Areas of Emphasis Page
In order to accomplish its mission, Opportunity Lockney
currently focuses on five main areas of emphasis.
Local Business Development
Opportunity Lockney will organize to provide the
following services relative to local business development:
1.
Research and develop a working knowledge of processes and resources
to assist Lockney businesses/organizations in all areas of business
development. Training will be obtained through various organizations
including the South Plains Association of Governments, Texas Department of
Economic Development and others. Areas of emphasis will include financing
resources, grant funding, business education courses, tax abatement, local
and state business programs, and SBA resources.
2.
Offer educational and financial support to both existing and
prospective Lockney businesses/organizations. Develop an information packet
and website information for beginning and existing businesses that includes
information regarding business development. Conduct a periodic survey of all
local businesses to better understand their needs and wishes.
3.
Establish a plan to create awareness to downtown Lockney from US
Highway 70.
4.
Work with city, state and county officials to develop a direct route
into downtown Lockney from US Highway 70.
5.
Promote Lockney’s location to the Port-to-Plains Trade Corridor.
6.
Evaluate all applications made with the LEDC to determine their
eligibility for state and local programs.
7.
Work in conjunction with all LEDC committees to better serve Lockney
businesses/organizations.
Tax Abatement and Incentives
Opportunity Lockney will organize to provide the
following services relative to tax abatement and incentives:
1. Offer
support to both existing and prospective Lockney businesses/organizations
where tax abatement and incentives may apply.
1.
Research and develop a working knowledge of processes and resources
to assist Lockney businesses / organizations in the area of tax abatement
and incentives. Training will be obtained through various organizations
including the South Plains Association of Governments, Texas Department of
Economic Development and others. Utilize “Free Trade Zones”, “Enterprise
Zones”, and “Reinvestment Zones” where applicable. Explore local and
statewide incentive programs. Stay abreast of all tax abatement regulations
and state laws.
2.
Evaluate all applications made with the LEDC for abatement and
incentive eligibility.
3.
Work as liaison between the LEDC and all taxing entities within Floyd
County to insure that an effective abatement plan is in place and is being
followed correctly. Insure that all taxing entities elect current abatement
resolutions every 24 months.
4.
Work in conjunction with all LEDC committees to better serve Lockney
businesses/organizations.
Industrial Development
Opportunity Lockney will organize and promote the
following services related to Industrial Development:
- Develop a database of potential sites available for
use in manufacturing and/or processing.
- Increase awareness and serve as a contact for
community members to use in listing available sites.
- Develop an information packet to present interested
parties in contacting the area for locating a business or industry.
- Research and develop a working knowledge of
processes and resources to assist Lockney businesses / organizations in
the area of tax abatement and incentives.
- Host tours on an as needed basis to attract business
or industry.
- Contact and follow-up on leads provided by The High
Ground of Texas and other sources.
Public Awareness
Opportunity Lockney will organize to provide the
following services relative to public awareness:
- Make the public aware of Opportunity Lockney’s
purpose, activities, events, and available services. Provide such
information to local and other news media.
- Develop and maintain Opportunity Lockney’s website
in coordination with other Opportunity Lockney committees.
- Develop and maintain written materials such as
letters and brochures providing general information about Opportunity
Lockney.
Grants
Opportunity Lockney will organize to provide the
following services relative to grants:
- Research grant opportunities for Opportunity Lockney
initiatives and, upon board approval, write grant applications to support
those initiatives.
- Develop a base of grant-writing knowledge and
expertise so as to be of assistance to Lockney organizations and
individuals. Developing this base of knowledge will be accomplished by
training via South Plains Association of Governments, Wes-Tex RC&D,
Lubbock Area Foundation, Texas Department of Economic Development, and
others. Opportunity Lockney personnel will not write grants for non-LEDC
projects, but will provide assistance as needed.
- Develop an information packet to serve as a starting
point for those interested in grant writing. This information packet will
include basic information about available training for grant writers,
funding sources, and grant writers who may be available for hire.
- Conduct or host grant-writing workshops for the
community.
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