HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-16-EDAAPPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 25, 2016
01 -25 -16 -EDA.PDF
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Business Retention And Expansion Program
Matthew Bachler, Senior Planner
Jonathan Weinhagen, Vice President of St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT A.PDF, ATTACHMENT B.PDF,
ATTACHMENT C.PDF
EDA MEMBER COMMENTS
ADJOURN
Chair:
David Grant
Commissioners:
Brenda Holden
Fran Holmes
Dave McClung
Jonathan Wicklund
Special
Economic Development
Authority Meeting
March 28, 2016
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:
4.
Approved:
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY JOINT MEETING
WITH THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JANUARY 25, 2016
6:00 PM – CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, President Grant called to order the Economic
Development Authority meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Present: EDA President David Grant; EDA Commissioners Brenda Holden, Fran
Holmes, and Dave McClung (arrived at 6:20 p.m.)
Absent: None
Also present: Executive Director Jill Hutmacher; Senior Planner Matthew Bachler; City
Clerk Amy Dietl; EDC Member Dan Erickson; EDC Chair Steve Heikkila; EDC Member
David Radziej; EDC Member Liz Johnson; and Jonathan Weinhagen, Vice President of
St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved as submitted.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 26, 2016
MOTION: EDA Commissioner Holmes moved and EDA Commissioner Holden
seconded a motion to approve the October 26, 2015, Economic Development
Authority Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously
(3-0).
3. NEW BUSINESS
ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING – JANUARY 25, 2016 2
A. Arden Hills Business Retention and Expansion Program
Senior Planner Bachler stated that the Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved a
Business Retention and Expansion Service Proposal from SPACC on January 26, 2015. Over the
past year the Economic Development Commission (EDC), community volunteers, and City staff
have been working with SPACC on designing and implementing a Business Retention and
Expansion (BRE) program. A total of 24 local businesses were interviewed as part of the
program, and SPACC has completed an analysis of the business survey results. These results
along with a program overview, profile of the business community, and priority areas are
included in the attached BRE Program Report. With the completion of the report and the
presentation of the findings, SPACC will have completed the work plan outlined in the approved
BRE Service Proposal.
Senior Planner Bachler explained that the next step in this process would be for the EDA and
City Council to review the priority areas identified by SPACC and to consider what actions the
City may want to take on these issues. One of the City’s goals in undertaking the BRE program
was to help establish a strategic plan for economic development and these priority areas provide
a good starting point for this effort. Specific action items recommended by SPACC in the report
include:
Continued engagement by elected representatives, commissions, and staff in transit
conversations, and specifically the proposed extension of the A-Line Bus Rapid Transit
Line.
Fostering relationships with community and technical colleges to help establish
workforce connections in the City.
Creating a system to track companies that are planning or positioned for growth and
checking in with them regularly.
Establishing a plan for on-going business retention and expansion visits.
Senior Planner Bachler requested the Council review the City’s business retention and
expansion program and provide staff with feedback.
Jonathan Weinhagen, Vice President of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, thanked the
Council for their time. He presented the Council with further information on the BRE program.
He appreciated the efforts of staff and the EDC members over the past year. He further
discussed the results and findings within the BRE program. He provided comment on the profile
of businesses within Arden Hills, noting that the majority of the local businesses covered
manufacturing, management of enterprises, and administrative and support.
Further discussion ensued regarding how jobs were classified for the businesses within the City.
Commissioner Holden questioned if educational services should be included in the profiles for
the City.
Mr. Weinhagen explained that this data was collected but did not come in as one of the top
three profiles for the City, but was considered one of the City’s major service industries.
ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING – JANUARY 25, 2016 3
EDA President Grant requested Mr. Weinhagen investigate the jobs data received from
Northwestern further. He indicated that Northwestern’s address was in Roseville, but a portion
of their property was located within Arden Hills, which would increase the educational services
jobs numbers. He discussed how the Pine Tree Drive location for Bethel University would also
increase the educational services located in Arden Hills.
Mr. Weinhagen stated that he would investigate the educational services further and would
report back to the City Council. He reviewed the large number of jobs within the community
and the importance of mass transit.
Commissioner Holden believed it would be valuable to have additional information on how
many employees were visiting local restaurants in the lunch hour, versus those that ate within
their corporate campus.
Executive Director Hutmacher reported that the Red Fox area had its peak traffic counts
during the lunch hour.
Mr. Weinhagen discussed the number of employees that come into Arden Hills on a daily basis,
and noted the number of Arden Hills’ residents that work within the community. He explained
that the City of Arden Hills was unique given the high number of employees that came into the
community on a daily basis. He reported that there was a growing trend for employees to live
closer to their work and commented on how this would impact employee populations. He was
proud to report that the business community ranked Arden Hills as having an excellent quality of
life. He congratulated the Council for setting the proper culture within the business community.
Another positive indicator for local businesses was that they are growing, which also grows the
employee population.
Mr. Weinhagen indicated that the City did have the opportunity to grow its public transit. He
discussed how this would positively impact local businesses and their employees. He
encouraged the Council to dig into this further, and possibly pursue the extension of the A Line
to TCAAP. He then provided comment on the importance of a skilled workforce.
Commissioner Holden questioned how the City could get involved in growing the local skilled
workforce.
Mr. Weinhagen stated that he believed that the City should work to have the right resources and
relationships established and in place to point companies in the right direction to find skilled
laborers. The City should work to leverage employees for its local businesses.
Commissioner Holden saw the importance of extending the A Line up Lexington Avenue and
not just to TCAAP, given the number of major employers in Arden Hills.
Executive Director Hutmacher stated that staff and the Chamber have been involved in
conversations about extending the A Line up Lexington Avenue to service these companies and
their employees.
ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING – JANUARY 25, 2016 4
Mr. Weinhagen encouraged the City to continue having conversations regarding transit and for
the Council to ramp up its knowledge in this area.
Commissioner Holmes did not believe all of the comments from the businesses were properly
captured. She understood that the City needed more restaurants but did not believe the City was
lacking in part-time help.
Mr. Weinhagen commented that he could work to identify further recommendations. He
discussed the importance of City staff and the Council to continue its communication and visits
with local businesses.
EDA President Grant thanked Mr. Weinhagen for his thorough report to the City Council.
