05/04/2015Monday, May 4, 2015
1:00 PM
City of Clearwater
City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
City Hall Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Agenda
May 4, 2015Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Agenda
1. Call To Order
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 ID#15-1224 Approve the minutes of the March 30, 2015 CRA meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda
4. New Business Items
4.1 ID#15-1260 Approve Clearwater Business SPARK! Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same
5. Adjourn
Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/30/2015
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
File Number: ID#15-1224
Agenda Date: 5/4/2015 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: MinutesIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 2.1
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes of the March 30, 2015 CRA meeting as submitted in written summation
by the City Clerk.
SUMMARY:
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/30/2015
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 30, 2015
City of Clearwater
City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
Meeting Minutes
Monday, March 30, 2015
1:00 PM
City Hall Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency
Page 1 City of Clearwater Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 30, 2015
Roll Call
Present 5 - Chair George N. Cretekos, Trustee Doreen Hock-DiPolito, Trustee
Jay E. Polglaze, Trustee Bill Jonson, and Trustee Hoyt Hamilton Also Present - William B. Horne II - City Manager, Rod Irwin - CRA Executive
Director/ Assistant City Manager, Pamela K. Akin - City Attorney,
Rosemarie Call - City Clerk, Nicole Sprague - Official Records and
Legislative Services Coordinator
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
Unapproved 1. Call To Order
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the March 16, 2015 CRA meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Trustee Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the March 16,
2015 CRA meeting as submitted in written summation by the City
Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda – None. 4. New Business Items
4.1 Approve lease for the creation of a community garden at the NW portion of the former
Economy Inn site in the East Gateway District and authorize the appropriate officials
to execute same.
On December 1, 2014, the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency
(CRA) approved the request submitted by Mr. Howard Warshauer, which he
made on behalf of the East Gateway Community Garden Steering Committee
(Steering Committee), to lease a portion of the former Economy Inn property.
The request, which included the CRA-owned parcels at 20 N. Betty Lane, 1273
Grove Street, and 1277 Grove Street, was for the creation of a community
garden on those premises.
Page 2 City of Clearwater Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 30, 2015
The CRA approved the request and instructed staff to prepare a 3-year lease
for the creation of a community garden in the East Gateway community. Some
of the items mentioned in the Business Lease Contract (Lease) are the
following:
• The Lease is between the CRA and the Clearwater Garden Club (an
existing 501c3 non-profit organization);
• The Lease is for a 3-year period, and may be extended annually for 2
successive year periods;
• The CRA may terminate the Lease in the event the CRA Board
determines at a duly constituted CRA Board meeting that the Leased
Premises are needed for other municipal purposes and provides the
Clearwater Garden Club with 6-months notice of such intended use;
• The Clearwater Garden Club may terminate this Lease at anytime upon
30 days written notice to the CRA;
• The annual rent is $1.00 per year;
• The Leased Premises shall only be used as a community garden;
• All utilities shall be the sole responsibility of the Clearwater Garden
Club;
• The Clearwater Garden Club shall install and maintain a fence along
the south boundary of the Leased Property;
• The Lease is not assignable and the Lease Premises cannot be sublet
(other than for the use of individual garden plots);
• All improvements shall be installed and maintained at the sole
responsibility of the Clearwater Garden Club;
• The Clearwater Garden Club is not allowed to add permanent or
temporary bathroom facilities on the Leased Premises;
• Parking is not allowed on the Leased Premises, however, parking is
available along local streets;
On February 15, 2015, the City Council adopted Ordinance 8654-15 on second
reading, approving amendments to the Clearwater Community Development
Code regarding numerous provisions, including Community Gardens. This
ordinance addresses several items, including storage, property maintenance,
accessory structures, parking, trash, etc. Prior to applying for a permit, the
Clearwater Garden Club will provide a detailed site plan for review and
approval by the CRA Executive Director. The Clearwater Garden Club is
planning to hold a groundbreaking event on April 25, 2015, in conjunction with
the East Gateway Business and Neighbors Association (BNA) Neighborhoods
Day celebration. They are also planning on officially opening the community
garden in August/September 2015.
