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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-15-EDAAPPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval Of Minutes December 8, 2014 12 -08 -14 -EDA.PDF NEW BUSINESS EDC 2014 Annual Report And 2015 Work Plan Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT.PDF Business Retention Expansion Program Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner Jon Weinhagen, Vice President of St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT A.PDF, ATTACHMENT B.PDF 2015 EDA Work Plan Patrick Klaers, City Administrator MEMO.PDF EDA MEMBER COMMENTS ADJOURN Chair: David Grant  Commissioners: Brenda Holden Fran Holmes Dave McClung Robert Woodburn Economic Development Authority Joint Meeting with Economic Development Commission January26, 2015 6:00 p.m. City Hall Address: 1245 W Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Phone: 651 -792 -7800 Website : www.cityofardenhills.org City Vision Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. Agenda CALL TO ORDER 1. 2. 2.A. Documents: 3. 3.A. Documents: 3.B. Documents: 3.C. Documents: 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDAAPPROVAL OF MINUTESApproval Of MinutesDecember 8, 201412-08 -14 -EDA.PDFNEW BUSINESSEDC 2014 Annual Report And 2015 Work PlanJill Hutmacher, Community Development DirectorMEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT.PDFBusiness Retention Expansion ProgramMatthew Bachler, Associate PlannerJon Weinhagen, Vice President of St. Paul Area Chamber of CommerceMEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT A.PDF, ATTACHMENT B.PDF2015 EDA Work PlanPatrick Klaers, City AdministratorMEMO.PDF EDA MEMBER COMMENTS ADJOURN Chair:David Grant Commissioners:Brenda HoldenFran HolmesDave McClungRobert Woodburn Economic Development Authority Joint Meetingwith Economic Development Commission January26, 2015 6:00 p.m. City Hall Address:1245 W Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Phone:651 -792 -7800 Website : www.cityofardenhills.org City VisionArden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. AgendaCALL TO ORDER1.2.2.A.Documents:3.3.A.Documents:3.B.Documents:3.C.Documents: 4. Approved: CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA SPECIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING DECEMBER 8, 2014 5:15 PM – ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, President Grant called to order the Special Economic Development Authority meeting at 5:20 p.m. Present: EDA President David Grant; EDA Commissioners Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave McClung, and Ed Werner Also present: Secretary Patrick Klaers and Treasurer Sue Iverson 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Item 4A. was corrected to read Approve EDA 2015 Budgets MOTION: EDA Commissioner Holmes moved and EDA Commissioner Holden seconded a motion to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. September 8, 2014 MOTION: EDA Commissioner Holmes moved and EDA Commissioner McClung seconded a motion to approve the September 8, 2014, Economic Development Authority minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 3. NEW BUSINESS None 4. OLD BUSINESS ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL EDA MEETING – DECEMBER 8, 2014 2 A. Approve EDA 2015 Budgets Treasurer Iverson gave a brief introduction and overview to the 2015 EDA budgets. EDA Commissioner McClung asked if the 2015 EDA General Fund budget had already been approved in September. Treasurer Iverson stated that this was the case but that the non General Fund budgets of the EDA were not approved at that time. MOTION: EDA Commissioner Holden moved and EDA Commissioner Holmes seconded a motion to approve the Revolving Loan, TIF 2, TIF 3, and TIF 4 budgets as proposed. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Secretary Klaers commented that TIF 2 will be expiring in 2015. EDA Commissioner Holmes questioned the status of the TIF 2 budgeted revenues in 2015. Treasurer Iverson indicated that the projected revenues are only estimates at this time. 4. ADJOURN MOTION: EDA President Grant moved and EDA Commissioner Holmes seconded a motion to adjourn the Economic Development Authority meeting. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). EDA President Grant adjourned the special Economic Development Authority meeting at 5:29 p.m. __________________________ __________________________ Patrick Klaers David Grant Secretary EDA President City of Arden Hills Page 1 of 2 MEMORANDUM DATE: January 26, 2015 New Business – 3A TO: Economic Development Authority President and Commissioners FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: 2014 EDC Annual Report and 2015 Work Plan Requested Action Review the 2014 EDC Annual Report and approve the 2015 Work Plan. Discussion The Economic Development Authority approved the 2014 EDC Work Plan at the January 27, 2014 joint meeting with the Economic Development Commission. The EDC made significant progress on its 2014 goals as summarized below. New Member Recruitment  EDC members continue to recruit new members. Revolving Loan Program  Research on existing revolving loan funds completed.  Communicated with DEED to determine program requirements.  Met with several local commercial bankers and SBA loan providers.  Provided information to EDC and EDA.  Working with lenders to determine underwriting, program costs, and processes. Business Retention and Expansion Program  Staff attended training offered by University of Minnesota Extension.  Met with several communities which have completed BRE programs.  Discussed program objectives and processes.  