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ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING—APRIL 27, 2015 2 A. Business Retention and Expansion Executive Director Hutmacher stated that at the January 26, 2015, Economic Development Authority meeting, the EDA approved a contract with the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) to administer a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program. Since then, the Economic Development Commission has been working to draft a survey instrument, recruit volunteer interviewers, and select businesses that will be targeted for interviews. Training for BRE volunteer interviewers will be held in May. Interviews will be scheduled for June, July, and August. Executive Director Hutmacher explained that the EDA requested action is as follows: 1. Approve the BRE survey instrument; 2. Accept the priority business interview list; and 3. Provide direction regarding the list of BRE volunteers. Executive Director Hutmacher indicated that the draft survey instrument is based on the Grow Minnesota! survey which is used by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Using a similar instrument to Grow Minnesota! will allow the City to compare survey responses with other municipalities. The EDC added questions specifically addressing Arden Hills' topics including the revolving loan fund, the State of the City event, and the efficiency of the local transportation network. Executive Director Hutmacher reported that the BRE volunteers will be trained to administer the survey using a conversational approach. This will advance the City's primary BRE goal of building relationships with the business community. EDA feedback on the survey instrument is requested. Executive Director Hutmacher explained that SPACC used sources from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to compile an initial list of Arden Hills businesses. The EDC and City staff refined the list based on local knowledge. Based on advice from SPACC, BRE interviews are targeted for the following categories of businesses: • Businesses in high-growth industries (construction; professional; business services; and education and health services); • Business that are not in high-growth industries but which have experienced significant growth over the past few years; • Large employers; and • Legacy businesses (long-term Arden Hills businesses that are closely identified with the local business community) Executive Director Hutmacher stated that SPACC recommends that the City complete 30-40 interviews, and 47 priority interviews have been identified with the understanding that some businesses will not choose to participate in the program. Interviews are also proposed with some