04-24-24 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – MARCH 27, 2024 2 wanted to move forward. In its current form, she said the mission statement was to facilitate positive interaction with the business community and to advise the City Council and Economic Development Authority on economic development, redevelopment and related community development issues. She indicated there was room for more specific language and phrasing as they discuss prioritization. She directed the Commission to the packet and opened up the topic for discussion. Chair Cupery said the logical place to start was with the mission and asked if the group thought it was adequate as presented. Commissioner Williams asked if the EDC has any role in helping the residents understand that there is a strong economic development in Arden Hills. Senior Planner Fransen asked if this should be part of the first statement regarding facilitating positive interaction with the business community among residents and if not, to suggest a location for that language to be added. Commissioner Williams stated he wasn’t suggesting putting that in the vision yet wondered if that was within the scope of what the EDC does or not. Chair Cupery said he thinks this would fit in the communication and outreach part of the strategies relating to making sure the residents are aware of the Arden Hills businesses. Commissioner Gronquist said she thinks the last part is good but that the statement doesn’t really talk about the current businesses. She suggested possibly adding something else in the beginning about helping the current businesses grow and develop or thrive in the city. Senior Planner Fransen suggested phrasing such as to facilitate positive and local interaction and ongoing business support with the business community. Commissioner Bonine said that instead of focusing on the negative, maybe the phrase is word smithed to something more positive like thrive or something of that nature so as to be supportive and hopefully avoid issues, rather than focusing on the negative. Commissioner Murchie suggested using the word opportunities instead of issues. Commissioner Williams said that coming from the non-profit world, is the mission really to facilitate positive interaction or is the mission to have a vibrant business community in Arden Hills for both new and existing businesses? He noted for him it relates to what is the ultimate goal. He noted he didn’t think positive interaction was a method towards what he would think is the ultimate goal, which is that the business community is great, but that positive interaction is one method towards that goal in supporting existing businesses. Commissioner Gronquist suggested taking out to facilitate method of interaction and to emphasize local ongoing support for the business community. Senior Planner Fransen said they could more directly state support for the success and growth of the local business community and opportunities rather than issues identified.