In an update to city council members Monday evening, Canadian/Hemphill County Economic Development Council President Heath Mitchell reported that $35,000 in emergency grant funding has already been sent to local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown.

A total of $50,000 has been appropriated for the purpose of assisting with local business retention and expansion. Already, eleven businesses with 85 employees have received grants of up to $6,000 each. The grants go to businesses that are considered primary businesses and which provide essential services and products

Mitchell said three other businesses have applied and are qualified to receive grants. “That’s in the works,” he said. “Remelle Farrar and Wendie Cook were appointed to handle this funding. They hit the ground running. We think it’s extremely important, and so far, it has been well-received.”

An additional fund was established by the EDC to help local businesses with marketing and advertising. Mitchell explained that retail and food establishments also qualify for those grants, which provide $500 a month for up to three months to help business owners market their products and services.

“We have helped six businesses, so far,” he said, adding that the EDC is attempting to get more information to business owners about that program. EDC board members Michelle Rowden and Lawana Pulliam are working with Chamber of Commerce Director Jackie McPherson on reviewing and approving applicants for those funds.

“We feel like this is our No. 1 priority right now,” Mitchell said. “We have a lot of work to do.”

Mitchell explained that the EDC organization has undergone some major changes recently. “We felt like they were extremely necessary to continue to operate in the black, and not dip into reserves for personnel and administrative costs,” he told the council. “That resulted in the resignation of the EDC director and marketing director.”

“Going forward,” he added, “the board will take a lot more hands-on approach. We are digging into our policies and procedures, and have planned a workshop with High Plains Strategies. We want to make sure the way we are structured is best for Canadian.”

“But our focus now is grant funding,” he said.

Council members expressed their appreciation for the EDC’s efforts.

“It’s great what you guys are doing,” said Ben Needham.”

“I want to commend the board,” said Gary Prater. “I know this was a difficult decision but I feel like you’re going in the right direction. This will benefit the city in the long run.”

“The biggest challenge,” said Wendie Cook, who represents the city on the EDC board, “is the designation of primary businesses and essential businesses….We wish we could help more, but this is the way the statutes are set up.”

“We are pleased with the robust ask by lots of businesses,” she said, “and we have worked really hard, lots of long hours, to provide them what they need.”

“I’m pretty proud of both committees,” Mitchell said. “We’ve used social media and The Record to get the word out so that everybody knows.”

“I want to thank Heath,” Cook said. “He’s been heading this up along with dealing with all of the banking issues. We have a really committed board, and this will be good for the future of Canadian.”

Mitchell pledged improved communications between the EDC board and the city council. “We will do our best to communicate with you,” to which Mayor Terrill Bartlett added his thanks for the board’s good work.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more, or to request the one-page application for either of these funds, email canadianedcemergencyhelp@gmail.com, or contact Jackie McPherson at the Canadian/Hemphill County Chamber of Commerce by calling 806.323.6234.