Economic Development and Housing Director Geri Campos Lopez
reviewed the request. Community Development Manager Ekaterini Gerakios
Siren reviewed the lease agreement.
In response to questions, Ms. Gerakios-Siren said the picnic shelter is
for gardening activities. The Clearwater Garden Club may apply for a permit Page 3 City of Clearwater Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 30, 2015
for Special Events, which could potentially be held after sunset. The shelter
does not have a concrete slab. Ms. Lopez said the shelter is
approximately 20 ft. by 20 ft. Clearwater Community Gardens Steering
Committee Chair Howard Warshauer said the group is
not anticipating any events after sunset. The shelter is intended to
provide shade for the gardeners; the rain collection system will be
located on the roof. Mr. Warshauer said there is no intention to use
the area at night since there is no lighting. There is no desire to have
large crowds on the property.
Trustee Jonson moved to strike "gardening" in paragraph seven.
The motion failed for lack of a second.
Trustee Jonson moved to approve lease for the creation of a
community garden at the NW portion of the former Economy Inn
site in the East Gateway District and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded, upon the
vote being taken:
Ayes: 4 - Trustee Hock-DiPolito, Trustee Polglaze, Trustee Jonson and
Trustee Hamilton
Nays: 1 - Chair Cretekos Motion passed.
5. Trustee Discussion Item
5.1 Discuss April 13, 2015 Agenda for CRA Joint Meeting with ULI Stakeholders
Trustee Jonson said there could potentially be a large number of
attendees and questioned the process.
CRA Executive Director Rod Irwin said the meeting on April 13 will be
between the CRA, the Downtown Development Board, Clearwater
Downtown Partnership, and the Chamber of Commerce, who will be
sitting around a U-shaped table. The CRA Chair will call the meeting to
order and provide opening comments. Staff will present a PowerPoint
presentation outlining the history of the ULI Study Panel recommendations
and status updates on priorities. The floor will open for public comments. After
the public comment portion is closed, the groups will have a general
discussion on anticipated next steps.
In response to questions, Mr. Irwin said those in attendance will have the
opportunity to provide input. Public comment will not be limited to those
sitting around the table (CRA, DDB, CDP, and Chamber reps.); citizens
in attendance may provide comments when the floor opens for public
Page 4 City of Clearwater Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 30, 2015
comment. The City Manager said the Trustees would determine the next
steps based on the public comments provided that evening. Mr. Irwin
said status of the Incubator Project would be included in the PowerPoint
presentation.
It was stated that the meeting will be open to the public; city residents,
no matter where they reside, may attend. Meeting details have been
provided to the Clearwater Neighborhood Association.
In response to questions, Mr. Irwin said staff intends to provide quarterly
updates on ULI recommendation implementation. Staff has provided
the meeting notice to those organizations that were identified as
potential stakeholders so the information may be distributed to their
members.
A suggestion was made to add a unified vision to the work plan, which has
proven to be successful in Oldsmar.
Trustee Jonson moved to add a 49th agenda item, which is to develop a
community vision.
The motion failed for lack of a second.
6. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 1:34 p.m.
Chair
Community Redevelopment Agency
Attest
City Clerk
Page 5 City of Clearwater Draft
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
File Number: ID#15-1260
Agenda Date: 5/4/2015 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 4.1
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Clearwater Business SPARK! Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same
SUMMARY:
GOAL 4 of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan (ED Strategic Plan) states that
the City should “support an entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem and collaborate with
regional partners to market Clearwater to target industries.”
Toward that end, the Economic Development and Housing Department (ED&H) began
working with the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) in January 2014 to
explore the feasibility of jointly developing a business resource center in Clearwater. The
Chamber and ED&H evaluated and/or toured nine Tampa Bay and Orlando area facilities and
their program and service offerings. Staff also conducted an inventory of existing
organizations and the programs/services provided to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
In June 2014, the Urban Land Institute Advisory Services Panel (ULI) recommended 1) more
active uses of the Clearwater Main Library, and 2) that support should be provided to new
entrepreneurial small businesses by investing in a technology innovation center or business
incubator. ULI recommendations supported and encouraged the expansion of economic
development activities underway.
