County Executive Edward FitzGerald discusses 'poaching' of businesses

CLEVELAND - Cuyahoga County Executive Edward FitzGerald met with area mayors and economic development directors Thursday morning in an effort to agree on a county-wide protocol regarding 'poaching' (relocating) of businesses by local communities.

FitzGerald addressed the media after the hour-long meeting and said the session was productive and yielded at least 9 concrete proposals to help cities deal with business retention and expansion in ways that are healthy to the whole region.

Some of the main provisions of the proposal include:

- Establishing a Business Retention and Expansion Advisory Council  to act as a one-stop-shop for businesses that are considering moving or locating in Cuyahoga County.
- An agreement not to actively pursue the relocation of area businesses.
- Facilitating communication between mayors and managers of communities involved in any relocation.
- Potential revenue sharing agreements in cases of business relocation.

Fitzgerald said the planned $100 million county development fund could be used as a 'carrot' to ensure that municipalities sign on to any agreement. Cities that choose not to participate or who violate the protocols might find it harder to access county development funds.

FitzGerald said about 30 of the 59 Cuyahoga County municipalities were represented at the meeting, with many more expressing interest.

The recent relocation of American Greetings from Brooklyn to Westlake was cited as one of the catalysts for the effort, although FitzGerald said the issue has been one of concern for years.

According to FitzGerald, much more work needs to be done before a consensus can be reached.

He said a timetable to finalize an agreed upon set of protocols has been set for September of this year.