04-23-25 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – FEBRUARY 26, 2025 4 Senior Planner Fransen said every effort was made. There were some corporate groups that were removed from the visits, because it was difficult to pinpoint who to talk to. They tried to capture as many voices as possible. Commissioner Brausen said he had a great time completing the visits. Commissioner Gronquist agreed. She said it was hard to catch some people. She sent emails to any business she was unable to connect with. She is not sure if they completed the survey that was provided in the email. She got a great response from all the businesses she was able to visit in person. Commissioner Sorenson asked what the approach was for when to complete the visits. Commissioner Gronquist said that was a part of the procedure document approved prior to starting the in-person visits. Commissioner Brausen said businesses were more open to talking to him after learning he was also a business owner and not a city official. Commissioner Sorenson said as a business owner, the phone call prior to the visit sounds helpful. Otherwise, someone walks in and says they’re from the Economic Development Committee the first thought is they’ve done something wrong. He also said business hours vary, depending on the type of business. It may prove hard to find someone on site, during regular business hours. Commissioner Gronquist said that is what her strategy was. A lot of times business owners don’t work at the physical location. Commissioner Murchie experienced challenges with catching some businesses during bank holidays. He hadn’t thought about how some owners may not trust a drop in visit. An appointment could be helpful. Senior Planner Fransen said one of the protocols was to avoid the word survey. That can deter participation. Council Liaison Rousseau said that it is sad that the first instinct is to not trust the City. She would love to shift that perception. She asked if there is any interest in a meet and greet with business owners at City Hall. Commissioner Brausen said they used to do that years ago. They would meet quarterly, typically at Flaherty’s. Business owners and City Officials would meet and discuss issues in the city. He said County Road E used to have flags along the road. It was pretty. Council Liaison Rousseau said County Road E was the main street. Commissioner Brausen said he doesn’t understand why City Hall was built on 96 when it should have been downtown. Commissioner Poelzer said the nice thing about County Road E is it is Arden Hills on both sides. She said a lot of people are confused where the City borders are. She remembers the flags. She thinks that solidifies the area that “This is Arden Hills”. She thinks there is value in that. If there