Johnson & Associates Austin, TX • 512.339.9000

Season’s Greetings

New Job Opportunity – Still time!

Future Opportunities – Stay tuned!

Executive Recruitment

Texas Historical Commission Position

Upcoming Events

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Who is Johnson & Associates?

If you're receiving this news brief for the first time, you're probably wondering who in the world is Johnson & Associates (J&A) and why am I receiving this information?  We've been in operation since 1986 providing economic development, community development and executive search assistance on both a national and international level.   Review our web site at www.jatoday.com and learn more about us and our products. And if you decide you don't want to receive any mailings ever again, just let us know and we'll remove your name immediately.  But remember, if we remove your name, you won't be receiving notice of what may be the perfect position or program for you. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails, let us know which e-mail address you prefer we use.  Keep JAToday coming!   Please add us to your address book or approved sender list. 

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New Job Opportunity!

Sachse (TX) Economic Development Corporation

You still have time to apply!  Get your resume package in by January 29th!

POSITION: Economic Development Director

ORGANIZATION: Sachse (TX) Economic Development Corporation 

CITY POPULATION: 20,000

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Supervises the Sachse Economic Development Corporation, strengthen the local tax base, improve the economic environment of the community, and assists in the retention and expansion of business in Sachse, Texas.

History of The Sachse Economic Development Corporation

In 1994, the citizens of Sachse established the Sachse Economic Development Corporation through a referendum vote.   The Sachse EDC is a non-profit organization created to support companies during their site selection, community evaluation, and business expansion process.

A seven-member Board of Directors supervises the Sachse Economic Development Corporation.  Board Members are volunteers who reside in Sachse and want to strengthen the local tax base and improve the economic environment of the community.  The Mission of the Sachse EDC Board of Directors is to assist in the retention and expansion of business in Sachse.

Some of SEDC’s goals are:

> Attract desirable businesses and industries

> Retain and expand existing businesses and industries

> Facilitate President George Bush Tollway

> Initiate and build a town center

> Be a very open and accessible community organization

> Provide city services at low cost to local taxpayer

The Sachse Economic Development Corporation wants to facilitate a local government that is responsive and beneficial to business.  The Sachse EDC is prepared to advance a public-private partnership intended to help Sachse grow and prosper - a partnership that generates new job opportunities, increased capital investment, and overall community improvement.  Sachse EDC wishes to set forth a foundation for local businesses that builds on the character and quality of life in the community.

The Community

Sachse is a rural community that is growing rapidly with the expansion of the North Dallas telecom corridor and the 190 President George Bush Turnpike extending through the southern part of the City. The city is located approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Dallas on Highway 78; 3 miles north of Highway 190, (President George Bush Tollway) which provides quick and easy access to Plano, Richardson, Garland, North Dallas and Central Expressway. 

Mostly residential, retail and commercial businesses are beginning to develop along Highway 78. With the adoption of the updated Comprehensive Plan, the City is poised for future growth within the realm of the country living atmosphere.

The City of Sachse is on the cutting edge of ‘Green.’ Here are some of Sachse’s accomplishments on the ‘Green scene’:

•Sachse is one of the first cities in the State of Texas to allow residential wind generation.

•Sachse is one of the first cities in the United States to have a LEED Certified municipal campus.

•Sachse is a Tree City USA city.

•Sachse is a leader in Energy Star residential development.

•Sachse is currently working on an incentive-based program to encourage sustainable commercial development. 

This growing community offers a variety of activities both in and around the City. Sachse Fallfest, an annual event that draws over 10,000 people from surrounding areas, is an annual arts and crafts country fair. The Sachse Public Library contains over 20,000 volumes. The library sponsors preschool and summer reading activities for children, as well as various community interest programs for all age groups. Because of its close proximity, Sachse has quick access to all cultural activities in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, including museums, professional and local amateur theater, and historical attractions.  The Firewheel Outdoor Mall in Garland on Highway 78, located approximately three miles from Sachse, offers great retail shopping and an array of restaurants and family entertainment.  Sachse has an active Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Toastmasters and Sachse Seniors Program.

Sachse is served by the Garland and Wylie Independent School Districts. Students living in Dallas County attend Garland schools and those living in Collin County attend Wylie schools. Continuing education is served by a wide variety of universities and community colleges in both Dallas and Collin counties, several within a short commute.

