03-05-14 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDC Minutes March 5, 2014 Page 2 of 6 developing a City video tour and agreed that this item should be a priority on the EDC's 2014 Work Plan. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that staff had met with CTV about creating a video using the CTV staff hours allotted to the City. She explained that the video would be approximately three minutes in length and focus on economic development. Commissioner Radziej commented that given the short length of the video, perhaps two videos should be made: one focusing on residential properties and the other on commercial properties. He suggested staff contact a commercial real estate agent to learn more about how commercial properties in Arden Hills are marketed to businesses. Commssioner Alstatt questioned how the TCAAP redevelopment would fit into the video. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that TCAAP would not be the primary focus of the video, although it could be featured in the economic development segment of the video. With the pending development of TCAAP, the City Council wanted to ensure that the rest of the City's business districts weren't forgotten. The Council specifically asked that the video tour focus on the City's existing development. She added that Ramsey County is actively working on promoting the TCAAP site. Commssioner Heikkila suggested that the video include visuals that identify the location of the business districts in Arden Hills and that footage of each district be included. Commssioner Erickson commented that the diversity of businesses in the City should be highlighted. He suggested that corporate, independent retail, manufacturing, and warehousing businesses be represented in the video. Chair von Holtum commented that the quality of the local workforce should be emphasized. Commssioner Erickson suggested that the video focus on two or three particular companies and include interviews with business owners. Community Development Director Hutmacher noted that staff was intending to use testimonials from business owners in the video. She added that staff would generate a list of potential businesses for these testimonials and review the list with the EDC at the April meeting. Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed the general outline of the video. An introduction would be provided by the Mayor and a voiceover would be used for narration. Staff will present a detailed outline of the video at the April EDC meeting for further discussion. Commssioner Erickson suggested that community amenities such as parks, schools, and housing should be mentioned in the video, but that this section should be kept relatively brief. Council Liaison Werner questioned how often the video would need to be updated.