B. 2015 EDC Report and 2016 Work Plan
Executive Director Hutmacher stated that the Economic Development Authority approved the
2015 EDC Work Plan at the January 26, 2015, joint meeting with the Economic Development
Commission. The EDC made significant progress on its 2015 goals as summarized as follows:
New Member Recruitment
Three new members have been appointed to the EDC in 2015.
Business Retention and Expansion Program
Recommended to the EDA that the City obtain consulting services from the St. Paul
Chamber of Commerce (SPACC)
Worked with SPACC to compile a list of all businesses in the City of Arden Hills
Created an interview questionnaire
Selected businesses to interview based on industry and job growth
Participated in BRE interviews
Monitored process of BRE program
Received the Leaders in Local Government Award from the St. Paul Area Chamber of
Commerce in the category of Business Retention and Expansion
Marketing and Outreach
Worked with the Communications Committee to assign business-related newsletter topics
Edited, finalized, and posted the City Video Tour on the City’s website and YouTube
channel
Provided feedback on installed Gateway Signs and possible locations for additional signs
Planned and promoted State of the City events on September 29 and October 1
Executive Director Hutmacher explained that the EDC approved a 2016 Work Plan on January
6, 2016.
Staff requested that the EDA review and approve the work plan.
ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING – JANUARY 25, 2016 5
Commissioner Holden questioned if the State of the City was still worth the time invested in the
event.
Executive Director Hutmacher stated that this was evaluated mid-year by the EDC and the
City Council on a year-to-year basis.
Commissioner Holmes thanked staff for the thorough report. She suggested that the Council
check in with its local businesses to see why they are not attending the State of the City.
Executive Director Hutmacher discussed the small business series of workshops that were
being planned by the City that would encourage community engagement with local businesses.
EDA President Grant asked if the Council had any input on the EDC work plan.
Commissioner Holmes suggested the revolving loan program be made a very low priority.
4. EDA MEMBER COMMENTS
None.
5. ADJOURN
MOTION: EDA President Grant moved and EDA Commissioner Holden seconded a
motion to adjourn the Economic Development Authority meeting. The
motion carried unanimously (4-0).
EDA President Grant adjourned the Economic Development Authority joint meeting with the
Economic Development Commission at 6:58 p.m.
__________________________ __________________________
Jill Hutmacher David Grant
Executive Director EDA President
______________________________________________________________________________
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Authority Work Session March 28, 2016
Page 1 of 2
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – 3A
MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 28, 2016
TO: Economic Development Authority President and Commissioners
FROM: Matthew Bachler, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Arden Hills Business Retention and Expansion Program
Requested Action
Staff is requesting that the EDA take the following actions on this item:
• Review and adopt the final draft of the Arden Hills Business Retention and Expansion
Program Report from the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Provide comments on the draft Business Retention and Expansion Program Priority
Projects Implementation Plan.
Jonathan Weinhagen, Vice President of SPACC, will be in attendance at the meeting to present
the draft priority projects implementation plan and respond to any questions.
Discussion
The EDA reviewed the Business Retention and Expansion Program Report completed by
SPACC on January 25, 2016. The EDA requested that the data related to the NAICS industry
categories be reviewed to ensure that the number of educational service jobs in the City was
accurately represented. Additional revisions to the report included an update to the employee
migration data and the inclusion of sources for the data used. A copy of the final draft of the
report is included in Attachment A.
The Economic Development Commission discussed the recommended next steps in the BRE
Report at their meeting on March 2, 2016. Draft minutes from this meeting are included in
Attachment C. The BRE Report recommends that the City consider the following four projects:
• Continued engagement by elected representatives, commissions, and staff in transit
conversations, and specifically the proposed extension of the A-Line Bus Rapid Transit
Line.
______________________________________________________________________________
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Authority Work Session March 28, 2016
Page 2 of 2
• Fostering relationships with community and technical colleges to help establish
workforce connections in the City.
• Creating a system to track companies that are planning or positioned for growth and
checking in with them regularly.
• Establishing a plan for on-going business retention and expansion visits.
Based on the feedback provided by the EDC, staff worked with SPACC to identify the priority
projects the City may want to focus on over the next several months (Attachment B). Staff is
requesting that the EDA review the draft implementation plan for these projects and provide
comments. A final draft of the plan will be presented to the EDA at their meeting on April 25,
2016 for approval. Staff expects to begin working with the EDC on the projects at their next
scheduled meeting in May.
Requested Action
Staff is requesting that the EDA take the following actions on this item:
• Review and adopt the final draft of the Arden Hills Business Retention and Expansion
Program Report from the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Provide comments on the draft Business Retention and Expansion Program Priority
Projects Implementation Plan.
Attachments
A. Arden Hills Business Retention and Expansion Program Report, Final Draft
B. Draft Business Retention and Expansion Program Priority Projects Implementation Plan
C. Draft Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes, March 2, 2016
March 23, 2016
Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director VIA EMAIL
City of Arden Hills
1245 West Highway 96
Arden Hills, MN 55112
RE: Business Retention and Expansion Program Report
Dear Ms. Hutmacher:
I am pleased to present our findings from the 2015 Business Retention and Expansion Program
for the City of Arden Hills. The program successfully identified nearly 50 companies in the community
that met the established criteria for a visit and successfully conducted visits with 24 of them. In addition
to gathering a set of data that will prove useful in future policy and planning conversations, we had the
opportunity to thank businesses for investing in the City of Arden Hills and provided, and continue to
provide, technical and information resources to many of them.
We know that retaining and facilitating the expansion of existing businesses is an important part
of any city’s economic development plan. We commend the Economic Development Authority and
Economic Development Commission in the City of Arden Hills for having the foresight to proactively
work to retain your existing base of businesses. I believe we have been successful in achieving the
multitude of goals set out by the City of Arden Hills in advance of this effort:
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
The City of Arden Hills is home to some of the most recognizable businesses in the region, including
Boston Scientific and Land O’Lakes. The city is also host to a diverse collection of companies at all stages
of growth. We had the opportunity to build relationships and learn from many of these companies.