By August 2014, Steve Allen (Founder and CEO of iDatix Corporation - an IT/Software firm,
and member of the City’s Tech Council), began the development of the Technical Arts Facility
for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TAFFIE), a private business incubation and co-worker
facility.
The convergence of these public and private efforts and the analysis of the information
obtained during nine months of evaluation concluded that, for the most part, existing
organizations in the city, county, and region are offering programs and services that meet the
need of entrepreneurs and small businesses located in Clearwater. However, there is a clear
need for a collaborative and coordinated approach for the marketing and delivery of these
services.
Therefore, in November 2014, the Chamber, TAFFIE, the Small Business Development
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/30/2015
File Number: ID#15-1260
Center of Pinellas County (SBDC), ED&H and Clearwater Main Library began to work together
toward creating the consortium now called “Clearwater Business SPARK!” The Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has subsequently joined the consortium due to the emphasis
on the downtown and the East Gateway Tech District and support and growth of this
workforce.
The initial phase of the Clearwater Business SPARK! was to develop an MOU, a non-binding
agreement, which details the spirit and intent of the consortium and the roles and
responsibilities of the partners. Staff recommends approval of the MOU in order to show the
City’s and CRA commitment to moving forward with the goals and objectives outlined in the
ED Strategic Plan and ULI Report.
MOU Summary
As described within the MOU, the partners recognize there is strong interest in the greater
Clearwater community for new, small business and entrepreneurial development programs
and that the strength and areas of expertise each partner provides will together achieve the
shared goal of helping this sector of our economy in Clearwater.
Toward that end, the partners desire to work collaboratively and continuously to provide
entrepreneurs, innovators, creators and small business owners with a wide variety of
programs, services, education, networking opportunities, and flexible and creative workplaces
and spaces, and to achieve sustainability within three years of the date of the MOU through a
combination of fee-based programs and services, sponsorship, and grants which may be
pursued. Exhibit A shows a sampling of the proposed offerings each partner brings to the
consortium.
At the onset, ED&H will coordinate and facilitate partner meetings. Together, the partners will
1) provide networking opportunities throughout the greater Clearwater area, 2) host and/or
participate in events and meet-ups, 3) work together to develop a comprehensive mix of
services and facility offerings targeting technology innovation and creative enterprises, 4)
promote the availability of programs and services, 5) strive to adopt and adapt programs and
services to meet the changing needs of those seeking services, 6) make appropriate referrals
to program partners, facilities, or services, 7) provide appropriate training of staff who may
from time to time engage individuals who seek or need services provided by one or more of
the partners, 8) actively and continuously seek additional partners to join Clearwater Business
SPARK!, and 9) jointly establish protocols, common intake processes, performance goals and
measures. Additionally, the partners will convene annually to establish a work program,
identify resources necessary to sustain Clearwater Business SPARK! and to prepare a budget
including in-kind and financial resources necessary to support marketing, programs, and
activities of Clearwater Business SPARK!
Requests for City and/or CRA financial support of Clearwater Business SPARK! will be
presented in separate agenda item(s) at a future date. It is expected that such funding
request(s) will be for marketing and promotion activities of Clearwater Business SPARK!,
enhanced services provided by SBDC of Pinellas, and payment of fees for programs or
services that provide clear evidence of public benefit. On a going forward basis, the City’s
Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/30/2015
File Number: ID#15-1260
financial participation will be considered as a part of the annual budget process. Requests for
funds will be submitted annually according to the budget schedule, and is subject to City
Council and/or CRA approval.
Representatives of the member organizations in the consortium will be present at the CRA
meeting to answer any questions.
Page 3 City of Clearwater Printed on 4/30/2015
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Clearwater Business SPARK!
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) IS
INTENDED SOLELY AS AN EXPRESSION OF THE
GENERAL INTENTIONS OF THE PARTIES. THE PARTIES
INTEND THAT NONE OF THE PARTIES SHALL HAVE
ANY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS TO THE OTHERS
WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS REFERRED TO
HEREIN.
