A new Haines economic development organization might surface in early 2017.

While the Haines Economic Development Corp. has been incorporated by the state, much of the groundwork still remains before it will actually materialize, organizers told the Haines Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership meeting on Friday.

“Its focus will be more on the technical side than on the political side. The intent is for the two organizations to work closely together,” said chamber president Kyle Gray, who is also one of the nonprofit economic development corporation’s organizers.

Organizers speculated that the new nonprofit corporation might be ready for action in a couple months.

They plan to brief the borough assembly and to hold public meetings for feedback prior to an office – with a likely staff of one – being opened.

Organizers also plan to ask the borough assembly for money to help set up the corporation venture. “We don’t have outside funding at this time,” said Sean Gaffney, another one of the corporation’s organizers as well as a chamber board member. The corporation did not have a budget mapped out yet.

Organizers said the economic development corporation’s purpose will be to research and gather facts and figures on broad economic matters such as tourism, fishing, mining or a geographical area. It would not be involved in lobbying or dealing with individual businesses, which would be the chamber’s responsibilities.

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