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Page 1 of 2 <br /> <br />EDC AGENDA ITEM – 4B <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />DATE: May 27, 2026 <br /> <br />TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commission Members <br /> <br />FROM: Elena Fransen, AICP, Senior Planner <br /> <br />SUBJECT: TCNCC Arden Hills/Shoreview Business Connect Discussion <br /> <br />Requested Action <br /> <br />Discuss Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce Arden Hills/Shoreview Business Connect event <br />and the role of the Arden Hills Economic Development Commission in Chamber events. <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />Arden Hills is a member of the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce (TCNCC) which is the <br />local chamber for cities and businesses in Arden Hills, Columbia Heights, Fridley, Mounds View, <br />New Brighton, Roseville, Shoreview, and Spring Lake Park. The Chamber represents more than <br />300 businesses in these municipalities and is a resource for business promotion, networking, and <br />advocacy. The Chamber is open to businesses as well as individuals and organizations with a <br />business interest in the area. <br /> <br />The most recent Business Connect was held on March 11, 2026, at the Shoreview Community <br />Center. The speaker was Lake Johanna Fire Department Chief Tim Boehlke who spoke about the <br />new fire department headquarters under construction. Twenty-two (22) people RSVP’d in advance <br />of the event and 35 people attended. Six members of the Arden Hills EDC and two City staff <br />attended. Coffee and donuts were provided by Shoreview City staff at their expense. <br /> <br />At the April 22 meeting, the EDC discussed the current process for the Business Connect events <br />and outcomes from the March 11 Business Connect hosted in Shoreview. EDC members provided <br />feedback that networking should be a priority during the events and that the speaker and their <br />presentation should be intentionally tied back to the business community. <br /> <br />Based on the work plan, the EDC should discuss how to get involved with the Business Connects <br />and consider establishing a process and procedures for supporting the Business Connects this year <br />and in the future, with the June 17 Business Connect being the first example. Staff also propose a