Some of our key findings include:
An interest in increased transit access to serve the business community
A lack of skilled workers to fill the increasing job opportunities
A general theme that companies in the community are positioned and planning for growth in
both revenues and employees in the coming years
In the following report you will find a detailed overview of the Business Retention and Expansion
Program, a comprehensive profile of the business communities in the City of Arden Hills and Ramsey
County, as well as a complete set of data and information that was collected as a result of the business
visits and follow-up surveys. Additionally, we have prepared two sets of recommendation for the
consideration of the EDC and EDA. Our recommendations include:
2
Continued engagement in transit conversations, notably the proposed extension of the A-Line
Bus Rapid Transit Corridor
Fostering relationships with community and technical colleges to help broker workforce
connections in the City of Arden Hills
Creating a system for tracking companies that are planning or positioned for growth and
checking in on them with regular frequency
Establishing a plan for ongoing business retention and expansion visits
It has been a great pleasure to work with participants of the BR&E program and members of the city
staff in executing on this important work. I look forward to presenting our finding to the Economic
Development Authority and Economic Development Commission at their joint work session on Monday,
January 25th. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at jonathan@saintpaulchamber.com or
by phone at 651-238-6043.
Best Regards,
Jonathan Weinhagen
Vice President
3
Business Retention & Expansion Program Report
4
Contents
BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION PROGRAM BACKGROUND ............................................................ 6
Importance of Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) ....................................................................... 6
Program Objectives ................................................................................................................................... 6
Program Sponsors ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Program Organization and Leadership ..................................................................................................... 6
Program Participants ................................................................................................................................ 7
Business Selection ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Businesses Visited ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Survey Analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 8
BUSINESS COMMUNITY PROFILE IN RAMSEY COUNTY AND ARDEN HILLS .................................................. 9
Employment by Industry Comparison ...................................................................................................... 9
Ramsey County Employment by Industry ............................................................................................... 10
Arden Hills Employment by Industry ...................................................................................................... 11
Major Employers in Arden Hills .............................................................................................................. 12
Employee Inflow-Outflow, Arden Hills.................................................................................................... 12
Employee Migration, Arden Hills ............................................................................................................ 13
Data Sources ........................................................................................................................................... 13
BR&E SURVEY RESULTS ............................................................................................................................... 14
Key Findings ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Visit Survey .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Follow-up Survey ................................................................................................................................. 14
Visit Survey Results ................................................................................................................................. 15
What We Heard ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Results, Follow-up Survey ....................................................................................................................... 23
Recommendations ...................................................................................................................................... 26
Visit and Survey Generated Recommendations ..................................................................................... 26
Recommendation 1 ............................................................................................................................. 26
Recommendation 2 ............................................................................................................................. 26
Recommendation 3 ............................................................................................................................. 26
BR&E Recommendations ........................................................................................................................ 27
Recommendation 1 ............................................................................................................................. 27
Recommendation 2 ............................................................................................................................. 27
Recommendation 3 ............................................................................................................................. 27
5
Recommendation 4 ............................................................................................................................. 27
CONTACT INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................ 28
APPENDIX A – BR&E SURVEY REPORTING FORM........................................................................................ 29
APPENDIX B – FOLLOW-UP SURVEY REPORTING FORM ............................................................................. 36
APPENDIX C – TARGETED BUSINESS LIST .................................................................................................... 38
6
BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION PROGRAM BACKGROUND
The Arden Hills Economic Development Commission (EDC) researched Business Retention and Expansion
(BR&E) programs as part of their 2014 Work Plan. City staff and the EDC discussed the role of a BR&E
program in the context of the City’s economic development goals and how this type of program should
be structured to ensure successful outcomes. The EDC evaluated program options and recommended to
the EDA that the City enter into an agreement with the Saint Paul Area of Chamber of Commerce
(SPACC). The EDA approved the SPACC BR&E program on January 26, 2015.
Importance of Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E)
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
created are by existing businesses rather than by new businesses attracted to a community. With the
increasing scarcity of resources at the local level, 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.
Program Objectives
Business Retention and Expansion programs set out to achieve a multitude of goals. Some of the goals
identified by the City of Arden Hills include:
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
Program Sponsors
The City of Arden Hills Business Retention and Expansion program was sponsored by the Economic
Development Authority at the recommendation of the Economic Development Commission.
Program Organization and Leadership
Launching a Business Retention and Expansion program in a community takes a great deal of
organization and leadership. City staff played a key role in identifying businesses to be visited,
coordinating with the EDC, and executing BR&E visits.
Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner, was the overall leader of the Arden Hills BR&E program.
7
Program Participants
Dan Erickson (EDC member)
Michael Hands (EDC member)
Steve Heikkila (EDC member)
Jim Huninghake (former EDC member)
Kyle Lassen (EDC member)
Jim Ostlund (former Financial Planning and Analysis Committee member)
David Radziej (EDC member)
Roberta Thompson (Planning Commissioner member)
Ed von Holtum (EDC Member)
Clayton Zimmerman (Planning Commission member)
SPACC Staff
City Staff
Business Selection
Participants in the BR&E Program visited 24 businesses.
Recognizing that there is not the capacity to visit every business in the community, a strategy was
developed to prioritize visits with the intent of gathering data and building relationships with companies
that are poised for growth. Using the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development (DEED) Quarterly Census on Employment and Wages we identified the 289 companies in
the City of Arden Hills by industry type (NAICS Code). We then compiled quarterly job growth data to
identify the industry types that are experiencing the highest growth and flagged businesses within those
industries as priority visits.
In addition to leveraging localized industry sector growth, we layered the “Key Industries,” as defined by
Greater MSP and flagged businesses that are in that sector, regardless of growth, as priority visits.
Key Industries as defined by Greater MSP:
Headquarters & Business Services
Agriculture & Water Technology
Health & Life Sciences
Innovation & Technology
Financial Services
Lastly, we recognized the importance of “Legacy” businesses that may not be flagged as a candidate for
a BR&E visit based on industry growth or sector strength. Working with city staff and the EDC we
incorporated some of these businesses into the program to round out our targeted list of companies to
visit.
8
Businesses Visited
The BR&E Program identified 48 businesses that met the selection criteria for a visit. Of those
businesses, 36 were contacted and 24 visits were completed. A 67 percent response rate is well above
the industry average of 50 percent. The City of Arden Hills greatly appreciates the involvement of
participating businesses in this effort.