Parties, herein referred to together as “Partners” or “Consortium”, or individually as
“Partner” or “Member”:
(a) City of Clearwater – Economic Development & Housing Department
(b) City of Clearwater Library System
(c) City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
(d) Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
(e) Technical Arts Facility for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TAFFIE)
(f) Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) of Pinellas County
Economic Development
WHEREAS, Goal 4 of the City of Clearwater Economic Development Strategic Plan,
adopted in November 2011, supports and encourages an entrepreneurship and
innovation ecosystem and collaboration with regional partners to market Clearwater to
target industries; and
WHEREAS, the Urban Land Institute Advisory Services Panel Report issued in
September 2014 recommended 1) more active uses of the Clearwater Main Library, and
2) support to new entrepreneurial small businesses by investing in a technology
innovation center or business incubator; and
WHEREAS, the Partners have joined together to provide a range of programs, services
and facilities to support entrepreneurship, innovation and small business development
within the City of Clearwater; and
WHEREAS, “Clearwater Business SPARK!” is the name given to this consortium as a
means to link together Partners for purposes of marketing and promotion of each
Partner’s programs, services, and facilities; and
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NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein, and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which are hereby acknowledged,
the Parties agree as follows:
Section 1. Spirit and Intent
(a) There is strong interest in the greater Clearwater community for new, small
business and entrepreneurial development programs. The Partners recognize
the strength and areas of expertise each Partner provides toward achieving the
shared goal of business vitality in Clearwater.
(b) There is a desire to work collaboratively and continuously to provide
entrepreneurs, innovators, creators and small business owners with a wide
variety of programs, services, education, networking opportunities, and flexible
workplaces and spaces. (by way of example, and not limitation, attached hereto
and incorporated herein as EXHIBIT “A”)
(c) Comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated approaches to the delivery of
services to targeted clients are supported by policy, plan, and third party
consultants’ studies of the City of Clearwater and the mission and vision of
Partner organizations.
Section 2. Roles and Responsibilities
(a) The Partners will work together to enhance and strengthen entrepreneurship and
to support needs of small businesses in Clearwater. The Partners will collectively
and individually:
i.Provide networking opportunities throughout the greater Clearwater area
to build a strong network of experts and mentors to engage and support
business development and incubation throughout the region.
ii.Host and/or participate in events and meet-ups in public spaces to
encourage casual dialogue and to promote the culture of innovation and
entrepreneurship.
iii.Work together to develop a comprehensive mix of services and facility
offerings to support a broad range of pre-venture, startup and
small/medium size enterprises (SMEs) targeting technology innovation
and creative enterprises.
iv.Promote the availability of programs and services provided by the
Partners under the single branded name of “Clearwater Business
SPARK!” while retaining the individual and unique identity of each
Partner’s facilities, programs, and organizational identity.
v.Strive to adopt and adapt programs and services to meet the changing
needs of those seeking services.
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vi.Jointly establish protocols, common intake processes, performance goals
and measures, and make appropriate referrals to program Partners,
facilities, or services.
vii.Provide appropriate training of staff who may from time to time engage
individuals who seek or need services provided by one or more of the
Partners.
viii.Actively and continuously seek additional Partners to join Clearwater
Business SPARK! as described in Section 6(c).
Section 3. Coordination
(a) At the onset, City of Clearwater will coordinate and facilitate committee meetings.
i.Executive Committee – Comprised of (1) representative appointed by
each Partner. Monthly meetings (subject to change as the system
matures) to be held at a mutually convenient location to review the
ecosystem’s operational performance and client services performance as
determined by the performance metrics established.
ii.At a time when Partners deem it necessary, the Executive Committee may
form a Services & Facilities Advisory Committee. Comprised of (1)
representative appointed by each Partner to evaluate current and future
program and facilities offerings. Meeting schedule, frequency and location
to be determined.
Section 4. Marketing & Client Recruitment
(a) To provide multiple, yet seamless, points of entry into the system, the Partners
will actively promote a single brand identity and include this brand and/or logo in
collateral materials, in a prominent location on Partner website and other
communications as appropriate.
(b) City of Clearwater Economic Development & Housing Department will market the
program and be program spokesperson.
