03-25-26 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – FEBRUARY 25, 2026 5 Community Development Director Reilly said we have a Facebook page that isn’t used as well as he thinks it could be. Any posts on Facebook can be shared on Instagram. It might be helpful, in the broader communication strategy, if the EDC made a strong statement recommending investigating our use of social media. The EDC can seek to learn how we can better leverage social media, and on what platforms. Part of the strategic plan talks about defining community identity. He is hearing we need a stronger social media presence. He thinks it would be helpful for staff to hear that. Commissioner Isik thinks social media allows us to frame the EDC narrative regarding upcoming activities. Instagram can be exported to other platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Commissioner Bonine said the youth commissioners engaging in this is important. He thinks adding a digital footprint section under the City engagement part should be added to the work plan. It can be a way to keep costs down and still have a far reach. He thought it could be an Arden Hills EDC handle, separate from the current Arden Hills socials. He said the PTRC could do something similar. Chair Murchie said there are two components to the work plan. First, we have to ask if we are strategically aligned. We want to engage businesses and support staff with outreach and communication. The tactics are where the conversations will stem from. We can approve the work plan knowing it may be changed or amended. He thinks adding a section for the digital presence is appropriate. He is comfortable with the rest of the plan, as it’s laid out. We’re in a good place to move forward. Commissioner Shrom thinks the only way it can be effective is if the EDC had its own Instagram page. Getting content approved could be difficult and take time. She thought Council can have input but we wouldn’t need approval for each post. Senior Planner Fransen said there will have to be some internal conversations about a process for how EDC can support the digital presence. If it is a separate account then we need to know who manages it and what the content is. Commissioner Poelzer has worked with government for a long time. If we have a work plan and anything put out on social media is within our approved work plan, we would have a greater opportunity to post things quicker. The importance comes down to boots on the ground and knowing what we’re going to do. She thinks the draft outline is good. She hopes the EDC web page can be improved. This outline is much more informative than what is on the website. She would like to see this information incorporated on the website. She wants it to be easier for business owners to understand what the EDC does. Chair Murchie agreed the EDC can offer ideas on how the information can be digitally presented. Commissioner Poelzer said the web page should outline what we do but more importantly, it should say why we do it. Senior Planner Fransen said the draft plan will be tweaked, now that she has overall consensus on our objectives, goals and strategies. She will put together some prioritization. She will bring this back for EDC consideration, including the items discussed today.