Obtained quotes from University of Minnesota Extension and St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.  Prepared recommendation for EDA. City of Arden Hills Page 2 of 2 Marketing and Outreach  Worked with Newsletter Committee to write and publish business-related newsletter topics.  Preparing a business inventory and contact list for the Red Fox/Grey Fox Business District.  Planned and promoted State of the City events on September 18 and 23.  Drafted script for City video tour. Worked with CTV on filming locations and Mayoral introduction/wrap-up.  Working with CTV on editing, voiceover, and scheduling testimonials for City video tour.  Working with SPACC to schedule business visits. Revolving Loan Program  Research on existing revolving loan funds completed.  Communicated with DEED to determine program requirements.  Met with several local commercial bankers and SBA loan providers.  Provided information to EDC and EDA.  Working with lenders to determine underwriting, program costs, and processes. The EDC approved a 2015 Work Plan on December 3, 2014. EDA review and approval of the work plan is requested. Attachment  2015 EDC Work Plan City of Arden Hills 1245 West Highway 96 ▪ Arden Hills Minnesota 55112 Phone 651-792-7800 ▪ Fax 651-634-5137 www.cityofardenhills.org Economic Development Commission 2015 Work Plan 2015 EDC Goals Work Tasks Timeline New Member Recruitment Promote membership at business visits Q1 – Q4 Contact Arden Hills business associates Q1 – Q4 Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program Work with consultant and volunteers to administer the program Q1 – Q2 Involve the business community Q1 – Q2 Communicate program outcomes to the EDA and community Q2 – Q3 Marketing and Outreach Work with the Communications Committee on business-focused articles Q1 – Q4 Plan and promote State of the City event Q2 – Q3 Continue to expand and update business contact list Q1 – Q4 Track and visit new businesses Q1 – Q4 Complete City video tour and use as marketing tool Q1 ______________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Economic Development Authority Meeting January 26, 2015 Page 1 of 3 NEW BUSINESS – 3B MEMORANDUM DATE: January 26, 2015 TO: EDA President and Commissioners FROM: Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner SUBJECT: Business Retention and Expansion Program Requested Action Review the Business Retention and Expansion Service Proposal submitted by the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) and provide staff with further direction. The Economic Development Commission (EDC) reviewed this proposal at their meeting on October 1, 2014, and voted to recommend that the EDA contract with SPACC to implement a Business Retention and Expansion program. Jonathan Weinhagen, Vice President of SPACC, will be in attendance at the meeting to give a formal presentation on the proposal and to respond to questions. Background The Economic Development Commission Work Plan for 2014 included completing research on Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) programs and presenting recommendations to the EDA to gauge interest in developing a formal program. Over the course of the year, staff and the EDC discussed the role of a BRE program in the context of the City’s economic development goals and how this type of program should be structured to ensure successful outcomes. Retaining and facilitating the expansion of existing businesses is an important component of any city’s strategic plan for economic development. Studies have shown that as much as 80 percent of new jobs are created by existing businesses rather than by new businesses attracted to a community. From a financial and staff-time perspective, focusing on the growth of existing businesses can be more efficient than enticing a new business to move into a community with public financing commitments or other public subsidies. BRE programs help address these broad economic development policies as well as the following specific goals: ______________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Economic Development Authority Meeting January 26, 2015 Page 2 of 3  Demonstrate to businesses that the community appreciates their presence  Help existing businesses solve immediate problems  Increase businesses’ ability to compete in regional, national, and global markets  Establish a strategic plan for economic development  Build community capacity to sustain growth and development over the long term BRE programs are usually organized around a phased process of completing research, analyzing results and identifying issue areas, and implementing priority projects. Before this however, the community needs to coalesce around a set of goals for the BRE initiative. For example, programs can be city-wide efforts or can have a more limited scope looking at a specific industry sector, such as manufacturing, or a particular business district. The focus of step one is gathering information on current conditions in the business community. This is completed by relying on existing economic data sources and conducting interviews with selected businesses using a survey instrument. A leadership group comprised of elected officials, city staff, residents, and members of the business community is usually responsible for completing these interviews. In step two, community strengths and weaknesses are identified through an analysis of the collected research. This review process also allows cities to address short-term problems that may come up in the business interviews, such as the threat of a business relocating to another community. A summary report is completed that highlights issue areas and makes suggestions