Section 5. Programmatic Flexibility
(a) The Partners will provide a commitment to continual evaluation of programs and
services within the system to ensure client needs are met in a changing
environment.
(b) Once gaps in services are identified, the Partners will seek funding which may
include grants, sponsorships, or fees from appropriate sources including, but not
limited to, federal, state and local agencies, community stakeholders, and
attendees.
Section 6. Partners & Facilities
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(a) Partners participating in Clearwater Business SPARK! include:
i.Technical Arts Facility for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
ii. Clearwater Main Library
iii. Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
iv. Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County at Pinellas
County Economic DevelopmentCity of Clearwater Economic Development
and Housing Department, and
v. City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
(b) Current facilities where programs and services are provided include:
i.TAFFIE
ii. Clearwater Main Library
iii. Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
iv. FSBDC at the EpiCenter
(c) Additional Partners and Facilities may from time to time be added to Clearwater
Business SPARK! by written, executed addendum to this MOU.
Section 7. Sustainability
(a) The Partners will convene annually to establish a work program, identify
resources necessary to sustain Clearwater Business SPARK! and to prepare a
budget including in-kind and financial resources necessary to support marketing,
programs, and activities of Clearwater Business SPARK!
(b) The Partners will work together to achieve sustainability within three years of the
date of this MOU through fee-based and free programming supported by
sponsorships, in-kind services and grants which may be pursued by a Partner,
certain Partners, or jointly by all Partners in Clearwater Business SPARK!
(c) During the initial three (3) year period, it is anticipated that the City of Clearwater
and the CRA will be the lead agencies providing program support and
management as described in Section 4(b) of this MOU.
(d) The City may consider financial support for marketing, services, programs and
facilities that are consistent with the Spirit and Intent (Section 1) of the MOU and
the work program established pursuant to Section 7(a).
(e) It is acknowledged that the City’s financial participation will be considered as a
part of the annual budget process and that the request will be submitted annually
according to the budget schedule, and is subject to City Council approval.
(f) The other Partners may consider support of Clearwater Business SPARK! with
the following:
i.In-kind services and support including, but not limited to, facilities,
programs, services and marketing such as 1) meeting and conference
space, 2) meeting and event coordination, 3) services such as coaching,
mentoring, and counseling, 4) access to speakers, trainers, and subject-
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matter experts, 5) promotion and marketing of the consortium through
presentations, press releases, newsletters, social media and other forms
of communication.
Section 8. The Partners recognize the following as definitions of commonly used terms:
(a) Business Incubator
i.An organization designed to accelerate the growth and success of
entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support
resources and services that could include physical space, capital,
coaching, common services, and networking connections. The intent is to
help small companies in the incubator have a better chance of survival
throughout the start-up phase. Services may include, but are not limited
to: 1) office space (usually at a reduced rate); 2) office services (e.g.
receptionist, conference rooms, computers, office equipment, other); 3)
entrepreneurial advice and mentoring (e.g. establishing a web presence,
identifying intellectual property licensing opportunities, raising capital); 4)
business planning and market adjustment consulting; and 5) contacts and
networking providing access to experienced entrepreneurs, innovators
and professionals who can answer questions, provide guidance and
resources.
(b) Business Accelerator
i.Very similar to an incubator, but differs in that an accelerator usually has a
greater focus on companies entering or growing in a national or global
market. Business accelerators are more likely to be financed by venture
capitalists looking for an opportunity to finance growth potential through
defined action plans.
(c) Co-Worker Space
i.Co-worker space is an alternative way of working in which independent
professionals, telecommuters, and others with workplace flexibility share
one working environment, rather than work remotely in separate offices or
places. Co-workers typically do not need to work for the same employer or
even know each other to work together in a co-working environment. A co-
worker space is often a cafe-like collaboration space, gallery, or
productivity-enhancing multi-functional space, with the idea that individual
workers come together in a shared place to enjoy greater productivity and
a sense of community.
(d) Makerspace
i.Makerspaces, also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs,
are creative, community-operated DIY spaces where people can gather to
create, invent, and learn often in the areas of computers, machining,
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technology, science, digital or electronic art. Commonly used equipment
includes 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware
supplies/tools.
