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Business recruiter has yet to score By JESSICA SMITH The city's new economic development office hasn't produced much development in the past year. Though there are no new business recruits for coordinator Bill Hoke to hang his hat on - nothing he can point to and say, "I did this" - he says the past year has been more about establishing the city's economic development program. "We essentially started from scratch," said Hoke, who was hired in June 2000 to lead economic development efforts within the city. "We're getting the word out that we have someone who can help. But it takes time to get the word out." Last year, the city spent about $108,000 on its new economic development program. The 2001-02 budget sets aside $153,000 for such efforts. For the past year, Hoke has spent time meeting with business owners and leaders to learn about their plans to expand and discuss problems that may prevent business growth. Hoke also established a Web site for the economic development office, prepared a strategic plan, developed recruiting materials and created a database to track projects. City officials and area economic development leaders say it's too soon to expect much more from the year-old department. "It's going to take time to really bear fruit," said Council President Bob Strosser. "(A year is) a limited time frame to really kick this program off and to have measurable results." Rob Pochert, business development manager for Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, said it can take several years to implement a successful business recruitment program. The much talked-about national economic downturn hasn't helped matters. Pochert said fewer businesses consider relocating when the economy is shaky. And some local companies were forced to postpone their plans to expand, he said. "Even our organization hasn't seen a recruitment in the last year," Pochert added. "Many projects we had anticipated went on hold in October." But the economic downturn appears to be turning up, Pochert said. It's likely that Medford's economic development office, as well as other agencies, will see more recruitment activity in the next year, he said. Meantime, Hoke said he'll continue to focus on two of the city's top priorities - business retention and work force development. Hoke has created a monthly breakfast intended to give the business community an opportunity to meet with the Medford City Council and discuss barriers to growth and other issues. "One thing we want the business community to know is that we're here to help," said City Manager Mike Dyal. "We don't want someone packing up and leaving without calling and saying, 'Here's the problem and what can you do to fix it?' " With a 5.9 percent unemployment rate, Jackson County seems to have enough workers to accommodate new business. But Dyal and Hoke said it's important for the region to have the right kind of workers. "A metal fabricator doesn't need nurses and bookkeepers," said Hoke, who has teamed up with local educators to determine whether there are shortages of certain types of skilled workers. Reach reporter Jessica Smith at 776-4481, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.