Development Foundation gives postive outlook on Medford area

Taylor County’s economic outlook continues to be positive.

That was the word from the annual meeting of the Medford Area Development Foundation held Monday afternoon.

“The Medford Area Development Foundation saw substantial growth in the Medford area in 2023,” said assistant executive director Billie Hartwig. She noted the number of new businesses in the area this past year and the number of business transitions that occurred. She said they saw 64 new members to the Medford Area Chamber of Commerce over the last year, while separate from the MADF, there is significant overlap between the two organizations and they share the same offices and staff. Hartwig also noted that the Chamber saw $121,000 worth of gift certificates purchased in the past year which is money that is spent at the member businesses. The total is up by $30,000 from 2022.

The MADF remained active in working with development efforts in the community. Executive director Sue Emmerich explained that while they are not a realtor, they are an integral part in many of the businesses transitions in the community. “In the past 12 months we have assisted over 16 businesses in this area,” she stated in the annual report.

In addition to reviewing the annual report, members heard from board member Dave Fleegel who headed up the bylaw committee.

“We met and decided they are a drastic mess,” Fleegel said of the bylaws. He said that rather than piecemeal changes to the bylaws, they are having it reviewed by a lawyer to have it overhauled and modernized.

“It is worth having someone modernize it and bring it to the 21st century and beyond” he said. He noted that there are discrepancies between how the organization actually functions and what the bylaws say. He noted they either need to decide to follow them or change them.

Other areas they will look at include the powers of the ex officio members and if it continues to be necessary to be a stockholder in the organization.

Member, and former foundation president Dan Hoffmann said it is important to “take the time to do it right” when it comes to reviewing the bylaws.

The last time the bylaws were reviewed was in 2002. Fleegel said their goal is to create a more streamlined and appropriate process to work from.

Fleegel also reported from the nominating committee recommending a slate of candidates to reelect including current president Chris Schield, vice president John Lange, and board member Dave Brandner. With no nominations from the floor they were approved on a unanimous ballot.