The Gilroy Economic Development Corporation has named a Morgan
Hill economic development project manager as its interim president.
Tammy Brownlow will start her new post Monday in a position that
was left vacant when former EDC president Richard Spitler stepped
down less than four weeks ago after eight months on the job.
The Gilroy Economic Development Corporation has named a Morgan Hill economic development project manager as its interim president.
Tammy Brownlow will start her new post Monday in a position that was left vacant when former EDC president Richard Spitler stepped down less than four weeks ago after eight months on the job.
According to an EDC press release, Brownlow has managed a nonprofit organization similar to the EDC in the past and brings 20 years of experience in economic development programs and practices.
“Gilroy has great potential to continue its current growth and positioning as a destination city for South County. The retail sector has already seen this positioning, and I look forward to expanding other industry sectors to establish Gilroy as an employment center for other businesses,” Brownlow said in the press release.
Since its formation by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce in 1996, the EDC has been a liaison between developers and the city. It receives funding from the City of Gilroy, the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce and from the corporation’s 23 business partners. In 2009, the EDC’s city funding was cut by 20 percent.
Gilroy Mayor Al Pinheiro said a starved EDC has a direct effect on the lack of businesses coming to Gilroy and said the bad economy has been to blame when Spitler announced his resignation in early November.
The EDC now has a city-allotted $96,000 budget, down from $120,000 in Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
EDC board chairman Kurt Michielssen acknowledged the EDC is challenged by budgetary constraints. He said the EDC’s focus for the next few months will be identifying additional funding to continue economic development efforts for Gilroy.
“During this time of economic challenges for many businesses and developers, the EDC must demonstrate value while providing the much needed assistance the EDC is known for,” Michielssen said.
The interim position will be for a term of six months, at which time the EDC board will review progress and determine next steps.
Brownlow was previously the Morgan Hill senior project manager of economic development. Her work experience also includes similar duties for the City of Sacramento.
