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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 30. 1997 <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />possible, to avoid an appearance of partiality. The only connection between Metro East <br />and the St. Paul Chamber is that they are located in the same office building. <br /> <br />Mr, Piggott stated Metro East is at 50% of meeting these goals so far. He welcomed any <br />qucstions the Council might have of him. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated that Arden Hills was not a member in 1997, and will evaluate joining for <br />1998, He inquired what benefits the City would realize from membership in the Metro East <br />Development Partnership if it were to join in 1998. Mr. Piggott replied that Metro East is the <br />only economic development group in the Twin Cities area, and companies wanting to expand <br />into the area come through them first. Mr. Piggott stated that Metro East also pre-screens <br />companies for its member communities, He stated both he and the current Business <br />Development Manager were from out of state, which means they have no local ties and are, <br />therefore, completely unbiased and objective towards any city or area in the Partnership. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst inquired if Arden Hills had been the recipient of any projects as a direct result of <br />Metro East leads. Mr. Piggott stated the CPI Guidant expansion, and possibly others. Mr. <br />Fritsinger stated CPI was the main project, which was a lead from both Metro East and D/TED. <br />He further stated the City receives 3-6 leads per week from Metro East, and while all leads are <br />not applicable to the City, it is good information to have on hand regarding development in the <br />metro area. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst inquired what tile western boundary of Metro East was. Mr. Piggott replied Metro <br />East encompasses the counties of Dakota, Ramsey and Washington. He stated that Metro East at <br />one time attempted to send leads only to member communities matching a specific set of criteria, <br />but that stakeholders wished to see all leads whether applicable or not. As a result ofthis, Metro <br />East now sends all leads to all member communities. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if a Metro West Development Partnership existed. Mr. <br />Piggott stated not at this time, although Hennepin County had been in discussions with Metro <br />East regarding eitiler joining or forming their own partnership. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski inquired what Metro East's relationship to the Metropolitan Council <br />was, Mr. Piggott replied there was no relationship between these two organizations, <br /> <br />Councilmember Malone inquired how companies were made aware of Metro East and the <br />functions it could fulfill. Mr. Piggott replied mainly by advertising and referrals. <br /> <br />Councilmember Malone inquired which companies were contributors to Metro East. Mr. Piggott <br />replied that the fivc major contributors were 3M, St. Paul Companies, Norwest Bank, First <br />Banks, and NSP. He stated other companies such as smaller banks, architectural firms and law <br />offices were also contributors. I-Ie stated most organizations donate to Metro East to generate <br />business, although 3M and St. Paul Companies were mainly benefactors. <br />