Thanks to a suggestion from the city’s newest leader, Dowagiac will soon assemble a group of individuals who will be tasked with helping to drive The Grand Old City’s economy to new heights.

Members of the Dowagiac City Council voted unanimously to create a new five-person economic development and opportunity board during the council’s meeting Monday night at city hall. The panel will be tasked with reviewing economic opportunities and encouraging and enhancing business within the city, according to a memo to the council written by City Manager Kevin Anderson.

The five-person board will help supplement the work of existing local entities tasked with bolstering business and job growth in Dowagiac and the surrounding area, Anderson said.

“The Chamber of Commerce, the City of Dowagiac, Cass County Economic Development Corporation, and many private individuals, such as the owner and manager of the Southwest Business Center [Brian DeLong], will continue to promote and encourage economic growth,” Anderson said. “However, there is always room for additional ideas and efforts that can move economic growth forward.”

One leader from the city council will sit on the committee of the new board, and will be joined by four other residents and business leaders from the local community. Members will be appointed to serve by Mayor Don Lyons, and confirmed by members of city council.

Once in place, members of economic development board will set a calendar of dates to meet. The group will be expected to deliver regular recommendations and updates to city council.

Monday’s resolution also included a sunset provision for the board. In five years, the council will vote as to whether or not to renew the committee for another five years.

First Ward Councilman Patrick Bakeman — who recently began his first term in office after defeating incumbent Lori Hunt for the seat during the city elections Nov. 7 — proposed the creation of an economic development board during a city council workshop earlier this month, Lyons said. Bakeman is a part of Dowagiac’s business community, as the owner of downtown’s Bakeman Barbers, which he opened in 2005.

Bakeman thanked his fellow councilmembers for voting to create the economic development panel following the vote Monday night.

“I plan on getting started by searching out and finding talented people within the area to fill out the board,” Bakeman said. “We will find out some numbers for the area, and start contacting some various businesses to create some new opportunities for Dowagiac.”

City council also approved the payment of $73,858 worth of outstanding bills and $208,633 worth of outstanding payroll during Monday’s meeting.