Find out more at these links:

Economic Development Corporation 

http://www.cityofsachse.com/edc/default.asp

City of Sachse

http://www.cityofsachse.com/

Chamber of Commerce  

http://www.sachsechamber.com/

Garland ISD

http://www.garlandisd.net/

Wylie ISD

http://www.wylieisd.net/default.wspx

WORK ENVIRONMENT BEHAVIOR REQUIREMENTS: 

• Urgency
  The job requires decisiveness, quick response, and fast action.  It will often be involved in critical situations demanding that on-the-spot decisions be made with good judgment.  The job will repeatedly face important deadlines that must be met on time.

• Frequent Change
  The job requires a comfort level with "juggling many balls in the air at the same time!"  It will be asked to leave several tasks unfinished, and easily move on to new tasks with little or no notice.

• Frequent Interaction with Others
  The job requires a strong "people orientation," versus a task orientation.  The job will comfortably deal with multiple interruptions on a continual basis, always maintaining a friendly interface with others.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Education and Experience
• The successful candidate should have an Associate's Degree in a relevant field of study.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in community and economic development in a senior management position with a record of success in economic development projects.
• Certification in economic development is preferred.
• Economic Development Finance Professionals are encouraged to apply.
• Political astuteness and knowledge of state and federal economic/community development agencies and programs
• History of involvement in the community through civic clubs, non-profit agencies, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal and group facilitation skills
• Job and personal satisfaction derived from employment in a position such as this in a community with the quality of life opportunities available in our area.
• Compensation and Benefits
• Salary:  $85,000 +/- DOQ
• Auto Allowance
• Insurance
• Continuing Education
• Relocation Assistance
• Residency Expectation  
  Must live within the City limits once hired 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit cover letter, current resume, current salary and salary history, and at least five work related references including contact numbers by January 29, 2010. Finalists will complete a thorough interview and background investigation process to include verification of all credentials and experience. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Under Texas Open Records Statutes, identities of the candidates are subject to public disclosure.

Submit resumes to: Johnson & Associates; c/o Sachse Search; 8308 Tecumseh Drive; Austin, TX  78753- 5745 or Johnson@JAToday.com.  Resume packages will be accepted until January 29, 2010 or until the position is filled.  We strongly suggest applicants submit a video showing communication and presentation skills.  If you are interested in submitting a video, please contact Johnson & Associates at 512.339.9000 to request a copy of the guidelines.

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Exciting Future Opportunities – Stay Tuned…

J&A just secured two new job searches!  As we begin our background work, stay tuned!  We will be posting two new position listings for you to consider!

Look for our January newsletter in the coming weeks!

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Executive Recruitment Services

As you can see, ‘tis the season for new career opportunities for applicants, which means new talent opportunities for organizations!

If your organization is considering a search for a new economic developer, chamber executive, city manager, police chief, or any other position, J&A will search the entire country for the applicants who will be the right fit for your organization.  For over 23 years, we have earned a strong reputation for careful placement of the ideal candidates for many organizations. 

You can trust our experience and 10,000+ strong database to match you with the applicants you desire to fill your positions!  We encourage you to speak with some of our clients to find out how pleased they were with our executive recruitment services.

Call J&A today to learn how we beat the competition’s prices and exceed your expectations!  Make a pledge to lead your organization to be the best it can be in 2010, and let Johnson & Associates help you with that first step to fill your talent needs!

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Texas Historical Commission – Position Description

From time to time, J&A posts positions that are not J&A projects.  Please see the below posting for a position at the Texas Historical Commission.  If you are interested in applying, be sure to submit your package to the address in the “Remarks” section.

Texas Historical Commission

Position Title:  Economic Development and Heritage Tourism Coordinator (Program Specialist V)