for actions to respond. The final step of a BRE program is implementation. Following the review of the summary report and deliberation by the City Council, priority projects are selected. Publicity is important during this phase to demonstrate to the business community that concrete steps are being taken to address their concerns. Following the completion of these steps, it is beneficial for a community to develop a business visitation cycle in order to maintain an ongoing BRE effort. Discussion Staff completed a ten-week long course with the University of Minnesota Extension in 2014 on developing a local BRE program. This class focused on the economic benefits of undertaking these initiatives and on the BRE services available through the Extension office. Following the completion of this course, staff contacted three cities in the metro that have contracted with the Extension on BRE programs to ask for feedback on these efforts. Staff also reached out to the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, which has a long history of providing BRE services to the communities it serves in suburban Ramsey County. As one of the founding members of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce “Grow Minnesota!” BRE program, they have helped contribute to more than 8,200 business visits, which have resulted in direct assistance to over 1,200 companies. ______________________________________________________________________________ City of Arden Hills Economic Development Authority Meeting January 26, 2015 Page 3 of 3 The EDC and staff evaluated preliminary BRE program proposals from both the University of Minnesota Extension and SPACC. The initial cost estimate provided by the Extension for the program was approximately $8,800. SPACC has proposed a not-to-exceed cost of $5,000. For several reasons, the proposal from SPACC was selected as a better fit for Arden Hills. The section below outlines the key points identified by staff and the EDC:  A significant advantage to working with SPACC is that the Chamber has an established relationship with many businesses and other stakeholders in Arden Hills and will be better positioned to carry out the business outreach efforts. SPACC will also be able to leverage its existing databases to compile a comprehensive list of businesses in the City and prioritize which companies to visit.  BRE efforts can require a large time commitment from the leadership group. SPACC anticipates that it will be able to provide a program overview and complete the training for the leadership group over the course of a one hour session.  SPACC would use a survey instrument developed by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Greater MSP. This survey is relatively short and direct , which is important considering the limited amount of time business owners have. Additionally, data collected on Arden Hills businesses could be compared with data collected from other communities using this same survey.  The proposal from SPACC emphasizes putting in place a sustainable approach for on- going BRE efforts after the first round of business visits is completed. This is critical as cities need to regularly assess conditions in their business community and engage with new businesses that have recently relocated to the City. Requested Action Approve the Business Retention and Expansion Service Proposal submitted by the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC). The Economic Development Commission (EDC) reviewed this proposal at their meeting on October 1, 2014, and voted to recommend that the EDA contract with SPACC to implement a Business Retention and Expansion program. Attachments A. Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Business Retention and Expansion Service Proposal B. University of Minnesota Extension – Community Leaders’ Business Retention and Expansion Program January 22, 2015 Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director VIA EMAIL City of Arden Hills 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 RE: Business Retention and Expansion Service Proposal Dear Ms. Hutmacher: As the State’s largest local chamber of commerce, serving the City of Arden Hills, the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) is committed to being a partner in advancing your Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) efforts. We believe that we are well positioned to lead this initiative and ensure success. We have a long history of providing Business Retention and Expansion services to communities throughout the East Metro. As importantly, we have a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each community that we serve and their distinct needs. As such, we have developed a customized program that we are confident will achieve your overall goal. Please feel free to contact me at (651) 265-2770 at any time if you should have any questions. Best Regards, Jonathan Weinhagen Vice President 2 Business Retention & Expansion Services 3 Contents Organization Background .............................................................................................................................. 4 Our Team ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Leadership ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Existing Support Staff ................................................................................................................................ 5 Business Community Profile ......................................................................................................................... 