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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – JANUARY 10, 2024 6 <br />Commissioner Bonine wasn’t sure that trying to recreate things the Chamber already has was <br />productive, but following what they do to connect with businesses would be helpful. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Fransen noted that John LeTourneau from the Business Cohort had come in to <br />speak with the Commission. She thought they could make a map of businesses on Google maps. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bonine described the map someone had created in his neighborhood. He asked if <br />staff would have resources to put the businesses list into a map format. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Jagoe shared that there is not a GIS mapping tech on staff <br />so there is not a designated resource at this time. <br /> <br />Council Liaison Rousseau asked if staff can ask how many Arden Hills businesses are part of the <br />Chamber and if there are any cost barriers. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bonine said he’s been pleasantly surprised at the different events the Chamber <br />hosts and the information they share. <br /> <br />Commissioner Murchie felt that was a good example of someone who came to him and said we <br />have some tools we want you to be aware of. Was there a corollary that they as the EDC could <br />do? He thought the welcome packet could be sent as an email and most people would click and <br />be done, but if someone came in to talk there would be a face to connect with. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bonine thought they should call out the highlights of what the EDA and EDC are <br />working on, maybe what’s on the City Council’s mind and formulate that into a reason to stop out <br />to tell businesses what is happening. All the information the Chamber shared was public but having <br />someone come by personally to tell them how it would impact them felt like they were a priority, <br />even though it was only a two-minute visit. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Fransen summarized the comments from the Commissioners. She said the outline <br />from Commissioner Bonine would be helpful to share in advance of the next meeting, <br />Commissioner Gronquist could start drafting survey questions. <br /> <br />Chair Cupery stated he heard items of interest were a survey, improve the business directory, <br />welcome and connect businesses to the community, a business open house event, establish a <br />mission and objective for the EDC, and establish connection of EDC with business community. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Jagoe asked if items being worked on for the February <br />meeting could be given to staff by the end of January so they could be part of the agenda packet. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gronquist added she would also like to see a business highlighted in each issue <br />of the monthly resident newsletter, and to let businesses know they can have ribbon cuttings. She <br />mentioned that this has also been an avenue to promote existing businesses if representatives reach <br />out to City staff working on the newsletter. <br /> <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Gronquist and seconded by Chair Cupery to request <br />City Council add a business highlight in each edition of the Arden Hills Notes newsletter. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Jagoe noted that she anticipates there will be a question of <br />how the Commission will decide which business is featured. If they get 100 requests, how will