EDC appoints president, vice president

In a special-called meeting over teleconference on Tuesday, the Gonzales Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) board met to further discuss details on a proposed financial assistance package that would help assist small businesses in Gonzales affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. GEDC also appointed its president and vice president, after resignations last Monday, March 30 left openings on the board.

Both Andy Rodriguez and Meena Patel were voted as president and vice president, respectively. The board unanimously approved of the appointments.

“I thank you very much for your confidence in voting for me to be president of GEDC,” Rodriguez said at the meeting.

“Thank you all for your confidence,” Patel added. “I hope I do GEDC justice. I can’t wait to work with y’all.”

After the votes, the six directors, Rodriguez, Patel, Gonzales Mayor Connie Kacir, Gerry Lawing, Gonzales city councilman Dan Blakemore and Larry Wehde, discussed the language of the performance agreement involving the financial assistance package as well as the rules that will be established for the disbursement of the money to local businesses.

Although the board decided to table the item for a future meeting, ideas that were discussed include recommending a package that gives businesses $2,000 per employee, capped at $16,000. The money given to businesses would be forgiven, so long as the business retained their employees.

The next scheduled meeting will be announced.