6 Major Employers ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Job Inflow/Outflow ................................................................................................................................... 6 Top 5 Industry Sectors .............................................................................................................................. 6 Our Approach ................................................................................................................................................ 7 Our Work Plan ............................................................................................................................................... 7 Phase I ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 Engage City Council and City Commissions ........................................................................................... 7 Recruit BR&E Task Force ....................................................................................................................... 7 Identify Businesses ................................................................................................................................ 7 Engage and Train Task Force ................................................................................................................. 7 Business Visits ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Analyze Survey Results .......................................................................................................................... 8 Present Findings .................................................................................................................................... 8 Phase II ...................................................................................................................................................... 8 Project Cost and Proposed Timeline ............................................................................................................. 9 Contact Information .................................................................................................................................... 10 4 Organization Background The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) is a vital, dynamic force serving the business community through the collective strength of its members. For more than 140 years, SPACC has provided vibrant programs, powerful advocacy and results that foster member growth. With more than 1200 members, SPACC is the largest local chamber in Minnesota. SPACC Team Members include: - Matt Kramer, PhD – President/CEO - Jonathan Weinhagen, MBA – Vice President - Michael Belaen, JD – Director of Public Affairs and General Counsel - Scott Beauchamp – Manager of Public Affairs - Mollie Mitchler – Director of Communications - SPACC has three member engagement specialists who provide outreach, two event experts and three office administrators who provide clerical and office support as needed. The SPACC has decades of experience engaging in Business Retention and Expansion efforts throughout communities in the East Metro. As a founding member of the “Grow Minnesota!” program, SPACC has helped contribute to the more than 8,200 visits that have yielded assistance to over 1,200 companies, protecting over 16,000 Minnesota jobs. The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 nonprofit registered in Minnesota. The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is the charitable arm of the chamber and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit registered in Minnesota 5 Our Team With the largest staff of any local chamber in the state, SPACC has a robust team of professionals with a wide range of experience and expertise. The following staff members will play key roles in executing this proposal. Leadership SPACC President and CEO - Matt Kramer, PhD – PhD with years of executive experience in both public and private sectors, including Governor’s Chief of Staff and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner SPACC Vice President - Jonathan Weinhagen, MBA – Small business and economic development specialist with years of business engagement and grassroots advocacy experience Existing Support Staff Public Affairs Support - Michael Belaen, J.D. – Director of Public Affairs and Legal Counsel for the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining SPACC, Mr. Belaen was in private law practice where he represented business clients in commercial, insurance defense, and construction litigation. Mr. Belaen is a cum laude graduate of Hamline University School of Law. - Scott Beauchamp – Transportation and communications expert specializing in business focused engagement. Leads SPACC initiatives on Gateway Corridor and is a key member of our Ramsey County Municipal strategy team Marketing Support - Mollie Mitchler – Strategic communications, webpage and graphic design specialist responsible for creating and distributing SPACC newsletters that reach over 13,000 readers every week 6 Business Community Profile The City of Arden Hills has a strong existing base of businesses and is home to many large employers including Boston Scientific, Land O’ Lakes and Bethel University. The City has the unique distinction of being a net importer of jobs that are spread across many industry sectors. Major industry sectors include Manufacturing, Information and Educational Services. Major Employers Job Inflow/Outflow Top 5 Industry Sectors NAICS Industry Sector Manufacturing 23.0% Information 14.0% Educational Services 12.8% Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 8.7% Management of Companies 8.7% 7 Our Approach The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) will deliver a set of Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) services