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'It <br /> EN HILLS <br /> CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA <br /> ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION <br /> March 15, 2006 7:15 A.M. <br /> CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS-- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 <br /> Mayor Aplikowski called the meeting to order at 7:20 a.m. <br /> Those in attendance: Dale Beane, Rob Davidson, Kevin Kelly, Ray McGraw, and Mayor <br /> Aplikowski. Staff: Community Development Director Karen Barton <br /> Minutes from the January meeting were presented for approval. Ray McGraw moved to approve <br /> the minutes. Dale Beane seconded. No Discussion. Motion carried. <br /> Economic Development Plan Presentations <br /> The first presentation was made by Kirsten Barsness and Kathy Bennett of Barsness Consulting. <br /> Barsness highlighted the use of an EDC worksheet, minimal citizen input(primarily through <br /> commissions), incorporating key businesses,performing a SWOT analysis, developing a <br /> marketing plan, operational strategy and implementation plan to focus on tangible goals and <br /> intangible goals, including retention, exposure, image enhancement, and setting a foundation for <br /> . Arden Hills' future. <br /> Barsness closed their presentation by stating that they should be selected because they know the <br /> area,having lived and worked here, and opened the presentation for questions. <br /> Rob Davidson asked Barsness if they felt Arden Hills has similarities to other communities? <br /> Barsness responded that they felt Arden Hills had a number of similarities to other local <br /> communities. <br /> Ray McGraw asked how Barsness would get Guidant and other businesses to give them <br /> information? Barsness responded that it would be through participation,that they "rely on others <br /> to gather the information." For example, by having the Mayor call a business to open the door. <br /> Mayor Aplikowski asked, in their estimation, what is Arden Hills' biggest challenge? Barsness <br /> responded that it was TCAAP. <br /> Rob Davidson stressed that we need to establish goals that people can buy into. <br /> Ray McGraw asked Barsness to discuss in further detail how they would conduct the SWOT <br /> analysis. Barsness stated through individual reviews, analysis of all input, and then setting <br /> priorities. <br /> Barsness were thanked for their time and effort. <br /> The next presentation was given by Mr. Jim Mooney of DeSCo Solutions, Inc. <br />