01-27-14 EDA Joint With EDC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS JOINT EDA MEETING — JANUARY 27, 2014 4 business retention and expansion program are consistent with Economic Development Authority discussions regarding the loan program and the need to be in closer contact with businesses regarding their real estate needs. EDC Chair von Holtum was pleased with the new members on the EDC. He explained that efforts continue to bring new members to the group. He reported that the Red Fox/Grey Fox area continues to be an area of interest for the EDC, and marketing efforts for this location will also continue. He has been pleased with the articles the EDC members have drafted for the City's newsletter. He discussed business retention efforts that would be addressed by the EDC along with new business visits. Executive Director Hutmacher explained that the EDC may look into creating an economic development video for the City's website, which could lead to additional marketing opportunities for local businesses. EDC Commissioner Huninghake was in favor of moving forward with this initiative. EDA President Grant anticipated that the City and the County may be creating some sort of video for the redevelopment of the TCAAP property. He suggested that if the EDC moves forward with the video that it focus on the City's existing businesses. EDA Commissioner McClung agreed and recommended the video tour be elevated on the EDC's priority list to assist in marketing the City. EDA Commissioner Holden did not want to see existing businesses struggle or relocating after the TCAAP development was completed. She hoped the TCAAP businesses would be complementary to the City's existing businesses. EDA Commissioner McClung stated that there would be some level of marketing or branding for the TCAAP site that would be different from all other businesses in the City. He did not want the rest of the City's businesses to get overlooked. EDA Commissioner Holden indicated that this focus would have to change eventually, because the TCAAP site was part of Arden Hills. EDC Chair von Holtum anticipated that the future residents on the TCAAP property would benefit the existing businesses in Arden Hills. EDA President Grant thought it would be important to find strong, vibrant businesses offering good paying jobs and a solid employment history to locate on the TCAAP site. He stated that the TCAAP property has a prime location and would be able to draw from the surrounding talent pool. He discussed the TCAAP Master Plan along with the open house that was held on January 22, 2014. He asked if the Council had anything they would like to add or remove from the EDC's 2014 work plan.