(e) Pre-Venture Individuals
i.Pre-venture individuals, as defined by FSBDC, are those individuals
exploring business feasibility and seeking assistance with the
establishment of a new business. These individuals have no employees,
no sales and have not secured financing for their new venture.
(f) Start-up Businesses
i.Start-up businesses, as defined by FSBDC, are new businesses, but not
necessarily a new type of business, in business for less than three years.
Start-up businesses are defined by the length of time they have been in
business (established) and not by the size of their employment or
revenues. Start-up businesses are generally in the phase of development
with prospect for growth.
(g) Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), as defined by FSBDC
i.Stage I - emerging businesses in business for three of more years with
fewer than five FTE (Full Time Employees) or less than $1M in annual
sales revenue. Stage I SMEs are emerging businesses beyond the phase
of development with promise for growth in both employment and
revenues.
ii.Stage II - established businesses that have been in-business for three or
more years and have five or more FTE employees and/or more than $1M
in annual sales revenue. Stage II SMEs have demonstrated an ability to
generate significant revenue in their respective industry or market over an
extended period of time with the ability and capacity for continuous
growth.
Section 9. Acceptance
(a) The Partners agree to the spirit and intent of this memorandum of understanding
and believe it offers the Clearwater area with a new environment for
entrepreneurial and small business development and support.
(b) The Partners agree to strive to work together as described in Sections 1 through
7.
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED this ____day
of _______, 2015.
Countersigned: CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
___________________________By:__________________________
George N. Cretekos William B. Horne II
Mayor City Manager
Approved as to form: Attest:
___________________________________________________________
Laura Lipowski Mahony Rosemarie Call
Assistant City Attorney City Clerk
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
Countersigned:COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY OF THE CITY OF
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
______________________________By: _____________________________
Rod Irwin George N. Cretekos
Executive Director Chairperson
Approved as to form:Attest:
_____________________________ ______________________________
Pamela K. Akin Rosemarie Call
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
By: _____________________________
Mike Meidel, Director, Pinellas County
Economic Development
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
By: _____________________________
Carol Hague, President & CEO,
Clearwater Regional Chamber of
Commerce
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
By: _____________________________
Steve Allen, Founder, Technical Arts
Facility for Innovation and
Entrepreneurship
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EXHIBIT A
Clearwater
Business
SPARK!
City ED&H
•Coordination
•Marketing
•Incentives
•Permitting & Site Location
Assistance
City Main Library
•Database/Research
•Studio & Production Services
•Computers, Printers
•Training Facilities
CRA
•Tech District Incentives &
Programs
•Other CRA Incentives
SBDC of Pinellas
•Intake & Vettting of Clients
•Business & Financial Planning
Assistance
•One-on-One Coaching
Chamber of
Commerce
•Business Technology
Training
•Business Management
Training
•Networking/Meetups
•Conference Room
TAFFIE
•Roundtables, Networking
•Product Design &
Development
•Shark Tank/Investor Pitch
Opportunities
•Co-Worker & Executive
Office Space
•Office Amenities & 24-hr
Access
Programs, Services & Facilities
identified are examples only and
not intended to represent all that
is to be provided by each
Partner.
About Us
The James J. Hill Center is a non-profit business center, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The iconic entrepreneur James J. Hill had a vision to provide the people of Minnesota with
a Reference Library to support and grow cultural and economic development in the state.
The James J. Hill Reference Library opened its doors in 1921. Today we are known as the
James J. Hill Center. We continue to house a world-class collection of practical business
information resources which is considered one of the most comprehensive business
libraries in the country. And our Librarians are ready to assist visitors with research
through our books and online databases.
At its core a library represents the best of democratic ideals. It is an icon of a free society
where all citizens can gather, access and exchange information freely.
At the James J. Hill Center our focus is centered on business, leadership and
entrepreneurship, and at the heart of those three endeavors rest the concepts of
community and optimism that are essential to the success of any idea.
