02-07-2018 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDC Minutes February 7, 2018 Page 2 of 3 Communications Coordinator Skelly mentioned the newsletter and website would be upgraded at the same time. Chair Erickson said business focused articles for the newsletter could be written by EDC members. Commissioner Liz Johnson mentioned possibly adding a business owners showcase and companies looking for employees to the website. City Planner Bachler said Communications Coordinator Skelly will be helping compile a handout for new business visits and write articles about select new businesses for the newsletter. Commissioner Rob Williams suggested that existing business be able to request a visit by going through the website. Chair Erickson concurred and said he would also like to see an article about the BRE program. Discussion ensued regarding new business visits. It was decided that a handout with a few key points about the city and what is available to businesses along with a gift, possibly a coffee mug, should be given at the new business visits. Contact information should be gathered from each business and given to City Planner Bachler for compilation. Communications Coordinator Skelly could go on the new business visits to gather information to be used in a business feature in the newsletter. City Planner Bachler stated that he will be meeting with the Building Official approximately two times a month to hear about new businesses coming into the City. Chair Erickson suggested that a list of new businesses be sent to the EDC members once they are identified so visits can be set up in a timely manner. Other ideas discussed were a meet and greet "Coffee with the Mayor" type meeting for new businesses, and a quarterly email to businesses that focused on businesses in the City. B. Business Retention and Expansion Program Senior Planner Bachler noted the three main objectives far BRE visits: • Establish open lines of communication between businesses and city departments and provide excellent customer service • Respond to immediate problems affecting a specific business, for example the need to lease additional space • Identify broader issues that may be limiting business success, for examples issues with infrastructure or outdated regulations, and develop a response plan There was discussion regarding the timing of new business visits versus retention visits. Chair Erickson wondered how we were maintaining contacts and it was suggested something other than an Excel spreadsheet be used in the future.