Dawson County Economic Development Council continues task of raising money

Funds raised through contributions and pledges to the Dawson County Economic Development Council’s investment campaign are well over $10,000.

The council has agreed that fund-raising will need to be an ongoing activity throughout the year even though they are giving it significant attention to start out, according to discussion at their Nov. 22 meeting. The council’s goal is to raise $80,000 annually.

The DCEDC’s campaign encourages investors to commit to a three-year investment, with contributions being made annually. Council member Richard Crouch said having investors contribute in this fashion holds the DCEDC accountable for making progress. If investors feel the council isn’t making progress they can discontinue their contributions. He said progress can be measured by the number of people helped in starting, retaining or expanding businesses. Council member Larry Checketts said some individuals he has spoken with are willing to invest but want to wait until closer to the end of the year. He said it’s a tough thing to ask people for money, but it has to be done. DCEDC president Scott Duke said it’s for a good cause.

The next step in the campaign is to contact the public at large, once the council has completed making contact with the primary investors. The council set a deadline of the December meeting to have finished contacting primary investors.

There was some discussion of enlarging the board for the DCEDC so that representatives from Dawson Community College as well as larger employers in the area could take part in the meetings. Additional members would also allow for more hands to share the load and help in getting more accomplished. The item was tabled until after the new year.

New members Steve Olson, Jason Quale and Pete Ficek were added to the board. Duke expressed the council’s regret with losing departing members Crouch and Don Kettner. Their terms on the council will end in December, with new members taking their places in January. Duke said Kettner and Crouch have provided the council with invaluable service and should be congratulated for their dedication to economic development in the area.

By Margaret Brinkley
Ranger-Review Staff Writer

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