As technology has changed our traditional means of engagement, namely the book, our
purpose as an institution has been clarified around not how we engage but where. In the
entrepreneurial spirit of our namesake we have committed ourselves to redefining the
notion of what it means to be a library; to change from an institution that allowed
connections to happen to an institution that actively enables and fosters connections
across the broad spectrum that is an economy.
We commit ourselves and our resources to being an iconic place to learn, convene and
connect in – the community, business, the arts, technology, innovation and celebration.
Our goal is to provide relevance to our community and to build sustainable and lasting
relationships that enable entrepreneurial activities and economic prosperity by
encouraging the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of solutions.
James J. Hill Center, St Paul, MN
www.jjhill.org
Louisville Free Public Library, Louisville, KY
www.lfpl.org
CLEARWATER
BUSINESS SPARK!
May 4, 2015
Background
“Support an entrepreneurship and
innovation ecosystem and collaborate
with regional partners to market
Clearwater to target industries.”
- Goal 4: Business Development,
City of Clearwater Economic
Development Strategic Plan
Profile of an Entrepreneur
Extremely Focused
Self-Motivated
Strong Leaders
Risk Tolerant
Innovative
Creative
Loyal to Their
Community
Source: International Economic Development Council
Profile of a Small Business Owner
Freedom Seeker
Passionate
Creator
Struggling
Survivor
Legacy
Builders
Source: Infusionsoft, 2014 Small
Business Market Survey
Small Businesses
99.7% of US Firms w/<500 Employees (Small
Business)
89% of Businesses <20 Employees
80% of New Businesses Fail Within 18 Months
87% of Incubator-Assisted Businesses Survive
>5 yrs
84% of Incubator-Assisted Businesses Remain
in Community
Sources: Data provided by Bloomberg, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Council, National Business Incubator Association
Small Businesses
64% of Net New Private-Sector Jobs
49.2% of Private-Sector Employment
42.9% of Private-Sector Payroll
43% of High-Tech Employment
$1 Spent to Incubate = $30 in Tax Revenue
Sources: Data provided by Bloomberg, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Council, National Business Incubator Association
What do These Businesses Need?
Access
Technical Assistance and Training
Networks
Capital
Pool of Talented Employees
Customers and Suppliers
Supportive Community Culture
Transparency and Clarity
Source: Tech-Led Economic Development Course, International Economic
Development Council, April 2015.
Research & Assessment
With Clearwater Regional Chamber,
Toured and/or Evaluated 9 Incubator &
Entrepreneur Centers in the Region
Best Practices, Outcomes, Performance
Measures
Programs, Services, Facilities
Culture, Aesthetics
Marketing / Presence in the Community
Funding Support
Conclusion
Multiple Organizations are Providing a
Variety of Services in the Clearwater Area
Need Coordinated, Collaborative Approach
Identify “Who, What, Where, When, Why, &
How”
Make Information Readily Available and Easily
Accessible
Provide Transparency and Clarity
for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
Clearwater Business SPARK!
“Facilitating awareness and use of
existing programs is an excellent first
step…”
- City of Clearwater Economic
Development Strategic Plan
Clearwater
Business
SPARK!
City
ED&H
City Main
Library
CRA
FSBDC of
Pinellas
Chamber of
Commerce
TAFFIE
Timeline
2014
JAN With CRCC, ED&H Begins Touring/Evaluating
Sites
JUN ULI Advisory Services Panel Makes
Recommendation
AUG TAFFIE is Revealed
NOV Monthly Partner Meetings Begin
Timeline
2015
JAN TAFFIE Begins Operation at iDatix Building
APR Chamber’s Business YOU! Program is
Launched
MAY Library Begins Prerequisite Courses for
Business YOU! Program
MAY MOU Formalizes Partnerships
Clearwater Business SPARK!
An Entrepreneurship & Innovation Ecosystem
A Consortium of Public & Private Partners
Working Together to Facilitate Entrepreneurial,
Creative & Small Business Development
A Network of Programs, Services & Facilities to
Support Businesses in All Stages of
Development
One Name, Multiple Points of Entry,
Seamless Integration.
One Name
/spärk/
1. [Verb transitive] “to cause something
to start or develop, especially
suddenly”
Clearwater Business SPARK!
