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City of Centerville <br />EDA Minutes <br />December 16, 2020 <br /> is good to listen to everyone, regardless of their background and <br />political and religious affiliations. He said that as a business owner he tends to listen, take in all of <br />the information and make a decision based on facts and good logic. He takes an approach with his <br />employees that he feels he could use as a commissioner; even though a decision may not be <br />popular, it is important to explain your actions and your reasons for them. <br /> <br /> ability to provide objective recommendations <br />about grants and other programs that will <br /> <br />Mr. Knabe answered than once he learns about the grants that are available, he thinks it will be a <br />great opportunity to reach out and do what he can to help local businesses. <br /> <br />Commissioner Giovinazzo briefly explained the city grant program to Mr. Knabe. Commissioner <br />Weatherhead added that building esthetics is a big driver of the program, and they are working on <br />banners and other place-making items downtown. The Commission has shifted gears since Covid- <br />19 though, and they have added the CenterStage program the Blue Logo Sign program to help <br />businesses. <br /> <br />Question number five: Please describe a time you worked as part of a team to reach a consensus, <br />and what was your role in helping the team reach this consensus. <br /> <br />Mr. Knabe answered that when he first wanted to start his agency, he was taking over for some <br />retiring agents and his company wanted him to open in the Circle Pines area. He did not want to <br />open his business there due to the esthetics in the city and he explained to his company why he did <br />not want his business there, and how he would bridge the gap between the other agents. He felt <br />that a more professional setting would benefit everybody. <br /> <br />Question number six: Do you have any additional comments or questions for any of us, or about <br />the EDA? <br /> <br />Mr. Knabe stated that he wanted to stay and listen to the meeting to learn about how the EDA <br />helps local businesses, and asked how the EDA attracts businesses to the city. He also asked if <br />anyone ever sat in on an EDA meeting from another city. <br /> <br />Executive Director Statz spoke about the goals of the EDA and there was discussion regarding the <br />tangible ways the EDA has assisted local businesses such as grants, the CenterStage and Blue <br />Logo Sign programs, and funding of the data center study. Visiting other EDA meeting was <br />encouraged. <br /> <br />2. Bills <br /> a. None <br /> <br /> 3. Communications <br />a. Email to Restaurant and Bar Owners <br /> <br /> Page 3 of 7 <br /> <br />