07-31-24 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — JUNE 26, 2024 2 Commissioners who were absent from the meeting indicated that they would be available for a meeting on either date. Commissioner Gronquist shared that both dates work for her. Commissioner Murchie indicated that July 31st would work better for him. Vice Chair Subramanian stated that either date would work. Commissioner Bonine agreed. A motion was made by Vice Chair Subramanian and seconded by Commissioner Gronquist to add a July 315t, 2024 EDC meeting date to the 2024 city calendar. The motion was approved unanimously. B. In -Person Business Visit Strategy Senior Planner Fransen shared that staff requested the Economic Development Commission revisit the In -Person Business Visits strategy discussed at the May meeting. Commissioners should review and discuss the details established at the last meeting, suggesting edits and additions as appropriate. She mentioned that the Subcommittee had drafted questions for in -person business visits to distribute at the meeting. Commissioners should discuss and comment on the drafted information. Senior Planner Fransen presented the drafted details for in -person business visits, asking Commissioners to review the information for missing details, additional timeline and milestone information, and what information needs to be prepared for in -person visits. Vice Chair Subramanian commented that the intentions are in alignment with what has been discussed. Commissioner Murchie added that the goals of the strategy connect with the mission of the EDC and are both aimed at informing the EDC's work and benefitting the businesses. Vice Chair Subramanian asked about the target audience for in -person business visits. She asked if all businesses would include online businesses without a physical place of business as well as small businesses and national franchises. She also asked who the individuals would be to answer the questions. Would that be a business owner or manager or any employee. Commissioner Murchie commented that starting with smaller businesses could be the way to go. Commissioner Gronquist provided clarification that all businesses could be included as some franchise owners are local and managers tend to be more local even if the business is a franchise. She stated that the visits could be with a business owner or manager to get more specific information about the business. Commissioner Murchie asked how the Commission might handle a visit if a representative is unavailable at that time or if they only have a quick minute and cannot answer the questions while the Commissioner is present.