Will be Based in Downtown/East
Gateway Area
Is Available to ALL Entrepreneurs and
Small-Medium Size Businesses Seeking
Support
Pre-Venture
Start-Up
Existing
Benefits of Partnering
Need to Maximize Resources
Demand > Supply
Competing is a Lose-Lose Proposition
Empowers Partners to Undertake Previously
Impossible Efforts
Does Not Require Each Give Up Its Own
Identity
Creates a Climate for Innovation
Multiple Points of Entry
“[T]he City should support innovation
by connecting local businesses and
entrepreneurs….helping to foster an
ecosystem of resources available to
entrepreneurs in the region…”
- City of Clearwater Economic
Development Strategic Plan
A “No Wrong Door” Approach
Technical Arts Facility for Innovation and
Entrepreneurship (TAFFIE)
Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
Florida Small Business Development Center
of Pinellas (FSBDC)
Clearwater Main Library
Economic Development & Housing Dept /
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
TAFFIE
“TAFFIE’s principal mission is to
develop the tech community and
economy in the City of Clearwater
and the surrounding Greater Tampa
Bay area.”
- TAFFIE Business Overview,
October 2014
TAFFIE
Mentorship
Educational Programs
High-Tech Makerspace
Co-Working Space
Meeting Space
Business Coaching
Referral Opportunities
Innovation and Manufacturing Development Support
Networking and Collaborative Connections
Community and Educational Development
Creative Programs
Clearwater Main Library
“Collaborative learning environments
are spaces where people with
common interests can meet, socialize,
and/or collaborate while sharing
innovative ideas and learning new
skills applicable to the real world.”
- Novare Library Services Report,
March 2015
Clearwater Main Library
Computers, Printers, WiFi
Education, Training Programs
Access to Databases, Research,
References
Classroom,
Co-Worker,
Meeting
Spaces
Makerspaces
• 3D Printing
• Music Studio
• Self-Publishing
• Video Production
• Scanning
• Converting
• Oral History
• Recording Studio
• Coding
• Robotics
• Game Design
• Sewing
• Jewelry
• Pottery
• Scrapbooking g
Arts &
Crafts
•Co
•Ro
•Ga
STEM &
Business
Education
••••••••••••••3D
•Mu
•Sel
Vid
Content
Creation
dio
Community
Memory
Clearwater Regional Chamber
“With a mission to enhance the
business environment and promote a
healthy economic climate, our
passion for progress helps our
members thrive.”
- Excerpt of Mission Statement,
Clearwater Regional Chamber
of Commerce
Clearwater Regional Chamber
Seminars, Networking, Meetups
Business Practices Workshops
Management
Sales and Marketing
Customer Service
Advocacy, Support
FSBDC of Pinellas
“…[C]ertified professionals,
consulting, training and information
to help businesses succeed…”
-Excerpt of Mission Statement,
Florida SBDC Network
FSBDC of Pinellas
Marketing
Business Certification
Access to Capital
Market Diversification
Strategic Business Plan
Development
Export Services
Web Optimization
NOTE: Part of Florida SBDC Network;
A program of Pinellas County Economic Development
ED&H and CRA
“…to improve and expand the
economic base of the community ….
and [implement] value-added
strategies and programs that enhance
the community's overall high quality of
life…”
- Excerpt of Mission Statement,
ED&H Department
ED&H and CRA
ED&H
Lead Coordination of Partners
Provide Services to Clients
Access to Incentives
Site Location Assistance
Permitting
Actively Seek Partners, Sponsors
CRA
Provide Financial Support*
*To be determined and presented at future date.
Seamless Integration
“The way a team plays as a whole
determines its success. You may
have the greatest bunch of individual
stars in the world, but if they don’t
play together, the club won’t be
worth a dime.”
- Babe Ruth
Seamless Integration
Web Portal to Access All Program,
Services and Facilities Information
ClearwaterBusinessSPARK.com
Single Point of Contact
Common Client Intake
and Referral Process
It All Begins with a SPARK!
CLEARWATER
BUSINESS SPARK!
May 4, 2015