PCDI Discusses Rental Option on Big R Property, Nolder Replacement

The past two executive sessions held by board members of Prowers County Development, Inc. have dealt with negotiations regarding the Big R warehouse and office space on Washington Street in Lamar.  The most recent discussion held during the monthly board meeting Tuesday, April 30 covered that as well as personnel matters.  Executive Director, Lisa Nolder, told members she believed a firm offer on a portion of the property would be realized this week.  A measure of confidentiality still exists regarding the identity of the entity in discussions with PCDI.  Nolder believed additional discussions with another party involved in small scale wind energy development might bear fruit later this summer on the remainder of the property. 

Nolder, who announced her resignation as PCDI executive director to board members yesterday, informed the board on the local briefing she attended on logistics for the annual Pedal the Plains bicycle event that will pass through Lamar this September.   Several hundred bike riders will be in Lamar on September 20, a leg of their journey which encompasses Eads and La Junta.  Planning calls for a centrally located area for tents, bike storage and facilities for the riders for an overnight stay.  She said based on conversations with host cities from last year’s event, there’s not much of an economic gain to be realized, but it will serve to showcase the community on a statewide and regional level. 

Member discussion also covered the impact House Bill 252 could have to local economic development by doubling the output on rural energy co-ops over the next few years.  The ‘green’ bill calls for green or renewable energy output to climb from 10% to 25% by 2020.  If passed, it will have a specific impact on Tri State G & T, and the costs will be passed on to local customers.  Board member, Lawrence Brase, stated those increases will impact a new generation of citizens about seven years from now as well as current residents and local business owners.  A PCDI golf tournament has been set for June 15 at Spreading Antlers Golf Course.  Rodeway Cow Palace Inn will cater the lunch.  Teams for the four member scramble should call PCDI at 336-2384 to reserve a spot in the lineup. 

PCDI President, Marsha Willhite, offered some new ideas for consideration on strategic planning and organizational values through a power point presentation for board members.  Willhite suggested board members analyze how closely the annual budget matches and serves a two year strategic plan, conduct a review of the current budget with new board members and detail just what kind of results are expected by PCDI donors. 

Following the resignation press release issued by Willhite on Tuesday, the board president said board members will meet next week to review the executive director’s job description and discuss plans to advertise for a replacement.  Willhite remarked that will probably entail a multi-state search for qualified candidates.

By Russ Baldwin