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EDC Minutes <br />November 1, 2017 <br />Page 2 of 3 <br /> <br />B. Business Retention and Expansion Program <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler noted that this item was placed on the agenda in case Commissioners had <br />had any updates on the BRE program. No comments were made. <br /> <br />C. 2018 Work Plan <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler mentioned that a tentative meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 22, <br />2018 between the EDC and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) at which the EDA will <br />consider the EDC’s work plan. He also suggested cancelling the January 3, 2018 EDC meeting. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler reviewed the Goals and Tasks as stated in the memo: <br />1. Business Retention and Expansion Visits <br />2. Marketing and Outreach <br />• Work with the Communications Committee on business-focused articles <br />• Plan and promote State of the City events <br />• Track and visit new businesses <br />3. Advising on Planning and Economic Development Efforts <br />• 2040 Comprehensive Plan <br />• Commercial, Industrial, and Higher Education Study <br /> <br />Commissioner Rob Williams asked how the EDC advised the City Council. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler explained that feedback is given in a report directly to the City Council <br />on certain items such as the Comprehensive Plan and the Higher Education Study. <br /> <br />Chair Dan Erickson noted that the Council Liason also brings back comments to the Council. He <br />also felt the group is reactionary and underutilized. <br /> <br />Council Liaison McClung mentioned there is now a Communications Coordinator who will work <br />more closely with the committees and commissions to develop outreach and communications <br />strategies. <br /> <br />Commissioner Liz Johnson suggested organizing small business events. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler stated that we could work in cooperation with the Cities of Shoreview or <br />Roseville to cohost events, as well as Chambers of Commerce. He also mentioned that the new <br />Communications Coordinator could work with the committee to help with getting information out <br />to the public and planning events. <br /> <br />Chair Erickson suggested having a corporate sponsor for an ongoing breakfast networking event <br />that would bring awareness to Arden Hills. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding how the committee would like their actions communicated to the <br />City Council and it was decided that topic should be revisited, as well as the efforts of the business <br />retention program. <br />