
ECONOMIC BOARD
MISSION:
The Pleasant Point Economic Development Board (PPEDB) has been established by the Pleasant Point Tribal Council to assist the Tribe to encourage, promote, and assist business growth that will develop a larger economic base, increase employment opportunities, and improve the standard of living of the people of the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy tribe, while preserving and enhancing the community’s environment.
The PPEDB will research and report to Tribal Council future economic opportunities proposals that are submitted to the Tribe. It is the intention and purpose of the PPEDB to assist the Tribal Government in developing and maintaining a stable economic base for the Pleasant Point Community. This mission shall be accomplished by utilizing the experience, insight, and expertise of the Board. The PPEDB shall strive to maintain a professional manner in its operation, as well as the highest degree of accountability to the people and Tribal Council of the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Community.
GOALS:
-Business Growth – to design and conduct a program of business attraction, creation, retention, and expansion services and activities.
-Improved Economic Standards – to stimulate and facilitate improvements in and diversification of Pleasant Point’s economic base leading to a higher standard of living of its people and greater profitability of its businesses.
-Business Climate – to identify, implement, and advocate improvements needed at Pleasant Point to create an environment that is favorable to the business environment.
-Quality Environment – to conduct economic development activities in such a way this they are compatible with the personality of Pleasant Point and enhance the Tribe’s positive attributes and support improvements where necessary.
The PPEDB will review all proposals that have been submitted and a thorough discussion of pros and cons of each proposal shall be conducted regarding the issue. All members present of the Advisory Board may participate in the discussion and should have all their inquiries addressed prior to an analysis being completed.
Once formalized the analysis will be presented to the Tribal Council for them to make a decision as whether they (Tribal Council) wish to proceed with the proposal. If Council decides to proceed the entity presenting the proposal will be contacted to meet with the Council. If the Council decides not to proceed with a proposal, the entity will be contacted to notify them of the Council’s decision.
The role of the PPEDB is to provide informed advice and recommendations to the Tribal Council on matters of economic development. The PPEDB shall be responsible for researching, developing, and formalizing an analysis for all economic development proposals submitted to the Passamaquoddy tribe.
EMPLOYMENT:
– Does the proposed venture improve Tribal member employment, work skills, and add to the overall quality of jobs available to Tribal members?
– Does the project improve the quality of jobs available for Tribal members, as indicated by job skills, salaries, and levels of responsibility?
– Are there significant opportunities for Tribal members to assume management or supervisory responsibilities in the proposed venture?
– Does the project seem to flow from the interests, skills, and experience of Tribal members? If not, are there opportunities for training and development?
INTEGRATION:
– Can the project be integrated into the Tribal Economic Development Comprehensive Plan?
– Does the proposed project fit into the Tribe’s cultural, social, and physical setting?
– Does the project ensure increasing Tribal control over the use if development resources and the resulting income and benefits?
– Does the proposed project avoid or mitigate environmental pollution or problems with noise, air quality, health, or environmental damage?
CAPACITY BUILDING:
– Does the proposed project lead to the development of Tribal capacity to undertake increasing economic development responsibility?
– Does the proposed project identify new investment opportunities, such as import or export?
– Will the revenues and profits that are generated by the project be sufficient to invest in other Tribal economic development activities?
– Is the proposed project likely to create a favorable impression on outside business and financial interests, so that outside institutions interest in participating in future Tribal economic development is enhanced?
INVESTMENT:
– Does the proposed venture attract outside debt or equity capital?
– Does the proposed project provide sufficient income to Tribal members and/or Tribal government to compensate for the use of public infrastructure?
– Does the venture have a demonstrated market for its goods and services that is dependable and can be counted on to increase over time?
– Does the venture require sizable initial capital investment, and does this require large debt financing that will severely burden the new enterprise during its start-up phase?
– Is the Tribal government willing to accept shared ownership of the venture if equity financing is necessary?
– Will the venture become profitable within a reasonable time and not require continuing Tribal support and/or contributions?
– In the event of the venture’s failure, will the Tribal government become saddled with a large debt, unused or unusable buildings and equipment, or other liabilities?