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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 12, 2025 3 <br /> None. <br /> 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES <br /> None. <br /> 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS <br /> A. Twin Cities Gateway <br /> Al Stauffacher, Twin Cities Gateway (TCG) President/CEO, provided the Council with a <br /> presentation from TCG, which now includes 11 communities. He discussed the mission of TCG, <br /> which was to inspire visitors to discover the vibrant TCG communities to enhance economic <br /> growth/vitality. He reported that TCG's vision was to serve as a premier tourist destination, <br /> showcasing ultimate sports, the rich culture, and natural beauty of the Gateway communities. <br /> Lisa Berkas, TCG Marketing Director, commented on TCG's strategic plan for the next three <br /> years, noting that the goals were to increase visitors, to be welcoming to all, to achieve <br /> organizational stability and growth, and to increase partnerships and collaborations. She explained <br /> the State of Minnesota had $24.2 billion in total economic impact for 2024. <br /> Mr. Stauffacher explained there were 25 lodging properties located within the 11 member cities <br /> and noted Arden Hills was fourth in lodging tax. He provided further information on the TCG <br /> Executive Board, noting this group met quarterly. He stated Arden Hills was represented by <br /> Mayor Grant and John Connelly who worked for the North Chamber of Commerce. He <br /> commented on how his office ran lean and mean with only two individuals in the office. He <br /> discussed how the local lodging taxes were returned to member cities to advertise, market and <br /> promote city events. He explained Arden Hills would be receiving $19,375 in grant funding in <br /> 2025. <br /> Ms. Berkas commented further on the marketing plan for the coming year. She discussed the <br /> social media and email marketing efforts the TCG was pursuing. She presented the Council with <br /> information on TCG's new logo. She reviewed data of where people were coming from and how <br /> they were spending their dollars in the community. <br /> Mr. Stauffacher discussed his sports marketing efforts, noting he meets with all City Park <br /> Directors annually and he attends all major sports tourism conferences. He reported the 2024 <br /> USA Cup was the largest in history and reported Arden Hills had 499 rooms from this event. He <br /> commented on the Minnesota Ice Swim and Norwegian Foot March events that were held in <br /> Arden Hills and explained he would be working to assist in growing these events in 2026. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked if Boston Scientific still held their yearly tours for those <br /> individuals with pacemakers and stated if this was still done, she encouraged TCG to speak with <br /> this organization about setting up a larger event. <br /> Mr. Stauffacher indicated he would speak with Boston Scientific about this event. <br /> Councilmember Weber requested further information regarding the regional grant opportunities <br /> that were available for tourism events. <br />