approved the use of Hotel Occupancy Funds to promote this year’s Saints’ Roost Celebration, July 3-5. The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association received $8,000 to promote the overall celebration along with its Ranch Rodeo and junior rodeo. The board also approved $500 to promote this year’s Henson’s Turtle Race, which will include a new adult division.
Two local business were approved to receive storefront grants under the CEDC’s popular Façade Grant Program. JD SteakOut and Country Bloomers Flowers & Gifts were both approved for the maximum $2,000 for proposed improvements. The program is open to commercial properties in the Central Business District and along US 287.
Clarendon Director of Tourism & Economic Development Chandra Eggemeyer reported that the Mulkey Block Party had raised more than $6,900 for continued work on the theatre.
The board also approved funds for a new computer in the Clarendon Visitor Center and discussed job descriptions for Eggemeyer’s position and for the Chamber of Commerce Manager position in terms of staffing the Visitor Center.
The Chamber is currently seeking applicants for its manager position. Applications are available at the Clarendon Visitor Center at the Mulkey Theatre, 110 S. Kearney.
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