that work to achieve the short-term and long-term goals established by the City of Arden Hills. We propose delivering the following services:  Work to educate and inform City Council and Commissions on value of BR&E initiative  Guide the recruitment of a BR&E Task force  Conduct training on effective business interviewing for Task Force members and any additional individuals engaged in BR&E visits  Help to identify businesses to be contacted for interviewing  Leverage existing survey instruments that feed into Grow Minnesota! and Greater MSP’s state and regional databases  Deliver a summary report with recommendations  Develop a sustainable approach for on-going BR&E efforts in the City of Arden Hills Our Work Plan Phase I Engage City Council and City Commissions Present overview of Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program to City Council and Economic Development Commission. This is an opportunity for dialogue that will help inform the process and ensure the goals of the City are being achieved. Recruit BR&E Task Force Work with City Staff to recruit taskforce participants. Identify Businesses Using city, chamber and external databases, compile a comprehensive list of companies within the City of Arden Hills. Prioritize companies that will be visited as part of the initial BR&E effort. Engage and Train Task Force Facilitate training of members of the BR&E Task Force as well as city staff and other stakeholders. We anticipate being able to accomplish the program overview and training during the course of a one hour session. Business Visits Work with city staff to assign visits to task force pairings. Anticipate successful completion of 25-50 visits during the course of the initial BR&E effort. 8 Analyze Survey Results Our team will aggregate the results of the survey and produce a final report that can be presented to the City Council and community. This report will include suggestions for action as it relates to economic development in the City of Arden Hills. Present Findings Our team will present the survey findings to the City of Arden Hills. We will work with city staff to identify the appropriate venue. This could include separate presentations to the City Council, Economic Development Commission and BR&E Task Force or a convening of all bodies. Phase II Using the information collected in Phase I, our team will work with city staff and the Economic Development Commission to establish an ongoing Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) initiative. We will leverage best practices including identifying “Landmark” and “Emerging” companies in the City of Arden Hills and develop a visitation cycle. 9 Project Cost and Proposed Timeline The duration of the project will be from February 1, 2015-January 31, 2016 with a total cost not to exceed $5,000. 10 Contact Information Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce 401 North Robert Street, Suite 150 Saint Paul, MN 55101 651.223.5000 www.saintpaulchamber.com Jonathan Weinhagen Matt Kramer Vice President President/CEO 651.265.2770 651.265.2771 jonathan@saintpaulchamber.com matt@saintpaulchamber.com A COMMUNITY APPROACH TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL BUSINESS SUCCESS Community Leaders’ Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR&E) WHY BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION? A healthy and vibrant local economy depends on the well-being of a community’s existing businesses. Thus, efforts to help local businesses survive and grow in the local community are key to successful economic development. The community benefits because: • Researchers estimate that existing businesses create 86 to 31 percent of all new jobs.* • Businesses that stay competitive are more likely to remain in the community – and possibly expand. • Keeping an existing business is often easier and less costly than recruiting a new business. • Businesses considering coming to the community will talk to existing businesses. Odds for attracting new businesses are better if existing ones are happy with the community. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE COMMUNITY LEADERS’ APPROACH? Economic development efforts often require action from many community players. Without community consensus, economic development stalls. Our program (established 1990) is a proven approach for involving the community and building consensus to move forward. University of Minnesota Extension provides facilitation, technical assistance, training, and applied research to help communities assess business concerns, understand the structure of the local economy, set priorities, and implement projects that will help make communities more vibrant. We recommend the complete BR&E Strategies Program package for Minnesota communities. It is described below on pages 2-4. We also have materials, tools and applied research services available (listed on pages 4-5). We once again offer a BR&E course with the next class starting January 2014. The course is a convenient "blended" format that combines in-person with online learning. Participants gain the skills needed to lead a Community Leaders’ BR&E program. See the BR&E Course section on the website for more information. WHAT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES CAN A BR&E PROGRAM ACCOMPLISH? Short Term  Demonstrate Community Support for local businesses.  Help solve immediate business concerns. Long Term  Build community capacity to sustain business growth and development through creation of a broad-based coalition.  Increase local businesses’ ability to compete in the global economy.  