CITY OF STURGIS
130 N. Nottawa
Sturgis MI 49091
269.651.2321
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You are here: Departments
> Development Services > Economic
Development > Business
Development Team
WELCOME TO THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Local government's role
is to serve the public interest, which includes upholding
and enforcing the laws that govern construction and land
use. Zoning and building regulations as well as infrastructure
standards are necessary for a safe, well-planned community.
Without these regulations, public safety and property
values would undoubtedly be adversely affected.
The reality is that often those with little or no experience
in purchasing property, developing sites or starting a
business view the regulations, rules and processes of
government as complex, rigid, confusing or unnecessary.
It is understood that those with experience working with
local government have little difficulty complying with
zoning and building regulations, however the City of Sturgis
recognizes that the development of new business startups
requires a different, more personal approach.
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Development Team |
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The Business Development Team (BDT) will consist of the Zoning/Building
Administrator, DDA Director (if applicable) City Engineer, Economic
Development Director and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
Other team members may be added based on the particular needs
of the prospect. The Economic Development Director will serve
as the team leader and the direct point of contact for the BDT.
The purpose of this role is to provide guidance specific to
the project's unique needs and circumstances. Due to the ever-changing
complexity and myriad of grant programs and tax incentives,
a project will be customized for each prospect.
PROACTIVE PROSPECT CONTACT
City staff, especially members of the BDT will actively contact
prospective projects that might find the BDT tool useful. Many
times, prospects purchase property without conducting their
due diligence as it relates to zoning, building construction
and infrastructure needs. By proactively seeking out prospects
during the planning stage, the City hopes to provide education
on issues related to building, planning, zoning, engineering,
etc. before property purchase occurs. Although seemingly subtle,
contact of prospects during thr planning stage is critical in
averting conflict that places the City in the position of "undoing"
or resolving noncompliance with zoning or building regulations.
Marketing of the BDT is necessary so that the community is aware
of the tool. For the BDT tool to be successful, the City will
need cooperation for those who routinely deal with these types
of issues such as Realtors and financial institutions.
PROJECT ASSESSMENT
By bringing key staff members together referrals within the
organization will be minimized and a mutual understanding by
the City staff of the project can be gained. The BDT will identify
various issues, concerns, opportunities or challenges that should
be considered by the prospect. The BDT will also assist in identifying
any state or local incentives that might facilitate the project.
The BDT recognizes that local government regulations may not
be the only barrier to execution of a project. An entrepreneur
also may have needs relating to business plan development, accounting
or legal services, project financing and so on. The Chamber
of Commerce Executive Director, by virtue of his/her involvement
in the BDT will be able to make appropriate referrals for services
based on interaction with the prospect.
PROJECT RESOURCE GUIDE
As a result of the BDT project review, City staff will prepare
a Project Resource Guide (PRG), which will outline project specific
requirements that address zoning, building, infrastructure and
other pertinent issues. The goal is to develop a document that
provides guidance on City processes and procedures to make it
easier for the prospect to navigate. The PRG will also summarize
the various incentives that may be available for a given project
along with detailed information on any particular requirements.
The BDT Leader will be responsible for coordinating information
for compilation in the PRG. Reference documents such as state
statutes, building codes or local ordinances will also be included
as an Appendix to the PRG to establish credibility of information
included in the document. Each PRG is considered public information
according to the Freedom of Information Act and will be provided
to the public by request.
FACILITATION
The Economic Development Director is assigned the role of BDT
Leader. As a single point of contact, the BDT Leader will assist
in coordinating any zoning, building, infrastructure or economic
development related issues. The BDT Leader will also provide
clarification of questions or concerns by the prospect including
appropriate documentation of laws, regulations or policies.
The BDT Leader's role is to minimize referrals and eliminate
unnecessary contacts with multiple departments that often frustrate
prospects.
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John Hayes - Director
Phone: 269.659.7233
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