11-05-25 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – NOVEMBER 5, 2025 2 3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Business Event Debrief Chair Murchie asked for Commissioners to report what they thought of the business event. Commissioner Sorenson thought it went well. He thought there was open communication between businesses. He noted that some of the attendees were really excited to make the connections. Commissioner Brausen said the next one will be better. He said people stayed around after and he thinks that’s a good sign. Senior Planner Fransen thought everything went well. Pivoting was essential. That led to spontaneous connections. She thought the commissioners did a great job engaging with all the business owners. Respondents of the survey show that people want to do this again, either two or four times a year. Council Liaison Rousseau would love to see the full survey results. Senior Planner Fransen said there were 14 respondents. All indicated they are interested in attending another event. Suggestions included quarterly events or two times a year. There is opportunity to try to gather folks in a less formal setting. Council Liaison Rousseau asked how this is different than a Chamber of Commerce event. Senior Planner Fransen said they are similar in that they have speakers. There are more cities included for Chamber meetings. There has been a change in leadership that is considering programming changes to increase participation and to be more inclusive. Council Liaison Rousseau said she thinks quarterly EDC event might be competing with other entities. How can we differentiate ourselves? Senior Planner Fransen said there is opportunity that Arden Hills could partner with the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber changes locations. We can try to help promote the events held in Arden Hills. Commissioner Brausen thought an EDC event twice a year is good. Chair Murchie said there could be an opportunity to work with Shoreview to give an announcement during those events. We can figure out a way to have an informal thing where businesses can show up and share perspectives that will be valuable to each other. He thinks people are looking for community. That’s how we can be a bridge. Commissioner Sorenson thought two Arden Hills business programs and an Arden Hills happy hour might be a good option. We found out we don’t have to do so much. We can have just two speakers. The Chamber events can be dull and monotonous. This is more focused. Being local will set us apart.