Establish and implement a strategic plan for economic development. WHO IS INVOLVED IN A BR&E PROGRAM? A Leadership Team introduces and promotes the program in the community, coordinates task force meetings, and organizes immediate follow-up. A Local Task Force engages a broad-based group of local leaders, including representatives of economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, business, government, and educational institutions. Business Visitation Teams are leaders from the task force and community. Each team has two members and visits two to four businesses. WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF BR&E PROGRAMS? University of Minnesota Extension has worked with communities to complete programs in rural, urban and suburban areas throughout Minnesota. BR&E initiatives have focused on urban corridors, single cities, groups of cities, counties and regions. Previous programs have focused on manufacturing, mixed-sector businesses, agriculture, tourism, and ethnic minority businesses. Future programs could focus on these businesses or others. Diagram 1 illustrates the three steps that result in successful business retention and expansion. Diagram 1. Three Steps to Business Retention Strategies Program Research  Community leaders form a team that plans and conducts the BR&E Strategies project.  Visitation Teams learn how to use a proven survey instrument to interview businesses in order to learn about their needs, concerns and plans. Prioritize  Surveys are reviewed, and trustworthy individuals respond to businesses’ immediate needs, including linking businesses to economic development programs and services.  A panel of University faculty and other economic development experts offer suggested projects to address business needs identified in the survey.  Survey results are analyzed and documented in a written research report.  The Task Force uses the report and their knowledge of the community to develop a strategic action plan. Implement  Local teams carry out priority projects identified in the strategic plan.  Task Force evaluates results and decides how to sustain BR&E work. Business Retention and Expansion Resources from the University of Minnesota Extension BR&E STRATEGIES PACKAGE (AVAILABLE IN MINNESOTA) The BR&E Strategies program is Extension's flagship BR&E program. This approach has moved over 65 Minnesota communities from ideas to action following our proven community leaders’ BR&E model. The Strategies program maximizes Extension support, community organization, and applied research to support the business community. Contact your Community Economics Extension Educator (see below). Community must complete an application for acceptance into the program. Standard package includes in-person BR&E consulting throughout the three major steps of BR&E, complete research package below, and quarterly meetings in the first year of implementation. Premium package includes the standard items above plus customized assistance (i.e. a customized survey instrument). Research package includes a survey instrument, data tabulation/analysis, a campus research review meeting that gathers University faculty and other experts to suggest projects that meet business concerns, a four-chapter research report with narrative and graphs, a summary report, and a planning retreat to “Set Priorities and Take Action”. BR&E consulting is not included in this package. Urban/suburban programs typically are more complex, requiring more team-building, complex sampling to obtain representative sample sizes, and other specialized efforts. For this reason prices are as follows. Packages Available:  Premium Urban/Suburban $15,000  Standard Urban/Suburban $12,000  Premium Rural $12,000  Standard Rural $9,500  Complete Research $7,000 BR&E TOOLS (AVAILABLE IN MINNESOTA) Just as the name implies, the BR&E Tools program makes all of Extension's BR&E components available to practitioners. This approach allows communities to capitalize on their own strengths to conduct a BR&E. While Extension staff provides support during the project, the community leaders take the BR&E in the direction and at a scale suitable to their local resources. For the most self-reliant practitioners, our BR&E Tools includes free online resources such as a question bank and sample surveys. Contact your Community Economics Extension Educator (see below) to explore how BR&E Tools might be implemented in your community. Community must complete an application for acceptance into the program. Coaching sessions, facilitated meetings, and trainings can be delivered in Minnesota communities. Your Community Economics Extension Educator will work with you to design a plan that moves your community forward, customizing it for local needs and providing a little or a lot of expertise ($300 each, except where noted). Mix and match these sessions, and consider other education or research provided by Extension’s Center for Community Vitality.  Planning Your BR&E - facilitation  BR&E Leadership Team - training  SurveyMonkey - training  Putting Together a Good Survey - training  Task Force - training  Business Visitor - training  Immediate Survey Follow-up (a.k.a. Warning Flags Analysis) – facilitation or training, so we will facilitate the meeting or train you how to prepare for it and successfully run warning flag sessions  Basic Data Analysis & Report Writing - training  Setting Priorities and Taking Action (i.e. planning retreat) – facilitation (priced at $1,000, more for situations requiring more than 10 hours of prep and in-session time, at $100/hour)  Community Commencement Meeting – training from us to allow you to create and facilitate a successful event  BR&E Project Implementation – training Research services can also be provided to communities participating in a BR&E Tools program. These services support communities as they move through a BR&E Tools program designed with an Extension Educator. Research services are primarily handled by the Program Director.  