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DISCUSSION <br />Framework <br />The EVC has had previous discussions related to business assistance; the development <br />of a coordinated business support program is an opportunity to bring those ideas and <br />discussion points together in a framework that addresses the strategic plan actions noted <br />above. Economic Development staff has identified five key pillars that are recommended <br />to compose the City's business support program. For each pillar, primary activities that <br />are already in place, or could be implemented, are noted: <br />Business Support - Ombudsman services, local purchasing practices, business <br />support network <br />Business Assistance - Commendable Commutes, business assistance programs <br />Business Promotion - Business anniversary recognition, in Pleasanton.com, <br />business events (e.g., Beyond the Cloud, #GameChangers, etc.) <br />Business Engagement - Doing Business with the City guide and workshop, <br />business needs survey, business visits <br />Resident Awareness - Support local campaign <br />A visual framework for the coordinated business support program is attached. <br />Identified Activities <br />With adoption of the Council Work Plan, Economic Development staff is beginning to <br />budget for, schedule and implement these activities with particular focus on the <br />identified tasks of creating a support local campaign, promoting opportunities to do <br />business with the City, and purchasing practices that acknowledge local businesses. <br />Here is an overview of how these will be approached (with annotation for activities that <br />are already being implemented): <br />Purchasing Practices <br />If the procurement submissions are competitively matched in relation to qualifications, <br />quality, experience and cost, the City will consider locality when selecting providers of <br />goods and services. A local provider is a company that has a current City of Pleasanton <br />business license and a physical location in Pleasanton. The City Council and/or City <br />Manager may waive preference based on insufficient qualifications, quality or <br />experience, or in the event of an emergency. <br />Implementation underway <br />City departments will post, and keep updated, all Requests for Proposals, Requests for <br />Qualifications and Project Bids on the City's website on the City Bids and RFPs page. <br />Implementation underway <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />