“The board agreed to pass on this agenda item,” said Terry Wegman, executive director for Big Spring EDC. “Ryan didn't get the proposed contract or fee schedule to the board of directors in time. We had put the item on the agenda just in case the contract was ready, but they haven't gotten back to us at this point. The board won't take action on this item until they have had a chance to really look at the details of the contract.”

According to Brint Ryan, manager of the Settles Hotel Development Company and owner of Ryan Inc., the contract calls for a one-time fee from Big Spring EDC that would purchase a “toolbox” of information identifying key industries suited for the area, state and federal credits and grants, as well as other useful information the EDC could use for economic development.

“The primary intent of the contract is two-fold,” said Ryan. “First, it's to help the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation develop a first-class approach to economic development, using all of the tools at their disposal. Not just the local incentives they rely on so heavily today, but the federal and state tax credits, grants and other money that is available to put together a complete, comprehensive package. We think that is going to significantly enhance their ability to attract new investment to Big Spring and new employers to Big Spring.

“The second part is we want to continue to develop our relationship with the economic development corporation. Since we started with the Settles Hotel, we've worked closely with them and they've been extremely supportive, and we want to grow that relationship further. That way, as we see deals coming through our pipeline — as we see clients looking for an attractive place to relocate — we can work directly with the economic development corporation and close some of those deals for Big Spring.”

However, the cost of the contract — which was laid out for the Big Spring City Council and Big Spring EDC during a meeting last month — wasn't nearly as concise as Ryan's presentation.

According to EDC board member Larry McLellan, the cost of the contract — which includes all the information and help learning how to use it, according to Ryan — is between $75,000 and $90,000. Ryan was unable to confirm the contract fee following the meeting.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it