(1) The following information shall be presented to the
department by applicants that seek certification as a CRDC:
(a) an outline of the region the applicant is
proposing to represent that includes a description of the communities, economy,
demographics and culture;
(b) evidence the applicant is a nonprofit corporation
organized under applicable state and federal laws;
(c) a staffing plan that includes current job titles,
job descriptions and qualifications of primary personnel. At a minimum, the
applicant is required to provide 4,160 hours of staff time annually to economic
development activities. If the applicant does not currently have the capacity
to provide 4,160 hours of staff time annually to economic development
activities, the applicant shall include a hiring plan or a contracting plan to
meet this requirement.
(i) For the purpose of this rule, economic development
activities means work in the development and management of revolving loan
funds, business technical assistance, state and federal grants and programs,
local and regional planning, business retention and expansion programs, and
business recruitment programs;
(d) evidence of financial stability that includes:
(i) a copy of the most recent audited or
professionally reviewed financial statements of the applicant, including a
supplemental schedule or other detailed information to specifically disclose
the financial condition and results of operations of the applicant;
(ii) a proposed budget for the applicant that includes
sources and uses of funds; and
(iii) any other information deemed necessary by the
department to evaluate the financial stability of the applicant;
(e) evidence of
matching funds in the ratio of $1 for every $1 of assistance grants requested
that satisfy the following requirements:
(i) matching funds
for assistance grants shall be provided through existing or new cash from the
applicant's administrative budget;
(ii) the assistance
grant awarded may not displace existing funds in the applicant's administrative
budget; and
(iii) any other
information deemed necessary by the department to document the amount and
source of matching funds;
(f) a plan for
encouraging and organizing full participation in regional economic development
activities, meetings, and projects in the region;
(g) evidence of
broad-based community support, at the time of certification, that includes
written support from all county governments, a majority of all incorporated
cities and towns, and a significant level of support from economic development
organizations in the region. Where applicable, evidence of support from tribal
governments and tribal economic development organizations is strongly
encouraged. In addition, county governments cannot provide multiple letters of
support for the same geographic area;
(h) a plan for the
development and publication of a five year strategic plan for the region;
(i) a plan for
delivery of, and evidence of ability to administer, a revolving loan fund. To
meet a minimum application threshold, the applicant shall include pertinent
experience in the management of a revolving loan fund;
(j) a plan for
delivery of, and evidence of ability to provide, business technical assistance.
To meet a minimum application threshold, the applicant shall include pertinent
experience in providing business technical assistance;
(k) a plan for
delivery of, and evidence of ability to apply for and manage, state and federal
grants and programs. To meet a minimum application threshold, the applicant
shall include pertinent experience in the application and management of state
and federal grants and programs;
(l) a plan for
delivery of, and evidence of ability to perform, local and regional planning.
To meet a minimum application threshold, the applicant shall include pertinent
experience in local and regional planning;
(m) a plan for
performance of a business retention and expansion program;
(n) a plan for
performance of a business recruitment program; and
(o) any other
information deemed necessary by the department for a complete review of an
applicant's proposal for certification as a CRDC.
(2) The procedures
for certifying a CRDC are as follows:
(a) the department
shall issue a formal request for proposal from any interested individuals or
organizations;
(b) the department's
staff shall review timely submitted proposals and determine whether to
recommend certification of the CRDC. The proposal and staff's recommendation
regarding certification shall be forwarded to the department director for a
final decision on certification;
(c) the department
will annually review the CRDC for compliance with program requirements for
certification; and
(d) any other
procedures deemed necessary by the department to certify a CRDC.