07-31-24 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — JUNE 26, 2024 4 Senior Planner Fransen summarized that staff could communicate with the Senior Communications Coordinator about timing for featuring the EDC's in -person business visits in the September or October Arden Hills Newsletter. Commissioner Bonine asked the Commissioners to review the questions drafted for the in -person visits and indicate if they would recommend changes. He mentioned that the subcommittee worked on the questions together and taken in some feedback from staff to get the questions to their current state. He shared that the intent behind the questions being asked was to increase visibility with the businesses and to help the EDC identify allies for the EDC's work in the future. Commissioner Murchie commented that he thought the questions were great. He asked about the categories for the industries and if these would be detailed enough for sharing with the community. Commissioner Gronquist commented that the subcommittee went back and forth on the industries and had originally had a much longer list that was narrowed down to the ones shown. A brief discussion ensued about how certain industries such as food services could be added. Commissioner Jagoe shared that this question could be removed, and that Commissioners could put in any value they like, leaving this type of information open ended. There was general support among the Commissioners to remove this question and for Commissioners to indicate an appropriate industry for the businesses they speak with. Commissioner Murchie commented that he liked the question about owning or leasing space in Arden Hills and asked about the intent behind this question. Community Development Director Jagoe echoed this question, mentioning that most multi - tenant development businesses lease the space from the owner of the development so it can be identified who is or is not the owner of their business location. Commissioner Gronquist mentioned that the idea was that businesses that own their space could be more engaged and rooted within the community. Commissioner Murchie commented that this question could be construed as intrusive by some business representatives. Commissioner Bonine added that he could see this being the case and that if there was a chance of this being an issue the question could be removed. He mentioned that there had been previous discussion about business licensing which is of interest to several commissioners but might not be the right thing to bring up during an initial conversation where the EDC is being introduced. Senior Planner Fransen mentioned that this question could also be removed and be something to follow-up with the engaged "Allies" identified after the initial visits. Her understanding is that there could be some distinctions between engagement from space leasers or owners and this could be a future area of study for the EDC.