Acela IT Solutions
Aerotek
Anderson Niebuhr & Associates
Boston Scientific
Catholic United Foundation
Flaherty’s Arden Bowl
Frandsen Financial Corporation
Grotto Foundation
HealthPartners
Indigo Education
International Paper
Kelly Services
Laird Plastics
Land O’Lakes
Leggette Brashears & Graham
Lorton Data
Powder Technology
Spedco
Split Rock Studio
Therarising
Ulteig Engineers
UTC Fire and Security
Venture Solutions
Wilkerson Guthmann
Survey Analysis
Survey data, both from visits and follow-up reporting forms, was aggregated and is presented by data
set to maintain anonymity of the companies that were visited. Narrative data and key findings are
presented in this report as well and are the product of visits and analysis of the data by a team of
economic development experts. A supplemental assessment of the data has been commissioned by the
national consulting firm Smart Growth America and their report is pending.
9
BUSINESS COMMUNITY PROFILE IN RAMSEY COUNTY AND ARDEN HILLS
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.
Employment by Industry Comparison
Ramsey County Manufacturing
Retail Trade
Public Admin
Management of Companies and
Enterprises
Education and Health Services
Admin and Support & Waste
Management and Remediation Svcs
Finance and Insurance
Professional, Scientific, and
Technical Services
Other Services (exc. Public Admin)
Information
Arden Hills
Manufacturing
Retail Trade
Public Admin
Management of Companies and
Enterprises
Education and Health Services
Admin and Support & Waste
Management and Remediation Svcs
Finance and Insurance
Professional, Scientific, and
Technical Services
Other Services (exc. Public Admin)
Information
10
Ramsey County Employment by Industry
NAICS Industry
Title
Q2, 2015 Data 2013-2015 2010-2015
Number
of Firms
Number
of Jobs
Avg.
Weekly
Wages
Numeric
Change
in Jobs
Percent
Change
in Jobs
Numeric
Change
in Jobs
Percent
Change
in Jobs
Total, All
Industries 13,037 327,621 $1,079 6722 2.05% 10279 3.14%
Health Care and
Social Assistance 1,677 60,959 $899 3347 5.49% 5468 8.97%
Educational
Services 436 31,841 $1,043 -132 -0.41% 1534 4.82%
Manufacturing 663 28,158 $1,399 931 3.31% 560 1.99%
Retail Trade 1,549 26,982 $565 360 1.33% 715 2.65%
Public Admin 428 26,126 $1,254 994 3.80% -501 -1.92%
Accommodation
and Food Services 1,059 22,954 $357 717 3.12% 1634 7.12%
Management of
Companies and
Enterprises
119 18,133 $2,308 1086 5.99% 1424 7.85%
Admin and
Support & Waste
Management and
Remediation Svcs
550 17,855 $613 -1991 -11.15% -1101 -6.17%
Finance and
Insurance 642 15,956 $1,524 -229 -1.44% -2668 -16.72%
Professional,
Scientific, and
Technical Services
1,486 14,239 $1,512 742 5.21% 1265 8.88%
Wholesale Trade 670 12,710 $1,392 394 3.10% 184 1.45%
Construction 786 12,349 $1,315 1301 10.54% 2423 19.62%
Other Services
(exc. Public Admin) 1,624 11,122 $674 148 1.33% 160 1.44%
Information 212 8,760 $1,406 -446 -5.09% 8760 100.00%
Transportation
and Warehousing 250 7,805 $925 -63 -0.81% -233 -2.99%
Arts,
Entertainment,
and Recreation
233 5,802 $706 209 3.60% -52 -0.90%
Real Estate and
Rental and Leasing 627 4,437 $835 52 1.17% 13 0.29%
Utilities 12 1,344 $1,716 1 0.07% 156 11.61%
Agriculture,
Forestry, Fishing
and Hunting
10 48 $530 48 N/A 48 N/A
Mining 4 35 $2,175 35 N/A 35 N/A
11
Arden Hills Employment by Industry
The community experienced significant volatility leading up to 2010. Employment has relatively stable in
the two most recent reporting years, a positive trend. Additionally, the highest growth areas have been
in industries that have higher average weekly wages.
NAICS Industry
Title
Q2, 2015 Data 2013-2015 2010-2015
Number
of Firms
Number
of Jobs
Avg.
Weekly
Wages
Numeric
Change
in Jobs
Percent
Change
in Jobs
Numeric
Change
in Jobs
Percent
Change in
Jobs
Total, All
Industries 292 11,835 $1,235 -14 -0.12% -585 -4.94%
Manufacturing 26 3,646 $1,575 8 0.22% -409 -11.22%
Administrative and
Support & Waste
Management and
Remediation
Services
19 2,136 $649 -488 -22.85% 266 12.45%
Education and
Health Services
23 1,961 $803 18 1.00% -66 -3.40%
Management of
Companies and
Enterprises
6 1,266 $1,844 299 23.62% 1266 100.00%
Trade,
Transportation
and Utilities
45 739 $1054 88 11.91% -515 -69.68%
Finance and
Insurance 29 568 $1,431 -39 -6.87% -212 -37.32%
Professional,
Scientific, and
Technical Services
52 543 $1,342 164 30.20% 543 100.00%
Retail Trade 20 407 $743 37 9.09% 407 100.00%
Leisure and
Hospitality 24 345 $309 8 2.32% -49 -14.20%
Information 7 250 $3,261 -63 -25.20% -139 -55.60%
Public
Administration 7 191 $1,023 -7 -3.66% 59 30.89%
Other Services
(except Public
Administration)
29 121 $602 8 6.61% 34 28.10%
Construction 12 40 $1,021 -7 -17.50% -46 -115.00%
Real Estate and
Rental and Leasing 14 24 $581 0 0.00% -3 -12.50%
12
Major Employers in Arden Hills
Employee Inflow-Outflow, Arden Hills
The City of Arden Hills is unique in that it has a larger employment population than residential
population. City leadership might place greater weight on this daytime population than cities that have a
more traditional ratio of residents to those employed in the community.
Inflow/Outflow
Employed in Arden Hills 12644
Employed in Arden Hills but Living Outside 12392
Employed and Living in Arden Hills 252
13
Employee Migration, Arden Hills
The distance and direction in which your employment population commute from, and the trends over
time, play a significant role in the ability of your businesses to stay and grow in your community.
National trends suggest a reverse migration of people and companies to center cities (i.e. Minneapolis
and Saint Paul). These trends also suggest that individuals desire to be closer to work. Trends in the City
of Arden Hills from 2010 to 2013 are consistent with the national trends.
