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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – OCTOBER 25, 2023 2 <br /> <br />Council Liaison Rousseau wondered what the average income was in manufacturing. <br /> <br /> <br />Mr. LeTourneau replied that in Anoka County there are approximately 255,000 jobs with 20% <br />of those jobs being in manufacturing. The average wage across 11 segments of employment is <br />about $55,000 annually. Manufacturing alone averages $89,000. <br /> <br />Council Liaison Rousseau discussed the “thumb” property that is for sale in Arden Hills. One of <br />the companies looking at the land is a medical device company that would create a headquarters <br />with 800-1,200 jobs. She invited Mr. LeTourneau and the businesses from the manufacturing <br />cohort to come to the TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons open house on November 1. <br /> <br />Mr. LeTourneau said the Minnesota Forward Fund has about $400 million earmarked for <br />business growth, which includes $2 million in the Drive for Five Initiative that focuses on five <br />sectors of industry. The Twin Cities North Chamber Manufacturing Cohort is looking at applying <br />for a Drive for Five grant which is due in December. The end goal would be to help place people <br />in jobs. He would love for the EDC to be one of their grant partners providing a letter of support. <br />He would also like the EDC members to attend one of their meetings. <br /> <br />Council Liaison Rousseau asked if they had an idea of the retention needs for Arden Hills <br />business. <br /> <br />Mr. LeTourneau said that was unknown at this time, but he would like to have more access to <br />that information and would be engaging with businesses in the area. <br /> <br />4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS <br /> <br />A. December Meeting in 2023, Commission Chair, and Packets Discussion <br /> <br />Senior Planner Fransen asked if members could indicate their first preference for an alternative <br />date for the December 27 meeting. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding meeting availability for December and January. <br /> <br />Commissioner Williams motioned to move the meeting from December 27, 2023 to January <br />10, 2024, seconded by Commissioner Brausen. Motion passed unanimously. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Fransen explained the Commission was currently operating without a Chair or <br />Vice Chair. She asked for anyone interested in the roles to come forward in hopes of the City <br />Council appointing them for the 2024 term in the New Year. <br /> <br />Commissioner Cupery expressed interest in becoming Chair. <br /> <br />Commissioner Schneider stated interest in the Vice Chair role. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Fransen said packets have historically been posted online for Commissioners to <br />access, so mailing the packets in advance was different than what had previously been done. She