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RHRA Meeting <br />Minutes – Monday, August 29, 2016 <br />Page 21 <br /> <br /> <br />Ms. Kelsey clarified that the University of Minnesota Extension Program was <br />a partner of Grow Minnesota! and had cross-tabulated those surveys with this <br />building on that foundation. Ms. Kelsey further noted that the different <br />specificities of that initial survey was to build recommendations and have the <br />task force identify priorities for the city related to business retention. <br /> <br />Given this work with Grow Minnesota!, Member Laliberte questioned if it <br />remained a benefit for the city to work with Greater MSP. <br /> <br />Ms. Kelsey opined it was a benefit to the city as well as the regional <br />community; noting that Greater MSP had bio-med support and brought <br />financial assistance into the picture to build stronger communities regionally <br />and advance business using their resources. <br /> <br />Member McGehee agreed with Ms. Kelsey, having participated in some of the <br />first business visits in 2014, and with some of those businesses being <br />extremely small, many didn’t care for a visit. Member McGehee stated she <br />liked the idea of preliminary field work being done by staff, and then if they <br />wanted to participate, arrange a second visit with broader city representation. <br /> <br />Member Willmus concurred with the discussion to-date, and advised his main <br />concern had been with staff loading and already addressed. <br /> <br />President Roe stated his appreciation that the data from 2014 visits had been <br />incorporated; and stated his appreciation of the idea to visit long-term <br />businesses (e.g. Old Dutch) to hear their perspective. President Roe noted his <br />interest in targeted areas (e.g. SE Roseville) with some businesses visited in <br />that area, but not many there. <br /> <br />Etten moved, Willmus seconded, authorizing staff to enter into a <br />partnership with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s visitation <br />SM <br />program “Grow Minnesota! and adopt a Roseville Visitation Program. <br /> <br />Public Comment <br />Lisa McCormick, Wheeler Street <br />Ms. McCormick expressed curiosity in the purpose of a business retention <br />program beyond retaining businesses for economic development, and related to <br />other community issues. Ms. McCormick noted past references to the three- <br />legged stool, and asked how residents would be involved as the REDA moves <br />forward. <br /> <br />As a suggested to these meetings, Ms. Wheeler noted numerous businesses she <br />had spoken with, had little or no time or interest in visits unless there was a <br />specific issue. Ms. Wheeler suggested there may be more incentive for those <br />businesses to attend an open house contained in one evening and including <br /> <br />