10-08-25 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – AUGUST 27, 2025 4 Commissioner Gronquist said she is comfortable with public speaking. She is happy to lead a table discussion or present whatever is needed. Chair Murchie said everyone will be at a table for the last 10-15 minutes. He would like to elevate the EDC members during the event. This will help people understand that the EDC exists and hopefully they will bring things to us and possible volunteer as members transition off the commission. Commissioner Gronquist said the flyer doesn’t really highlight that the EDC is spearheading this event. Discussion ensued regarding highlighting that the EDC is hosting the event and some local businesses are sponsoring portions of the event and discussion ensued regarding the event name. Commissioner Bonine asked if the flyer should mention the 7:30 am check in. Senior Planner Fransen said that is the time we will want the EDC members to arrive. She asked the commissioners if they received an invite for an event starting at 8:00, would they anticipate arriving early. Commissioner Gronquist said she wouldn’t come a half hour early and assume networking opportunities, unless the invitation specified to do so. Commissioner Bonine asked if the half hour before the event start was intended to be a conversation time or was that meant to be a chance for people to arrive, get coffee and get settled in. Senior Planner Fransen said it is open time. The structured conversation time is scheduled at the end. Commissioners have shared that attendees are unlikely to arrive early for unstructured networking. Commissioner Bonine said people may think to arrive at 8:00 assuming there will be a few minutes. He thought it would be good to note a check-in time on the invite so attendees know to arrive a little early. Commissioner Daniels asked if there are any businesses that the Commission wants to specifically target. Commissioner Gronquist doesn’t think so. Original discussions were that this might be more of the smaller businesses who will attend an event like this. There was more interest, during the business in-person visits, from service and retail businesses, less so the industrial and bigger businesses. Not that we should neglect those businesses. The smaller businesses just might connect to an event like this better. Discussion ensued regarding the larger businesses in the City and how important they are. Those businesses are welcome to join this conversation. Targeted outreach efforts may be more impactful by focusing attention on the smaller businesses.