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ARDEN HILLS JOINT EDA MEETING JANUARY 27, 20143 <br />EDC Chair von Holtum <br />reported that work began on an analysis of vacancy rates for retail, <br />office, and industrial properties in Arden Hills compared to the metropolitan and northeast <br />submarket averages. <br /> <br />EDC Chair von Holtum <br />commented that over the past few years, staff has worked to build a <br />business inventory and contact list for all Arden Hills businesses. In 2013, staff visited every <br />business in the Round Lake/Gateway Business District. Information was provided to businesses <br />on the US 10/Highway 96 construction project and the proposed improvement project for Round <br />Lake Road. Information was collected on the type of business, number of employees in Arden <br />Hills, and business representative contact information. <br /> <br />EDC Chair von Holtum <br />stated that businesses in the B-2 district were visited in 2012; and <br />business visits are planned for the Red Fox/Grey Fox district in 2014. Commissioners hand- <br />delivered State of the City notices to all City businesses in late August/early September. Staff <br />and Commissioners visited new and relocated Arden Hills businesses including Sweet Chocolat <br />and Now Bikes and Fitness. Also in 2013, staff developed an inventory and contact list for <br />leased commercial property including broker and landlord contact information. <br /> <br />EDC Chair von Holtum <br /> stated that he was proud of the work accomplished by the EDC in <br />2013. He discussed the successful business visits conducted by the EDC and thanked each of the <br />EDC members for their contributions to that effort. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding how to create a local business mailing/email list. <br /> <br />EDA President Grant <br /> recommended that the EDC add a local business mailing list to its 2014 <br />work plan. <br /> <br /> <br />B. 2014 EDC Work Plan <br /> <br />Executive Director Hutmacher <br />stated that a <br />t the December 4, 2013, EDC meeting, <br />Commissioners approved the 2014 EDC work plan. The work plan is based on EDC discussions and <br />ss community and establish a <br />reputation as a business and development- Specific objectives within the City <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Increase contacts with the business community; <br /> <br />Support Arden Hills businesses; <br /> <br />Research economic development and business outreach efforts in other cities; and <br /> <br />Determine whether additional programs are needed to maintain a healthy economic <br />environment. <br />Executive Director Hutmacher <br />reported that t <br />he 2014 EDC work plan includes goals and <br />objectives for marketing and outreach in order to increase contacts with the business community and <br />support Arden Hills businesses. EDC goals related to the revolving loan program and a potential <br />business retention and expansion program are consistent with Economic Development Authority <br />