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The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents June 2016 City plans next steps for Business Retention and Expansion program Compared to other suburban commu- nities in the Minneapolis- St. Paul metro, Arden Hills is unique in that we have more employ- ees that work in the City than we have residents. Data show there are currently 11,835 jobs and only 9,652 residents. Arden Hills is home to several corporate employers, including Boston Scientific and Land O’Lakes, which account for a large percentage of this total jobs number. How- ever, there are also a number of smaller emerging companies in the manufacturing and medical technology sectors, as well as businesses that have been in Arden Hills for decades, like Flaherty’s Arden Bowl and Lindey’s Steak House. In January 2015, the City launched a collaborative effort with the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC) to complete a Business Reten- tion and Expansion (BRE) program. The program is intended to demonstrate the City’s appreciation of busi- nesses, help address immedi- ate problems, and increase businesses’ ability to compete in larger markets. Research has shown that the majority of new jobs in a commu- nity are created by existing companies, and the City recognizes that its economic development strategy needs to include supporting the growth of its nearly 300 businesses. A total of 24 businesses from all different sectors of the economy were visited by City staff, members of the Economic Development Commission, and other community volunteers in 2015. Businesses were asked to complete a short survey with questions on investment plans, workforce, markets, and transportation is- sues. SPACC compiled the surveys to pres- ent an overall picture of the business com- munity. Some of the common issues that we saw were difficulties finding employees with technical skills, a need for improved transit service, and a lack of suitable expan- sion space in Arden Hills. SPACC presented a final report on the BRE program to the Economic Development Authority on March 28, 2016. SPACC also worked with City staff and the Economic Development Commission on an imple- mentation plan for three projects to address some of the issues from the BRE report: • Develop a system for completing regular business visits and choose a specific industry or business district to focus on each year. Compile information and produce an annual report. • Organize a roundtable discussion for commercial real estate brokers in Arden Hills to get a better understanding of lo- cal market dynamics. • Build partnerships with local community colleges, Mounds View Public Schools, Ramsey County, and other State and regional agencies to explore the City’s role in workforce development. The Economic Development Authority was supportive of the recommended proj- ects. City staff has begun work on these items with the Economic Development Commission. by Matthew Bachler, Senior Planner Arden Hills - Employment by Industry 3%3%Total Number of Jobs: 11,835 5%Manufacturing (3,646) Administrative and Support & Waste Management and Remediation Svcs (2,136) Education and Health Services (1,961) Management of Companies and Enterprises (1,266) Trade, Transportation and Utilities (739) Finance and Insurance (568) Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (543) Retail Trade (407) 5% 31% 6% 11% 17%18% Leisure and Hospitality (345) Data Source: MN DEED Quarterly Census on Employment and Wages (QCEW), Q2 2015