06-26-24 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION –MAY 22, 2024 2 Chair Cupery stated the first question was if the EDC supports the top three strategies identified by the ranking. He suggested doing a round table to get each Commissioner’s opinion. Commissioner Brausen suggested tying some of the strategies together by asking the businesses to complete the survey when they do an in-person visit, noting he would be more apt to do so if another business person asked him versus just having it sent to him. Youth Commissioner Schneider stated having the in-person visits rank at the top of both lists was a good thing as it reflects how the group values interaction with businesses. She suggested the members each take a piece of the pie and contribute towards accomplishing in-person visits. Commissioner Williams questioned if the Commission should have any other strategies accomplished prior to conducting in-person visits. He provided an example such as having the business directory updated prior to meeting with the businesses and before sharing that information with them, or should they meet with the businesses and ask what information they feel would be helpful prior to updating the directory so those suggestions could be incorporated as well. Commissioner Williams stated it was surprising to him that in-person business visits received high interest because that would entail a lot of time. He noted that making an in-depth survey and working on the website will also take a lot of time and require a degree of knowledge. Commissioner Bonine stated he echoes Youth Commissioner Schneider’s well-said sentiment. Commissioner Gronquist stated she did not have anything to add and was in agreement. She said she liked the idea of tying in the survey in-person as Commissioner Brausen suggested, and that having that ready before the in-person visits would be a better use of time. Commissioner Bonine noted there probably would be higher engagement that way versus sending an email. A brief discussion ensued about what the process could potentially look like and it was noted that when an in-person visit was conducted previously, businesses seemed to like that and felt better supported. Council Liaison Rousseau commented she had spoken to the owner of the Winkin’ Rooster. She said that he is on Shoreview’s Economic Development Commission, noting he indicated they also used a survey. She said Shoreview may have a template that could be used and thought they had possibly worked with Ling Becker for such. Community Development Director Jagoe suggested that the Commission use the survey to gauge what it should be strategizing around and what is needed to supplement the Commission’s needs. She asked if the Commission thought it would be beneficial to direct individuals to complete the survey online, thus making onsite visits quicker. She noted the time commitment involved in conducting an in-person visit that also includes gathering information for the survey at the same time. She recommended the Commissioners plan for a certain amount of time be devoted to the visit and suggested they decide which areas they want to focus on visiting first, whether that be by a certain corridor or business type.