Economic Development Partnership Board Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
CM/ DCM/ ACM: Bryan Langley
Date: September 13, 2017
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a report and hold a discussion regarding the Stoke Denton entrepreneur center.
Body
BACKGROUND
On August 22, 2017 staff presented a work session to Council on the Stoke Denton management contract with the Dallas Entrepreneur Center. Council's direction was to not renew the contract with the Dallas Entrepreneur Center after Sept. 30, 2017, and for City staff to manage Stoke's operations in the interim while a Request for Proposals is issued for new management.
Staff's top priority in the transition of Stoke Denton's management from the Dallas Entrepreneur Center (DEC) to the City is continuity of service for the existing 38 member businesses and their 60 employees. On August 25, 2017, City staff hosted a member meeting at Stoke Denton to provide information, answer questions, and introduce Stoke members to the City's transition team. Staff communicated the following:
* All current Stoke Denton members are welcome to renew their membership agreements with the City when DEC management ends (45% of current members are tech or tech-enabled businesses)
* Membership pricing structure will not change
* Operational hours will not change
* The City will make every effort to preserve Stoke's existing community and culture
* A Request for Proposals will be issued for a new management vendor on an accelerated timeline
* Two more member meetings will be held on Sept. 8 and Sept. 22
Transition Team/Roles
The following City staff are the primary members of the Stoke Denton transition team:
* Caroline Booth, Director, Economic Development
o General oversight and coordination with DEC and relevant City departments; RFP process; liaison to City Council and City management
* Paul Desjardins, Enterprise Infrastructure Manager, Technology Services:
o Technology-related items, on-site presence
* Jamie Linds...
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