HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-82-0328ZITY OF MIAAAI. FI-CRIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Honorable Mayor and Members -�;. April 15, 1982
of the City Commission
_ Realignment of the Department of
Trade and Commerce's Functions
F;;oti Howard V. Gary REFEnENC__S
City Manager
tiCLCJURES
I have reviewed the concerns expressed by you at the Commission meeting of
April 1, 1982, Ordinance PIo. 9014 and testimony related to the creation of
the Department of Trade and Commerce and the proposed Plan of Action for
the department dated March 4, 1982 to assure that I have considered all
issues related to the realignment of the goals, objectives and programs
now being administered by the department and to insure that I have complied
with Commission Motion 82-286 made at the April 1, 1982 meeting. This task
has been a critical one because Miami's continued growth as an international
trade and finance center, as well as its development of strong domestic and
local economic initiatives, is directly related to our ability to manage
programs that strongly support international, domestic and local private
sector investment and development.
m
In the process of formulating a recommendation, I analyzed options related
to dividing the department's functions and assigning them to existing
departments, creating new offices to carry out trade and commerce functions
and contracting with quasi -public organizations, such as Hiami Capital
Development, Incorporated, to manage a portion of the department's functions.
In reviewing the options, I incorporated the goals, objectives and programs
that were presented in the Department of Trade and Commerce's Plan of Action which
was discussed with you on April 1, 1982.
Because of the need to carry out.strong programs of international trade
promotion and domestic economic development, I recommend that programs managed
by the Department of Trade and Commerce be assigned to two new departments --
a Department of International Trade Promotion and a Department of Economic
Development.
The Department of International Trade Promotion would administer programs
and activities which would enhance business development in Miami related to
the international sector of our economy. The Department would be responsible
for accomplishing the following objectives:
Establish a Miami -Dade International Trade Promotion Corporation
to attract successful major trade shows, fairs, symposia, seminars,
conferences and conventions to Hiami and serve as the Ci ty's contract
manager for this corporation. This corporation would be responsible
for coordinating the actvities related to the African Trade Fair.
. Establish a permanent International Trade Center.
AW
Hon. Mayor and Members
of the City Commission
Page 2
Promote and provide support for the development and implementation
of international regional centers, e.g. Insurance Exchange of the
Americas, the Miami Television Center, International Health Center, --
etc. ,
Establish International 3usiness Advisory Groups and utilize
various International Trade Associations to market Miami and
arrange trade missions to Jamaica, other Caribbean islands,
selected Central and South American countries, African countries,
and European countries.
Develop an international marketing media campaign to promote
the advantages of doing business in Miami and the amenities of
life in South Florida to be funded on a cooperative basis with
the private sector and other governmental agencies.
Prepare and submit internationally oriented economic and business
related reports and articles for publication in foreign (i.e.
Latin American, European) newspapers and trade journals.
Analyze American foreign policy, on a selected basis, as it
effects Miami's economy, e.g. U.S. Immigration Policy, the
Caribbean Basin Initiative, international banking and taxation
legislation and regulations, etc.
Establish strong working relationships with major international
institutions such as Georgetown University, the Wilson Center,
etc.
Establish strong working relationships and support financial
associations such as the International Banking Facilities
Association.
Respond and follow-up on all inquiries from foreign and U.S.
investors* wanting to relocate to Miami or seeking assistance
related to export and import matters.
Work closely with other city, county, state, federal and private
agencies involved in promoting Miami.
The Department of Economic Development would administer programs and activities
that would promote domestic trade and investment, serve as an ombudsman to
assist local business in resolving problems related to governmental require-
ments or who need financial assistance and for revitalizing designated
neighborhood areas. The Department would be responsible for accomplishing
the following objectives:
Hon. Mayor and Members
of the City Commission
Page 3
Establish a domestic marketing and economic research unit to
identify and provide information, reports and services targeted
at Miami's local business sector.
. Develop a comprehensive data base on Miami businesses.
. Preserve and maintain businesses located in Miami.
Serve as an "OMBUDSMAN" serving as. a one -stop service agency
that will assist local businesses to cut through government
"red tape" and facilitate any process aiding their smooth operation.
Expand the network of communications within and between the commu-
nity's key industries by utilizing local business advisory groups
made up of representatives from industries such as garment, design
and electronics to advise the City on issues of concern.
Assist businesses forced to relocate because of rapid transit
_development to relocate within the City of Miami.
Increase the level of technical and management expertise wd
knowledge of minority businesses.
Serve as the contract manager for the City with Miami Capital
Development, Incorporated, and recommend appropriate changes to
assure that the $4.8 Million in the Revolving Loan Fund is
disbursed in -a fiscally prudent manner.
Establish an "Entrepreneur Venture Capital Fund" to provide 10-15
loans annually to Black entrepreneurs.
Develop a three (3) year work program for the neighborhood economic
development organizations designed to accomplish specific economic
revitalization projects and to make them self-sufficient within
three years.
Develop merchant associations in each neighborhood as the driving
force behind business -related projects.
Develop and monitor the implementation of a one-year contract with
each organization for the period of June 17, 1982 through June 16,
1983.
In making this recommendation related to the realignment of the Department of
Trade and Commerce's functions, I have assured myself that the changes can be
made within the budget amounts currently allocated to the Department of Trade
and Commerce for FY 181-82. It will not be necessary to request an increase
in funding.
Hon. Mayor and Members of
the City Commission
Page 4
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this with you, if you desire.
_ If this approach is acceptable, I suggest that you consider this as a
"pocket item" on April 22, 1932 or schedule this for the regular Commission
meeting scheduled for May 13, 1932.
O