01-10-24 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – JANUARY 10, 2024 5 Commissioner Gronquist felt that was why a survey could really help because they could start with an explanation of who they are and what they do and why these questions are being asked. Commissioner Murchie suggested they think through how they want to define this based on what’s already in the plan and that could help frame up the actions they want to take, like a survey. He thought they should make it very clear what they do, possibly in the form of a mission statement. Commissioner Williams said maybe they could try to write what they envision what it could be in three years’ time. Such as: they have monthly meetings with business owners in Arden Hills, they have consumers come in every quarter for a business showcase, and they have a welcome packet. So, they decide the things they want to do each year, which feed into the three-year plan. All of that could be run by the Council. Commissioner Williams asked if there was a mechanism for a business to communicate with the EDC. Commissioner Gronquist said the meeting was public, they could come to it. Community Development Director Jagoe said the City doesn’t have anything set up for people to communicate directly with committees and commissions. They would email the Community Development department’s email, the general city email or a staff person directly. Commissioner Murchie thought if they could identify their strategy of where they’re trying to go by the end of the year and get it approved by the Council they could start executing the items under the strategy. He thought what Commissioner Williams was saying made a lot of sense. Commissioner Bonine agreed that before they jump into putting something on the website or a survey they need to understand who they are, and the goal is to facilitate positive interaction with the business community. He thought an inventory of businesses was a good idea before they make a strategic plan; to get an understanding of who is the business community, how is it organized, and who are the people so they know who their audience is. He felt the best interaction was when someone physically come out to visit, rather than a website list that he doesn’t know exists. Commissioner Murchie thought they could go to businesses to introduce the Commission. Commissioner Williams said there was once a very involved survey and they would go out two by two to interview businesses and fill out the survey. He did go to a few businesses and they appreciated having a connection to the City. He gave examples of issues that were solved for some of those businesses because of the interviews. He thought a vendor list would be helpful to give them. Commissioner Bonine liked the idea of having a map of businesses they could share. Council Liaison Rousseau said when the City Council is invited to ribbon cuttings they’d like to share that with the Commission so they can attend. Discussion ensued regarding the Twin Cities North Chamber and Business Council.