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EDC Minutes <br /> February 1, 2012 <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br /> • Use City newsletter to highlight local February—December <br /> businesses <br /> • Update and distribute business July— September <br /> information packet <br /> • Consider other business outreach <br /> activities <br /> Business Improvement, • Identify businesses considering October —December <br /> Expansion and Retention expansion or at risk of leaving the City <br /> • Identify businesses in need of exterior <br /> improvements <br /> • Investigate options for revolving loan <br /> program <br /> The consensus of the Commission was to accept the work plan as presented. <br /> C. New Member Recruitments <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that she had contacted Bethel <br /> University regarding joining the EDC. <br /> Commissioner von Holtum stated that he had spoken to several residents. He also stated that <br /> he likes the idea of placing EDC articles in the City newsletter and sees three benefits from such <br /> articles: business outreach, member recruitment, and highlighting Arden Hills businesses. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher suggested articles focusing on Aerotek, Exos, <br /> or Hood Packaging. Other possible articles could discuss the City's efforts to work with local <br /> business, reinforce that Arden Hills is business friendly, talk about how important businesses are <br /> to the community and that businesses contribute significantly to Arden Hills. <br /> Commissioner Huninghake suggested that some of the larger businesses in Arden Hills, such as <br /> Land O'Lakes and Boston Scientific, be contacted to see if they have any interest in serving on <br /> the EDC. He offered to contact Boston Scientific and Commissioner von Holtum will contact <br /> Land O'Lakes. <br /> B. City Website Redesign Project <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher distributed a copy of a recent Start Tribune <br /> article regarding the importance of City websites. She reported that the website ad hoc <br /> committee has interviewed the final two candidates for the website design vendor and anticipates <br /> presenting a recommendation and contract for City Council consideration in February. The <br /> website redesign process should take approximately six months. She asked for a commitment <br /> from the Commissioners to work on the economic development pages for the new website, <br /> • specifically with regards to what information or links should be provided to support and promote <br /> the City's business community. <br />