02-05-20 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDC Minutes February 5, 2020 Page 2 of 3 Discussion ensued regarding BRE programs. It was agreed that business meetings are valuable but a more formal process would be necessary. Chair Erickson noted that there is an annual workplan but they haven’t made progress toward the goals. He wondered if changing the meeting frequency supported moving toward the goals. He supported meeting every other month and the earlier meeting time but felt during the off months they could be making business visits. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla said he would like to see the goals revisited and the BRE program, and do a business community strength and weakness study. Chair Erickson asked if Council could provide some input and they could discuss goals at the next meeting. Commissioner Bennet Kilander asked if they would be inviting businesses to the State of the City. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla said there would be opportunities to invite businesses. Council Liaison McClung liked the idea of getting input from the City Council. He would like to see a program started again and add more visits as it the program progresses. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla said he would like to set the meetings up and one of the Commissioners would go with him. The Commissioner would bridge the gap between the City and the business. Council Liaison McClung noted there are vacancies on the committee and would like to grow the group, but wants to be sure there is a driving reason to do so. After discussion it was moved, seconded and approved to begin meeting at 7:30 a.m., and bi- monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month with the exception of April, 2020. Meetings for 2020 would be April 1 at 7:30, followed by June, August, October and December. B. Small Business Week Initiative Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated that during the Holiday season in 2018, City staff and Councilmembers visited approximately 30 businesses and dropped off candy to show appreciation to them for being in the community. He wondered if the EDC would be interesting in participating in a similar event during Small Business Week. Chair Erickson felt independent, locally owned, single location businesses would be the ones to recognize during the event. Discussion ensued regarding the recent Business Council Meeting hosted by the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce.