Laserfiche WebLink
Early: Years 1 - 2 <br /> 13) Business Retention Program. <br /> Recent research on economic development effectiveness conducted by <br /> numerous resources has consistently emphasized that a business <br /> retention program focused on the base (those businesses that bring <br /> money into the county) and the largest companies is the most <br /> successful economic development strategy a community can design <br /> and implement. The center piece of this program is the business <br /> leader meetings. These should be conducted annually and focused on <br /> removing the obstacles hampering business success. Based upon the <br /> input received in these meetings, a series of business services can be <br /> provided. Since they need to be directly responsive to the needs <br /> presented during the interviews we can only offer suggestions of <br /> programs that other communities have used successfully in the past. <br /> If the recommended staffing levels are added to the community, we <br /> see no reason why 30 to 40 visits per year cannot be conducted in the <br /> community. <br /> 14) Business & Education Initiative <br /> Arden Hills is blessed with two key assets; a strong business base of <br /> signature companies and a school system that ranks as one of the best <br /> in the state. In order to maintain and enhance both entities <br /> strengthening the link between the two is essential. Increasing <br /> business participation in the schools is valuable for showing Arden <br /> Hills' students what a business career will be like when they graduate. <br /> Having business leaders, and most especially business owners, speak <br /> at career fairs goes a long way toward strengthening the tie between <br /> the two. A ready-made program that makes this process as much fun <br /> as it is easy is provided through Junior Achievement. JA's pre <br /> planned instructional packets work extremely well in tapping the <br /> expertise of business leaders in an educational setting for students of <br /> all ages. <br /> 15) Sign Committee. <br /> It is unclear whether the city's sign ordinance is overly restrictive or if <br /> it is just perceived to be. However, enough businesses in town have <br /> the opinion that the sign ordinance is too restrictive so it would be <br /> beneficial for Arden Hills to convene a committee to review this <br /> matter. These people would be instructed to review surrounding sign <br /> ordinances and standards set forth by the American Planning <br /> Association. The comments received by this committee can be <br /> developed into a recommendation for the EDC and ultimately Council • <br /> Strategic Plan for Economic Development Page 18 of 25 <br /> Final Draft- Ready for Release Subject to Council Approval and Adoption <br />