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<br /> ~ ~~~y , '. <br /> ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - 11 JNE 30. 1997 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 /> Mr. Piggott stated Metro East is at 50% of meeting these goals so far. He welcomed any . <br /> questions the Council might have of him. <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 I <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 /> Mayor Probst inquired if Arden Hills had been the recipient of any projects as a direct result of I <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 I <br /> not applicable to the City, it is good information to have on hand regarding development in the <br /> metro area. <br /> Mayor Probst inquired what the 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, I <br /> but that stakeholders wished to see all leads whether applicable or not. As a result of this, Metro <br /> East now sends all leads to all member communities. I <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 I <br /> East regarding either joining or forming their own partnership. . <br /> Councilmember Aplikowski inquired what Metro East's relationship to the Metropolitan Council I <br /> was. Mr. Piggott replied there was no relationship between these two organizations. <br /> Councilmember Malone inquired how companies were made aware of Metro East and the I <br /> functions it could fulfill. Mr. Piggott replied mainly by advertising and referrals. <br /> Councilmember Malone inquired which companies were contributors to Metro East. Mr. Piggott I <br /> replied that the five 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 I <br /> offices were also contributors. He stated most organizations donate to Metro East to generate <br /> business, although 3M and St. Paul Companies were mainly benefactors. <br /> .. <br /> I <br />