Laserfiche WebLink
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – APRIL 23, 2025 5 <br />Chair Murchie explained the document in front of them is a conversation starting document. The <br />EDC has talked about hosting a potential business member breakfast in the fall. This would help <br />gather more information and it can increase the visibility of the EDC as the commission was <br />revived. The hope is to create a forum to provide updates on the work the EDC is doing and build <br />relationships with the business owners to glean their insights that can be shared with Council. He <br />is looking for feedback on how we could use that event to check off a number of boxes of things <br />we are trying to get done. We want to hear from the businesses that are excited about Arden Hills <br />and learn what they want and are interested in. This will probably be a sub-committee that can <br />help with outreach, identify what businesses want and we’ll need someone to design save-the- <br />dates and invites. He read the goal of the EDC has been outlined as “To provide a forum for the <br />EDC to engage Arden Hills businesses to provide updates about relationships and feedback.” He <br />asked if that is still the big-picture goal. <br /> <br />Commissioner Daniels said she thinks we are trying to be a value-add to the community. She <br />loves the idea, but she wonders if people will come. She asked if there is a precedent for business <br />owners showing up for an event like this. She would hate to have the EDC put a lot of work into <br />an event and have it be poorly attended. She thought there is a breakfast later in the week. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Fransen said she thinks she is referring to a breakfast the following week to <br />discuss energy. <br /> <br />Commissioner Daniels confirmed. It would be good to see how well that is attended. She thought <br />there was a similar event in Shoreview and they were disappointed in how few people attended. <br />Getting attendance could be challenging. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bonine agreed. He said there has to be something juicy to encourage people to <br />show up. Business owners who aren’t involved in the community probably won’t show up. He <br />hosted a TC Chamber of Commerce event at his office and it was lightly attended. All they do is <br />network to businesses. He appreciates the idea, but he asked if there is anything we have to share, <br />that is unique to Arden Hills business owners that would make them excited to show up. If it’s just <br />a networking event, why wouldn’t they just go through the Chamber? <br /> <br />Commissioner Gronquist remembered from the discussion in February she said we can’t use the <br />word networking. That only encourages new businesses. She doesn’t think it should be presented <br />in that fashion if we want to draw in all businesses. <br /> <br />Commissioner Daniels asked if there are any new businesses or buildings that may attract people <br />out of curiosity. Would someone want to attend because they want to know what is happening in <br />that space? <br /> <br />Chair Murchie said one thing that is different than a Chamber event is this is connected to the <br />City’s regulatory component. He believes this commission has a different role than a Chamber. He <br />asked about the events that took place in previous years. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brausen said the events before were very popular. He doesn’t know if younger <br />business owners just don’t attend those events due to connection and technology. He thinks we <br />could build this. He thought the Sheriff could be invited to come and speak. <br /> <br />Commissioner Daniels suggested the Mayor. <br />