01-28-26 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – DECEMBER 17, 2025 2 Discussion ensued about the large corporations in Arden Hills and which ones may sponsor certain portions of the celebration. Commissioner Brausen said we can put it out there and see what the reaction is. Councilmember Monson said we don’t have time to start high and lower it. It may be better to have smaller amounts available to sponsor some of the amenities like bounce houses. Commissioner Gronquist thinks $5,000 seems like a reasonable ask for the drone sponsor as long as there are smaller opportunities for the smaller businesses. Commissioner Bonine said he has seen $1,500 for petting zoo and a score board sponsorship is about $5,000 for a season. He thinks it would be good to have other places where the company is mentioned. Discussion ensued regarding who to contact at the big businesses. Staff may have some contact info. Councilmember Monson said the big companies are hit up all the time. There may be restrictions in their policies. Chair Murchie asked if volunteers are needed. He said some companies may be more likely to provide bodies. Maybe the employees volunteer and have T-shirts. He pointed out banks and financial institutions often have programs that encourage their employees to volunteer. Commissioner Poelzer said an Old National employee attended the Flaherty’s business event. She said Transwestern is a very large employer with buildings everywhere. Councilmember Holden said they are getting a list of the businesses as well as non-profits that the surrounding cities use. Councilmember or EDC Member can reach out to those businesses. Commissioner Bonine said some businesses may prefer to just write a check. He said it feels good to know where the money is going. He said we should outline what the money is going toward. Smaller donors may donate if there are smaller amounts available. Councilmember Holden said the bands are $6,000 each, the drone show is $20,000. This will all go toward the event. Commissioner Brausen said getting the message out sooner rather than later will be key. Discussion ensued that the Gateway funds can only be used for advertising the event and cannot be spent on supplies, attractions or activities. Councilmember Monson said she thinks we need to reach $20,000, not including the drone show. She said they are hoping there will be a beer garden. Councilmember Holden said there is security required. We are getting up to around $40,000. She said she doesn’t think there is really a big need for volunteers.