Understanding where your community’s employees commute from is also helpful when considering
where to invest city resources on issues of regional advocacy. These migration trends would encourage
increased investments in transportation including 35W, 694, and 35E.
Distance/Direction 2010 2013 Change
Less than 10 miles 6109 42.1% 5722 45.3% 3.2%
10 to 24 miles 6008 41.4% 5216 41.3% -0.1%
25 to 50 miles 1331 9.2% 1014 8.0% -1.2%
Greater than 50 miles 1075 7.4% 692 5.5% -1.9%
Total Employment 14523
12644
Data Sources
Employment by Industry – MN DEED Quarterly Census on Employment and Wages (QCEW), Q2 2015
Employee Inflow-Outflow – U.S. Census, 2010
Employee Migration – U.S. Census, 2010 & 2013
14
BR&E SURVEY RESULTS
Key Findings
Visit Survey
Companies in Arden Hills are generally seeing an increase in sales in the past year
This is consistent with regional and national trends and the general improvement of the
economy overall
The majority of companies targeted and visited during the BR&E program are Headquarters
Most companies perceive room for expansion at their current site
There is a healthy balance of sites that are leased vs. owned
Employment has largely remained stable in recent years
This is consistent with MN DEED Quarterly Employment Data for the City as a whole
Company’s generally anticipate adding jobs in the next year
There is opportunity for improved transportation to serve the business community
This data could be skewed due to the recent investments in transportation
infrastructure in the city
Transit is generally not used by employees in Arden Hills, however, there is an interest in
expanding transit opportunities
Companies that plan to make investments anticipate doing so within the next year
There is limited interest by companies in the City’s revolving loan fund
Companies overwhelmingly identify themselves as being located in Arden Hills vs. Saint Paul or
the Twin Cities
Follow-up Survey
The K-12 and Higher Education providers are perceived positively by the business community
There is opportunity for improved access to public transit
The overall quality of life in the City of Arden Hills is excellent
There is opportunity for improvement related to electricity and telecommunications services
These two areas are often critical to site selectors
15
Visit Survey Results
What has been the trend for company sales in the past year?
What type of facility?
Increased
Decreased
Been relatively stable
Flucuated widely
No Response
Branch
Distribution
Franchise
Headquarters
Home-based business
Manufacturing
Office-operation (non HQ)
R&D
Sales Office
16
Is there room for expansion at the site?
Is the site owned or leased?
Yes
No
Owned
Leased
17
What has happened to company employment in the past year?
What do you anticipate to happen to company employment in the next year?
Increased
Decreased
Stayed the same
Increase
Decrease
Stay the same
18
How well does transportation infrastructure serve your business?
Do your employees used transit (i.e. bus, light rail, etc.)?
Exceeds needs
Meets needs
Needs improvement
Yes
No
19
Would your employees use transit if there were increased service?
Does your company plan to make investments?
Yes
No
Unsure
Invest in new facilities
Make major equipment
purchases
Renovate/Expand current
facilities
None
No response
20
If your company plans to make investment, when do you plan to do so?
Would your company be interested in accessing the city’s revolving loan fund?
Within one year
Within two years
Within three years
Unsure
Yes
No
21
Has a representative of your company attended the State of the City event?
How do you identify the location of your business?
Yes
No
Arden Hills
Saint Paul
Twin Cities
22
What We Heard
Amenities
“The city could use more sit down restaurants for employees to use over the lunch hour and after
hours.”
Transportation
“The new development on Red Fox Road is great, however, it is causing too much traffic.”
“Traffic and congestion on Red Fox Road is a problem and seems to be getting worse.”
“It sometimes takes 20 minutes to get through the lights on Red Fox Road at the end of the day.”
Transit
“We’re interested in learning more about the possible extension of the bus rapid transit line that could
connect to Downtown Saint Paul and Minneapolis.”
“Would like to see improved bus service.”
“We are interested in the BRT line.”
Workforce
“It is difficult to find reliable part time help.”
“The employee pool lacks technical skills.”
23
Results, Follow-up Survey
Of the 24 businesses that were visited as part of the BR&E program, 18 completed the follow-up survey.
Training and Education
Transportation/Location
0 5 10 15 20
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Overall Workforce
Quality, AVG = 4.28
Customized Training
Programs, AVG = 4.17
Higher Education, AVG =
4.56
K-12, AVG = 4.83
0 5 10 15
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Proximity to Suppliers,
AVG = 4.56
Air Service, AVG = 4.61
Highway Infrastructure,
AVG = 4.33
Public Transportation,
AVG = 2.83
24
Quality of Life
Local Access to Capital
0 5 10 15
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Housing Supply for
Workforce, AVG = 4.56
Social Organizations and
Networks, AVG = 4.65
Crime Rate, AVG = 4.50
Cultural Opportunities,
AVG = 4.72
Recreational
Opportunities, AVG = 4.78
0 2 4 6 8 10
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Assistance from local
governments and/or non-
profits, AVG = 4.25
Lending by local financial
institutions, AVG = 4.06
25
Local Government
Utilities
0 2 4 6 8 10
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Local Fees, AVG = 4.28
Local Taxes, AVG = 4.11
Permitting/Zoning, AVG =
3.94
Attitude towards
business, AVG = 4.17
0 2 4 6 8 10
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Electric Reliability, AVG =
4.39
Electric Rates, AVG = 3.83
Telecommunications/Broa
dband Rates, AVG = 3.56
Telecommunications/Broa
dband Service, AVG = 3.94
26
Recommendations
Visit and Survey Generated Recommendations
The visits and follow-up surveys yielded many actionable findings. It is recommended that the city
concentrate on a select few items that proved to be the most prominent themes identified through the
BR&E Program.
Recommendation 1
The City of Arden Hills and neighboring communities have been actively engaged in conversations
related to a proposed extension of the A-Line Bus Rapid Transit corridor that is currently planned to
terminate at Rosedale Mall.
Based on the information gathered, it is recommended that city staff and elected officials and/or
committees and commissions continue engaging in efforts to advance the proposed extension of the A-
Line. It is also recommended that the Economic Development Commission and Economic Development
Authority invite representatives from Metro Transit to a work session to provide an overview of planned
regional transit investments as well as an overview of regional and national transit trends, particularly as
they relate to employment.