Custom survey instrument ($2,000+)  Data tabulation ($1,000). Extension staff will enter collected survey data, from an Extension approved survey, into an Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. A copy of the questionnaire with summary statistics embedded, along with the spreadsheet, will be provided back to the community.  Data analysis ($1,000 – must purchase data tabulation also). Extension staff will critically review the survey data. Charts and tables highlighting important and noteworthy results will be created. A two-page written summary highlighting general themes in the data will be delivered, along with the charts and tables.  Report writing ($1,500 – must purchase tabulation and analysis also). Two-page summary, table and charts, and questionnaire with data will be reviewed by 1 to 2 Extension and/or DEED experts. This review will identify any major themes in the data and provide to the community suggestions for how to address these issues. The community will receive a 5 to 7 page summary of relevant ideas for potential implementation in the community. OTHER BR&E PRODUCTS AND SERVICES The University of Minnesota Extension offers a variety of research-informed tools to help communities manage successful business retention and expansion efforts. Prices are subject to change without notice. These services are available outside of Minnesota. Web resources are available at the University of Minnesota website. At this web site, you can find free BR&E tips, sample surveys, sample survey questions, sample reports from BR&E programs, success stories, research on BR&E, and more. New tools are added regularly. www1.extension.umn.edu/community/business-retention/ BR&E Course. Retaining and Expanding Business in Your Community is our course that we designed for economic and community development professionals and other leaders who want to conduct a community-led BR&E effort. It is unique among BR&E courses by providing a convenient "blended" format that combines in-person with online learning. The next class begins January, 2014. The early bird rate is $400 until December 16, 2013, after which it is $500. For more info: www.extension.umn.edu/community/business-retention/course/ WHO TO CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Michael Darger, BR&E Program Director, 612-625-6246 or darger@umn.edu; or the Extension Educator in Community Economics in your area:  South Central: Adeel Ahmed, 320-203-6050 or ahme0004@umn.edu  Northeast: John Bennett, 218-726-6471 or jbennett@umn.edu  Northwest: Rani Bhattacharyya, 218-281-8689 or rani-b@umn.edu  Southeast: Bruce Schwartau, 507-536-6308 or bwschwar@umn.edu  Southwest: Neil Linscheid, 507-337-2814 or lins0041@umn.edu  West Central: Ryan Pesch, 218-998-5794 or pesch@umn.edu  East Central: Liz Templin, 651-480-7745 or templin@umn.edu  Central: Merritt Bussiere, 218-825-2175 or bussiere@umn.edu  Twin Cities Metro: Michael Darger, 612-625-6246 or darger@umn.edu REFERENCE *A range of job estimates from Birch, Kraybill, Little compiled by Henry Cothran in Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Programs: Why Existing Businesses Are Important, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe651. © 2013 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative for mats upon request. Direct requests to the Extension Store at 800-876-8636. Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material. MEMORANDUM DATE: January 26, 2015 New Business – 3C TO: EDA President and Commissioners FROM: Patrick Klaers, City Administrator SUBJECT: 2015 Work Plan Last year the Economic Development Authority met four times.  In January, the EDA met jointly with the Economic Development Commission (EDC) to review the activities undertaken the previous year and to review the upcoming work plan.  In April, the EDA discussed the EDA Budgets and the Revolving Lo an program. Also in April, the EDA discussed having fewer EDA meetings while the City Council concentrates on and dedicates time to the TCAAP redevelopment project.  In September and in December, the EDA considered the 2015 EDA budgets. With the April 2014 EDA discussion in mind, I am looking for EDA input on an acceptable 2015 work plan. Listed below are some possibilities. TIF District #2 – This District is scheduled to be decertified in 2015. Staff will monitor this District and recommend EDA action as necessary to be in compliance with state law. TIF District #3 – This District is for the Cottage Villes project. This District has up to $500,000 that can be used for qualified housing projects. The EDA should consider options for how to best use these fund. The District is scheduled to be decertified in 2019. EDA General Fund Operating Budget – The 2016 EDA budgets will need to be reviewed and approved. A sustainable revenue source needs to be identified to finance EDA operating expenses. These operating expenses are mainly: staff time and overhead, supplies, and contracts for services. Business Expansion and Retention Program – Subject to EDA approval, the EDC is planning to take the lead with the Business Expansion and Retention (BRE) program. In order for the BRE to be successful, EDA support and involvement will be necessary. Revolving Loan Program – The update of the Revolving Loan program has not been completed. Staff anticipates getting final recommendations to the EDA in 2015.