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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – JANUARY 28, 2026 3 C. 75th Anniversary Feedback Recap Senior Planner Fransen said at the last meeting Councilmembers Holden and Monson attended. They both sit on the 75th Anniversary Committee. They asked the EDC about sponsorship policy and were hoping to get businesses involved with the Anniversary event. It will be July 17th and will follow the Penny Carnival. The event will feature a concert and drone show, along with kids activities. Staff consolidated the comments and shared them with the Staff contact that also works with that anniversary committee. The sponsorship levels were discussed. There was additional feedback about connecting with businesses. Some ideas included a poster that businesses can display at their location, creating a t-shirt that would include sponsor information. It could be a revenue generator, and we could have a pre-order to help manage cost and avoid excess inventory. There was discussion on coordinating with businesses to encourage attendees to visit Arden Hills businesses the weekend of the event. This could be a business passport that could be stamped. Other suggestions were to have additional bike corrals and encourage residents to bike there. Some discussion of a 5K walk or run was had, however it was noted that it was a large undertaking and would require additional coordination. Senior Planner Fransen said the EDC is being asked to discuss and note any additional feedback that should be shared with the anniversary committee. It was noted that the EDC could help with connecting businesses with the city. Commissioner Poelzer said she had a good discussion with Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky. They took notes on their discussion and Staff was going to present it to the 75th Anniversary Committee. She has arranged for the Twin Cities Bicycling Club to lead an adult ride. They have 1,000 members around the metro area. They will be encouraged to stop at the 75th Anniversary. We would get free advertisement in their newsletter. That doesn’t mean 1,000 people will show up, but they will all get the information. She said Bike MN is a wonderful non-profit. They offer a lot of events, including bike rodeos for kids. They barter for a table to inform people about what they do and in return they will bring their cones and set up a path for kids. It’s a bicycle safety focused event and they do helmet fittings. EDC may want to consider doing this in an Arden Hills parking lot. That could lead to a bike/walk through downtown. Commissioner Bonine said it could be a cool feature event. He participated in a car seat event that made sure your car seats were installed properly. He thinks that may be a good kick-off to summer event. Kids can have their helmets fitted. The community can come together for a couple of hours. He’s not sure if it’s EDC or PTRC. Chair Murchie said it could be a joint effort between both groups, to bring the community together. Discussion ensued regarding bike helmets and possible events to host a helmet fitting event. Chair Murchie said it will be helpful to get feedback from the 75th Anniversary Committee on how the EDC can best support the planning. Commissioners will be happy to build awareness about the event by contacting businesses. Commissioner Poelzer said when the 75th Anniversary web page is built commissioners can go through it and see what they have. She appreciates an idea from last meeting regarding a run/walk. She has been trying to get something like that for several years. It takes 3-4 years for an event like