Salary: $4,583.33-$5,833.33 Monthly

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Position oversees and coordinates the agency’s historic preservation-based economic development and heritage tourism programs. Provides the staff dynamic leadership in promoting, stimulating and enhancing economic development within the heritage tourism and other related programs.  Responsible for coordinating, quantifying, and tracking the economic impact of agency programs and historic preservation in Texas. Administers the agency’s multi-million dollar heritage tourism program funded through the state appropriations and federal grants. Programs include the nationally award-winning Texas Heritage Trails Program (THTP) which is a coalition of local, regional and state partners working together to preserve the state’s historic and cultural sites and revitalize local economies through heritage tourism.  Position also collaborates and coordinates economic development strategies with other agency programs and divisions that relate to heritage tourism including, Marketing Communications, Historic Sites, federal rehabilitation tax credits and Main Street.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Develops and coordinates a comprehensive statewide heritage tourism program which includes marketing efforts with the THC's Marketing Communications Division.
• Leads economic development and heritage tourism staff within the Community Heritage Development Division and integrates the economic development and tourism efforts of staff in other divisions.
• Identifies, quantifies, and tracks the economic impact and corresponding return on investment of the historic preservation and heritage tourism in Texas as well as the economic impact of the agency’s programs.
• Responsible for promoting the economic value of heritage tourism and historic preservation for communities and the state in general.
• May represent THC on multiple boards and councils involved in the economic development and tourism industries.
• May represent THC in heritage tourism related efforts with other state agencies or independent organizations. Makes presentations on heritage tourism and other related topics to varied audiences.
• Oversees organizational work for the THTP, the development of program guidelines, procedures, policies, rules and regulations; the development of program budget, schedules, priorities and standards for achieving program goals; and the evaluation of program activities.
• Works under the direction of the Community Heritage Development Division Director with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university. Major course work or significant experience in economic development, tourism, planning, historic preservation, business administration, public administration, marketing/communications, or related fields is required. A combination of knowledge or experience in economic development, heritage tourism, and historic preservation is preferred. Experience in organizing and managing regional or statewide efforts and providing guidance to volunteers with a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise is preferred. Experience in managing a tourism or heritage tourism program is preferred. A minimum of four years team leadership experience is required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Must be able to plan, develop and implement economic development initiatives related to heritage tourism (and other programs) that are based on historic preservation philosophy and standards. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail is required. Excellent verbal and written communications skills required. Must be capable of making public presentations on heritage tourism, economic development and related matters. Must be capable of developing and maintaining positive relationships with all partners involved in tourism and historic preservation.

REMARKS (Application procedure, Special requirements): Applications must be submitted on the State of Texas Application for Employment form available on the web at www.thc.state.tx.us.  Please mail applications to P.O. Box 12276, Austin, Texas 78711 or deliver them in person at 1700 N. Congress Avenue, Suite B-65, Austin, Texas.  Resumes and cover letters can be attached, but are not required.  Resumes cannot be submitted in lieu of applications.  Applications will be reviewed, and top applicants will be contacted for interviews.  After a qualified person has been chosen for the position, letters will be mailed to all interviewed applicants letting them know the position has been filled. Disability access for application submission, testing and interview accommodations can be provided upon reasonable notice.

For New Hires/Rehires:
Health Coverage/Retirement Waiting Period: There is a 90-day waiting period for health coverage and retirement contribution. (Relocation expenses are not covered).

* If hired for employment, you will need to provide a document or documents that establish identity and employment eligibility.  Document or documents must be provided within three (3) days from date of hire.  A complete list of acceptable documents is on file with the Texas Employment Commission office.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

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Upcoming Events

Join J&A at the Texas Economic Development Council's 2010 Winter Meeting, January 20 - 22, 2010, at the Isla Grand Beach Resort in South Padre Island, TX.  Register today at www.texasedc.org

Join J&A at the International Economic Development Council's Managing EDO?s Training Course being held January 28 - 29 and the Leadership Summit, January 31 - February 2, 2010, at the Woodlands Resort and Conference Center in The Woodlands, TX. 

While there, Chloe Johnson will be a grader for those participating in the CEcD Exam.  The Certified Economic Developer exam tests a practitioner’s broad-based knowledge in economic development.  Rather than testing an individual on their specialty, the test is intended to unite the field of economic development and establish a base line of what is considered the core body of knowledge for economic developers.

The Texas Community Development Institute is preparing for another great year!  CDI is designed to train community development professionals and volunteers in the techniques of modern leadership and management of community development efforts and challenges in today’s society.

The 2010 session is March 1-5th in The Woodlands, Texas at Lonestar College!  If you register before January 15th, you can get the early bird prices!

J&A recommends this extremely valuable and widely respected professional development course, and encourages you to consider CDI, especially if you are interested in earning your PCED (Professional Community & Economic Developer) certification!

You can register today at www.lonestar.edu/cdi

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Johnson & Associates, A Full Service

Community Economic Development Provider.
We deal in futures ..... yours!

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