AUBURN - Compatibility is key to every good relationship.
The Auburn Industrial Development Authority members want to show the city's good side to possible business suitors and prove it's a right fit.
During the Tuesday meeting, the board split into three committees to improve its chances of snaring companies.
Members, including the newly installed representative from the Auburn City Council, William Graney, will meet with Interim City Manager Michael Long to discuss where to pursue funding for the group.
Currently, AIDA receives no cash from the city, or any other agency for that matter, chairman Charles Mace said.
The remaining members were appointed to two other committees, including one dedicated to targeting specific industries and companies.
“The mayor likes targeting (specific industries), that's fine but I like mass marketing,” Mace said. He added that the committee would focus on certain industries, he also would spread the word through a broad campaign.
Members suggested pursuing growing fields such as biofuels and international industries.
The other committee will draft a letter highlighting to the city's strong points to accompany a brochure about the area. Members pointed to Auburn's copious amounts of water, beautiful scenery and diverse work force.
Before the meeting, members conducted a conference call with Advance Micro Devices representatives to learn why the chip manufacturer chose to build a factory in Saratoga rather than Auburn.
The company had information that was more than six years old about the city's water and trash facilities. The data did not include information about the facilities' updating and expanding.
The other reason was the lot was too small and lacked trees. The property in Saratoga offers nearly 400 more acres and a forest to combat emissions.
Besides trying to bring in outside corporations, business retention tops Mason's priorities.
He suggests board members send letters introducing AIDA to shops and facilities around the city and tell business leaders what the board can do for them.
“We don't want to bring in someone who hires 50 workers if we lose someone who has 100,” Mason said.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311, ext 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
During the Tuesday meeting, the board split into three committees to improve its chances of snaring companies.
Members, including the newly installed representative from the Auburn City Council, William Graney, will meet with Interim City Manager Michael Long to discuss where to pursue funding for the group.
Currently, AIDA receives no cash from the city, or any other agency for that matter, chairman Charles Mace said.
The remaining members were appointed to two other committees, including one dedicated to targeting specific industries and companies.
“The mayor likes targeting (specific industries), that's fine but I like mass marketing,” Mace said. He added that the committee would focus on certain industries, he also would spread the word through a broad campaign.
Members suggested pursuing growing fields such as biofuels and international industries.
The other committee will draft a letter highlighting to the city's strong points to accompany a brochure about the area. Members pointed to Auburn's copious amounts of water, beautiful scenery and diverse work force.
Before the meeting, members conducted a conference call with Advance Micro Devices representatives to learn why the chip manufacturer chose to build a factory in Saratoga rather than Auburn.
The company had information that was more than six years old about the city's water and trash facilities. The data did not include information about the facilities' updating and expanding.
The other reason was the lot was too small and lacked trees. The property in Saratoga offers nearly 400 more acres and a forest to combat emissions.
Besides trying to bring in outside corporations, business retention tops Mason's priorities.
He suggests board members send letters introducing AIDA to shops and facilities around the city and tell business leaders what the board can do for them.
“We don't want to bring in someone who hires 50 workers if we lose someone who has 100,” Mason said.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311, ext 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
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