Recommendation 2
Challenges related to accessing skilled workers was a theme during visits and is consistent with regional
trends. While the quality of education in the community at the K-12 and Post-Secondary level is
generally perceived as being favorable, there appears to be a disconnect between the types of
opportunities that exist in the community and the academic resources in the immediate area.
It is recommended that the city explore a relationship with one or several community and technical
colleges (i.e. Anoka-Ramsey Community and Technical College, Saint Paul College, etc.) in an effort to
bridge the gap of skilled workers. This could be accomplished by meeting with a business liaison at one
of these institutions and equipping city staff with information to pass along to businesses.
Recommendation 3
Companies in the City of Arden Hills are growing or plan to grow, both in sales and number of
employees. While most companies that received a visit perceive room for expansion at their current
site, it is important to engage in ongoing dialogue to ensure that their growth needs are being met.
It is recommended that city staff leverage a database to keep track of businesses that are expanding or
plan to expand, with a regular schedule for checking in on their progress.
27
BR&E Recommendations
Intensive BR&E Programs, like this one, are an important part of a business retention and expansion
strategy for a community. It is important to recognize that the data collected during this program
represents a snapshot in time, and that ongoing BR&E efforts are critical to maintain up to date
information and relationship building with the business community.
Recommendation 1
It is recommended that the Economic Development Commission oversee any ongoing business
retention and expansion efforts. As part of their annual work plan, the EDC should identify a targeted list
of businesses to be visited throughout the year.
Recommendation 2
As part of the city’s ongoing business retention and expansion efforts, it is recommended that the
chambers of commerce in the area be leveraged to supplement business retention and expansion visits.
The City of Arden Hills is served by the Saint Paul Area and Twin Cities North Chambers of Commerce.
Both entities conduct BR&E visits on a regular basis. The city should work with these organizations to
coordinate visits and ensure the appropriate people are involved in conducting the visits and that
information is shared.
Recommendation 3
The City of Arden Hills is largely served by a finite number of commercial real estate brokerage firms. It
is recommended that a roundtable including participants from these firms be conducted to gather
feedback on commercial real estate trends and in an effort to collect information to help inform future
land use policy discussions.
The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce is willing to convene this roundtable as part of the initial
scope of work for the BR&E Program.
Recommendation 4
Information collected during BR&E visits is not only beneficial to the community that collects the data,
but also to the region and state as a whole. It is recommended that the City of Arden Hills consider
allowing BR&E data collected by the city to be uploaded into the regional or state Sales Force database
through the GreaterMSP or Grow Minnesota! portals.
28
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
29
APPENDIX A – BR&E SURVEY REPORTING FORM
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30
Business Retention & Expansion Survey
31
City of Arden Hills Survey Reporting Form (rev 2.23.15)
COMPANY NAME/CONTACT INFORMATION
Company Contact:
Company:
Parent Company:
County:
City:
OVERVIEW INFORMATION
Visit Date:
Interview Name:
Interviewer Email Address:
Organization Type (select one):
City
County
Chamber
MNSCU
Port Authority
BSR
Non Profit
Other
BUSINESS DETAILS
Primary Business Sector (select one):
Accommodation/Food Services
Administration/Support/Waste Management/Remediation Services
Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Hunting
Arts/Entertainment/Recreation
Construction
Educational Services
Finance/Insurance
Health Care/Social Assistance
Information
Management of Companies & Enterprises
Manufacturing
Manufacturing - Food/Candy
Mining
Professional/Scientific/Technical Services
Real Estate/Rental and Leasing
Retail Trade
Transportation/Warehousing
Utilities
Wholesale Trade
Non Profit
Other
Primary Sector Other:
32
Does Company have a succession plan? YES NO
Has the company ownership changed? YES NO
Or is change imminent? YES NO
Explanation:
Over the past year, have company sales (select one):
Increased
Decreased
Been relatively stable
Fluctuated widely
Not identified
FACILITIES
Type of facility (select all that apply):
Branch
Distribution
Franchise
Headquarters
Home-based business
Manufacturing
Office-operation (non HQ)
R&D
Sales Office
Is there room for expansion at site? YES NO
Is this facility owned or leased? Owned Leased
PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Company’s major products/services:
Has this company introduced new products? YES NO
Briefly describe new products:
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE
Number of Full Time Employees at facility:
Number of jobs at this facility changed (select one):
Increased
Decreased
Stayed the same
If increased, was it hard to fill jobs? YES NO
33
Why are openings hard to fill? (select all that apply):
Poor work ethic
Lack of basic education
Lack of technical skills
Lack of candidates
Challenging location
Competition
Other
Expect the number of jobs at facility (select one):
Increase
Decrease
Be relatively stable
Unsure
Types of jobs do you expect to hire:
Anticipate need to train employees: YES NO
What kind of training will be needed?
TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION
How well does existing transportation infrastructure serve your business (select one)?
Exceeds needs
Meets needs
Needs improvement
Please explain:
Do your employees use transit (i.e. bus/rail) ? YES NO
Do you think more employees would use transit if it were more readily available? YES NO
MARKET INFORMATION
Company’s primary market (select one):
International
United States
Midwest (including MN)
Minnesota
Local
Not identified
Company’s fastest growing geographic market (select one):
International
United States
Midwest (including MN)
Minnesota
Local
Not identified
34
Does this company export? YES NO
If so, where (select all that apply):
Africa & Middle East
Canada
Europe & Russia
Greater China
India, Pakistan, Central/South Asia
Japan & Korea
Southeast Asia
Australia & Pacific Oceania
Latin America & Caribbean
Mexico
Not Identified
Interested in learning about exporting? YES NO
Percent of sales outside US?
INVESTMENT PLAN
Does this company plan to (check all that apply)
Invest in new facilities
Make major equipment purchases
Renovate/Expand current facilities
None
Not identified
Please explain:
Approximate date of investment (select one):
Within one year
Within two years
Within three years
Unsure
If investing in new location, why (select all that apply)?
Access to labor
Access to markets
Environmental permit obstacles
High state taxes
High local taxes
Labor costs
Lease expiration
No room at this location
Quality of workforce
Transportation/infrastructure
Other
Explanation:_____________________________
35
COMMUNITY
The City has a revolving loan fund of approximately $150,000.
Would your business be interested in using this fund? YES NO
If yes, for what purpose?
The City holds a State of the City event every year.
Have you attended this in the past? YES NO
If no, why not?
If yes, how could the event be more useful?
