The Ceres City Council voted 3-1 on Monday to keep its existing contract with The Retail Coach, a firm that was hired in 2020 to help the city attract new retail businesses.
The Retail Coach (TRC) has created a “Developer Opportunity Package” for each targeted retailer of specific restaurant/retailers that has been the focus of marketing efforts. The firm has been actively recruiting retailers, as well as commercial developers, on Ceres’ behalf. Additionally, TRC is assisting marketing efforts to retailers, developers, and brokers at retail industry conference and trade shows as well as provide ongoing coaching and support.
Vice Mayor Couper Condit pulled the item from the consent agenda saying he could not support the $25,000 contract “when we have a part-time economic development director, Steve Hallam, who makes around $50,000.” He also mentioned the city’s partnership with Opportunity Stanislaus, a local non-profit organization and the Ceres Chamber of Commerce. He suggested using the money for a small business loan or grant.
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