A c t i o n P l a n

TECHNICAL TWINNING PROGRAM FOR TECHNICAL COOPERATION BETWEEN:

MUNICIPALITY OF RAZGRAD, BULGARIA

and

CITY OF BRUNSWICK, USA

INTRODUCTION:

In order to implement the activities described in the Memorandum of Understanding, the Municipality of Razgrad, Bulgaria and the City of Brunswick, Ohio have agreed to the following three-point strategy. This will serve as a framework for the on-going relationship between the two cities. The Action Plan looks at both short-term and long-term goals. The short-term objectives are the items that can be successfully accomplished in the next ten months. The long-term goals will take the relationship forward into the future.

The major points of this strategy, in priority, are as follows:

1. Economic Development

2. Financial Management

3. Cultural and Educational Exchange

SHORT-TERM GOALS (Ten-Month Strategies)

1. Economic Development

Goal: Create conditions for sustainable economic development in the Municipality of Razgrad through the establishment of a Center for Economic Development (CED)

Action Steps:

1. Assemble a target group for the establishment of CED, comprised of members of the City Council, the Municipal Administration, representatives of the private business sector, financial institutions, and community NGOs.

2. Prepare for, and register CED in accordance with local legislation (finalize by-laws, select a board of directors and executive director, and submit appropriate paperwork for registration.

3. Develop a strategic plan for CED s activities.

4. Identify funding for, and develop a portfolio of marketing materials for the Municipality of Razgrad.

5. Develop an effective communications program for CED.

Time Frame:

January 15, 1999 - Establishment of the target group for the Center.

February 15, 1999 - Submit application to register the Center.

March 1999 - Razgrad experts travel to Brunswick to develop Strtegic Plan and marketing materials.

April 1999 - Brunswick experts travel to Razgrad to further develop Strategic Plan and marketing materials for the Center.

May 30, 1999 - Center s Board of Directors adopts strategic plan.

July 1999 - Technical exchange to finalize marketing materials and develop communications program.

August 30, 1999 - Finalize marketing materials.

September 30, 1999 - Finalize communications program and strategy for CED.

Participants:

• Representatives of Razgrad Municipal Administration

• Representatives of Razgrad Municipal Council

• Representatives of Razgrad s NGO s, financial institutions, and other private interests

• City of Brunswick, City Manager s Office

• City of Brunswick, Economic Development Division

• City of Brunswick, Finance Department

• City of Brunswick, Community Development Department

• Medina County (OH) Economic Development Corporation

• Akron (OH) Regional Development Board

Project Outcomes:

• Economic development activities are coordinated and Facilitated through a non-partisan, non-governmental organization.

• Public and private economic development activities are implemented in a more efficient and effective manner.

• Information regarding economic development opportunities in the Municipality of Razgrad are communicated more effectively to potential investors.

LONG TERM GOALS (Strategies for Beyond September 1999)

• Explore the potential for long-term alternative financing mechanisms for the Municipality of Razgrad and Bulgarian municipalities.

• Encourage the development of cultural institutions within the City of Brunswick through the exchange of various groups between the two communities.

• Encourage cooperation between the educational institutions of both communities.

Through these and long-term efforts, the Municipality of Razgrad and the City of Brunswick will gain mutual benefit from this professional and economic cooperation. Therefore, both communities will endeavor to continue its collaboration beyond the USAID supported period of their relationship.

Agreed on this, the 12^th day of December 1998, in Brunswick, OH.