Do you identify your business as being located in: ARDEN HILLS SAINT PAUL
Why?
The Economic Development Commission advises the City Council/Economic Development Authority
on issues concerning the business community.
Would you be willing to serve as a Commissioner? YES NO
POST DISCUSSION VISIT
Does this company require follow up? YES NO
If yes, what organization(s) should assist (select all that apply):
City
Chamber
College
State
Workforce
Other
36
APPENDIX B – FOLLOW-UP SURVEY REPORTING FORM
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37
City of Arden Hills Follow-up Survey Reporting Form (rev 7.31.15)
Rank the local business climate: Community Rankings
Education and Training
K-12 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Higher education 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Customized Training Programs 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Overall W orkforce Quality 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Transportation/Location
Public Transportation 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Highwa y Infrastructure 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Air Service 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Proximity to Suppliers 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Quality of Life
Recreational Opportunities 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Cultural Opportunities 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Crime Rate 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Social Organizations and Networks 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Housing Supply for W orkforce 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Local Access to Capital
Lending b y local financial institutions 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Assistance from local governments and/or non-profits 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Local Government
Attitude towards business 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Permitting/Zoning 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Local Taxes 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Local fees 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Utilities
Telecommunications/Broadband Service 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Telecommunications/Broadband Rates 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Electric Rates 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Electric Reliabilit y 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
38
APPENDIX C – TARGETED BUSINESS LIST
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39
Business Name Sector Category
Acela IT Solutions Inc Professional & Business Services IT Consulting
Adherent Laboratories Professional & Business Services Adhesive Laboratory and Consulting
Adobe Systems Manufacturing Publishers - Computer Software
Aerotek Staffing Agency Professional & Business Services Temporary Staffing Agency
Anderson Niebuhr & Associates Professional & Business Services Market Research Consulting
Apache Group Distribution Paper and Consumer Plastics
Asdco Construction Construction Materials Supply
Boston Scientific Manufacturing Medical Equipment & Supplies
Brausen Automotive Services Services & Retail Automotive Repair & Gas Station
Cardno ATC Professional & Business Services Environmental Consultant Services
Catholic United Financial Professional & Business Services Financial Services
Delkor Manufacturing Food Processing Equipment
Flaherty's Arden Bowl Entertainment Bowling Center/Restaurant
Frandsen Financial Corporation Professional & Business Services Banking and Financial Services
Galil Medical Inc Manufacturing Cryotherapy and Cryosurgery Equipment
Gradient Financial Professional & Business Services Financial Services
Grainger Distribution Tools and Equipment
Grotto Foundation Educational & Health Services Nonprofit - ECE and Native Languages
Health Partners Educational & Health Services Health Clinic
Hood Packaging Manufacturing Packaging Products
Innovative Special Education
Services Educational & Health Services Services to Charter Schools
International Paper Manufacturing Paper Products
IntriCon Manufacturing Body-worn Devices
Kelly Services Professional & Business Services Temporary Staffing Agency
Laird Plastics Manufacturing Plastics Fabricating & Finishing
Land O'Lakes Manufacturing Farm Products - Raw Materials
Leggette Brashears & Graham Professional & Business Services Environmental Engineering Consultants
Lindey's Steak House Entertainment Restaurant
Lorton Data Inc Professional & Business Services Marketing
Nott Company Manufacturing Industrial Products & Rubber Fabrication
Now Bike & Fitness Retail Bicycles
Oziama Company Inc Distribution Cargill Products
Pace Industries Manufacturing Alumimum Die Casting
Powder Technology Inc Manufacturing Particle Processing
Resolution Graphics Professional & Business Services Printing
Siemens Industry Inc Professional & Business Services Water Treatment Equipment & Supplies
Spedco Professional & Business Services SBA 504 Lendor
Split Rock Studio Professional & Business Services Exhibit Design & Fabrication
Staples Distribution Office Supplies
Streamworks/New Era
Incentives Professional & Business Services Marketing
Team Informatics Inc Professional & Business Services IT Consulting
40
Therarising Inc Professional & Business Services Workplace Conflict Resolution
Top Case Manufacturing Custom Cases
Ulteig Engineers Inc Professional & Business Services Civil Engineering & Survey Consulting
UTC Fire and Security Manufacturing Security Equipment & Systems
Venture Solutions Inc Professional & Business Services Compliance Communications
Walgreens Retail Health Care Goods & Services
Wilkerson Guthman Professional & Business Services Accounting & Financial Services
March 24, 2016
Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director VIA EMAIL
City of Arden Hills
1245 West Highway 96
Arden Hills, MN 55112
RE: Business Retention and Expansion Program Priority Projects
Dear Ms. Hutmacher:
Thank you again for allowing us the opportunity to partner with the City of Arden Hills to
conduct a Business Retention and Expansion program. By all measures the program was a success,
achieving the multitude of goals set out by the visionary leadership of your Economic Development
Commission and City Council.
As a follow-up to the formal report that included recommendations, we have consulted with
staff and reviewed feedback from the Economic Development Commission and prepared a draft
implementation plan for priority projects. I look forward to presenting the formal report and discussing
a strategy for advancing some of the recommendations through priority projects in 2016 and beyond at
the Economic Development Authority meeting on Monday, March 28th.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions at jonathan@saintpaulchamber.com or by
phone at 651-238-6043.
Best Regards,
Jonathan Weinhagen
Vice President
2
Business Retention & Expansion Program Priority Projects Implementation Plan
3
Priority Project 1: Ongoing Business Visits
The recommendations section of the Business Retention and Expansion Program that was administered
in 2015 recognized the importance of conducting ongoing business visits in an effort to maintain up to
date information and relationship building with the business community. Developing a system for and
conducting ongoing business visit should be a top priority of the city.
Feedback received from the Economic Development Commission
• Expand current, planned visits
• Show value to businesses with visits (information, contacts)
• Communicate information back to business community
• Coordinate with other visiting entities
• Share, consider regional information
• Consider frequency of formal BRE program
• Track results of BRE initiatives
Questions to consider when developing a sustainable business visit model:
• Who should be targeted to receive a visit?
• How many visits should be conducted each year?
• What is the core objective of the visits?
• Who should conduct the visits?
• What should the frequency be of conducting a formal BRE program?
