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<br />Business Retention <br /> <br />Business development represents some of the core activities of any economic <br />development program. Over time, the importance of a successful retention <br />and expansion program has risen over that of the traditional attraction <br />efforts. The most effective economic development dollars are those spent <br />working with existing businesses since most of the economic growth in a <br />community is the result of established businesses. Here are some activities <br />recommended for Arden Hills. <br /> <br />12) Business Retention Program. <br /> <br />Recent research on economic development effectiveness conducted by <br />numerous resources has consistently emphasized that a business <br />retention program focused on the base (those businesses that bring <br />money into the community) and the largest companies is the most <br />successful economic development strategy a community can design <br />and implement. The center piece of this program is the business <br />leader meetings. These should be conducted annually and focused on <br />removing the obstacles hampering business success. Based upon the <br />input received in these meetings, a series of business services can be <br />provided. Since they need to be directly responsive to the needs <br />presented during the interviews we can only offer suggestions of <br />programs that other communities have used successfully in the past. <br />If the recommended staffing levels are added to the community, we <br />see no reason why 30 to 40 visits per year cannot be conducted in the <br />community. <br /> <br />The EDC has initiated and will continue with a business outreach and <br />retention program through quarterly events. <br /> <br />13) Sign Committee. <br /> <br />It is unclear whether the city's sign ordinance is overly restrictive or if <br />it is just perceived to be. However, enough businesses in town have <br />the opinion that the sign code is too restrictive so it would be <br />beneficial for Arden Hills to convene a committee to review this <br />matter. These people would be instructed to review surrounding sign <br />ordinances and standards set forth by the American Planning <br />Association. The comments received by this committee can be <br />developed into a recommendation for the EDC and ultimately Council <br />to consider. Inclusion of the City Planner in this effort would be <br />essential. <br /> <br />Strategic Plan for Economic Development Page 11 of 20 <br />\\Metro-inet.us\ardenhills\Admin\Committees\Economic Development Commission\AH Strategic Plan - FinaI5-16-07.doc <br />