Recommended Implementation Strategy
• Choose to target a specific industry (i.e. manufacturing, med tech, etc.) or defined geography
(i.e. Red Fox/Grey Fox, Round Lake, etc.) for business visits throughout 2016.
o It is recommended that the City focus on the Red Fox/Grey Fox district initially in
response to some of the feedback regarding transportation in the area and recent
changes in the make up of the local business community, such as Smiths Medical leaving
and the opening of the Red Fox Business Center.
• Plan to conduct 6-8 visits during the remainder of 2016
o It is estimated that business visits require approximately 4 hours of time to conduct,
inclusive of outreach, scheduling, visiting, and inputting data.
• Aggregate information collected throughout the year and produce a year-end report.
Timeline
Ongoing through 2016 with plans to review strategy for 2017 near the end of the year
4
Priority Project 2: Commercial Real Estate Broker Roundtable
The recommendations section of the Business Retention and Expansion Program identified an
opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with the commercial brokerage community in light of the
reality that the City is served by a finite number of commercial real estate brokerage firms. The City
would benefit from this type of roundtable discussion as staff will be able to make connections with
brokerage firm representatives and gain a better understanding of local market dynamics. The Saint Paul
Area Chamber of Commerce expressed a willingness to convene this roundtable with City staff and
brokers as part of its initial scope of work for the Business Retention and Expansion Program.
Recommended Implementation Strategy
• Identify commercial brokerage firms who have considerable interests in the City of Arden Hills
• Develop a series of questions based on the findings in the BR&E Program report and industry.
trends that aim to isolate challenges and opportunities that are unique and specific to the City
of Arden Hills.
• Poll contacts to identify a date to host a 90 minute roundtable that works for the greatest
number of firms.
• Facilitate the roundtable.
• Report findings and recommended next steps to the Economic Development Commission and
Economic Development Authority.
Timeline
April-June of 2016
5
Priority Project 3: Explore the City’s Role in Workforce
Challenges related to accessing skilled workers emerged as one of the most significant themes as a
result of the Business Retention and Expansion Program visits and survey. Recognizing the limited
capacity within the city to develop training programs and engage in the broad variety of workforce
initiative, it is recommended that partnerships be leveraged to gather additional information and
provide resources to your business community.
Feedback received from the Economic Development Commission
• Understand what skills are needed
• Building employer relationships
• Single point of contact at City between businesses and schools
• Schools to contact: Century College, Anoka-Ramsey, St. Paul Technical College, Dunwoody,
Normandale (satellite programs)
Recommended Implementation Strategy
• Identify a staff lead at the City of Arden Hills to be the point person for issues related to
workforce.
• Leverage existing capacity that is resourced to engage in workforce issues in the community
o The Mounds View Public Schools recently created and filled the role of Director of
Community Partnerships. The City should begin conversations with this role to
determine how information can be shared.
o Gain better understanding of other workforce development resources in the area, such
as Ramsey County, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development,
and Greater MSP.
• Identify and begin building a relationship with a point of contact from each of the community
colleges that serve the metro area (Century, Anoka-Ramsey, Saint Paul College, Dunwoody).
Timeline
Ongoing through 2016 and beyond with the following target dates:
• April/May – Identify Staff Lead
• June – Meet with Mounds View Public Schools
• End of Year – Complete meetings with each of the community colleges
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 2, 2016 8:00 AM
CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96
1. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Recommendations
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated there would be an additional meeting
with the EDA in the future in order to discuss further recommendations.
Chair Erickson stated that some EDA members appeared to want additional clarity on the data
included in the BRE Report.
Senior Planner Bachler indicated City staff would be meeting with Jonathan Weinhagen of the
St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) to discuss the recommendations in detail and to
obtain further recommendations for next steps. He said that staff would request that SPACC make
additional revisions to the report based on the comments provided by the EDA. The revised report
could then be provided to the EDA at a future meeting.
Senior Planner Bachler outlined the four key recommendations of the report as follows:
Transit Advocacy – Proposal to extend the Snelling Avenue Bus Rapid Transit corridor
into Arden Hills. Recommend the City invite Metro Transit to an EDA work session to
discuss what they are considering in terms of transit in the area.
Workforce Training – City staff to meet with local technical and community colleges
with job training programs to obtain valuable information that could be passed on to local
businesses in an effort to assist them in meeting their workforce needs.
Tracking Growing Businesses – City staff to create a system to check in regularly with
growing businesses to determine the status of their needs.
Continued BRE Program – City staff to put system in place to identify a targeted list of
businesses to visit each year. Coordinated effort with local Chambers and GreaterMSP.
Potentially share data with regional and state databases.
A discussion ensued regarding these four main recommendations.
A list of action steps to further the goals for each recommendation was created as follows:
EDC Minutes
March 2, 2016
Page 2 of 3
Transit Advocacy
• Meet with businesses that would be affected by expanded transit
• Invite Metro Transit to future EDA meeting
• Design infrastructure to accommodate transit
Workforce Training
• Understand what skills are needed
• Identify a clear point of contact at the City
• Build employer relationships
• Investigate satellite programs and partnerships with local schools such as Century College,
Anoka-Hennepin Technical College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Dunwoody
Institute and Normandale Community College
Tracking Growing Businesses
• Obtain data from SPACC
• Obtain and provide regular business updates
Continued BRE Program
• Expand current site visits
• Coordinate with other entities
• Show value to existing businesses
• Share regional information
• Communicate information back to businesses
• Consider frequency of formal BRE Program (3 to 5 years, formal report, continue visits,
etc.)
• Track results of BRE initiatives
Community Development Director Hutmacher asked EDC Commissioners to identify priority
action items.
A discussion ensued regarding determination of top priorities. The priorities were selected as
follows:
• Obtain data from SPACC
• Expand current planned visits
• Show value to businesses pertaining to site visits (information and contacts)
• Communicate information back to the business community
Commissioner Lassen suggested adding to the next EDC agenda various ways to communicate
the BRE plan to local businesses.
Commissioner Radziej agreed, stating this would show the City’s continued interest in assisting
the local businesses.
Commissioner Lassen asked about next steps regarding transit advocacy.
EDC Minutes
March 2, 2016
Page 3 of 3
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the Met Council conducted a study
and created a draft report regarding the BRT extension. The draft report was provided to the cities
of Arden Hills, Shoreview and Roseville, as well as Ramsey County, MnDOT, and SPACC. A
final report will be provided that incorporates feedback and suggestions.