Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />The TinkJenberg Group <br /> <br />The interchange Gf strateqies and solutions <br /> <br />City of Ramsey - Consulting Services <br />Coordination and Facilitation of Washi'ngton D.C. <br />Communications and Visit <br /> <br />The City of Ramsey has requested The Tinklenberg Group to provide an overview of <br />tasks and activities associated with organizing a delegation of city officials and staff to <br />meet with congressional leaders and other key individuals in Washington D.C. The <br />purpose of the visit is to discuss the Ramsey commuter rail station and. its inclusion as <br />part of the Northstar Com muter Rail Service Phase 1. <br /> <br />Meeting with federal elected officials is an extremely effective means to generate <br />support and interest in advancing the commuter rail station in Ramsey. Demonstrating <br />the community's commitment, as well as the private sector's involvement, is an <br />approach that receives a high level of attention from key decision-makers at the <br />congressional level. <br /> <br />Overall, the intent of sending a delegation to Washington D.C. is to provide an overview <br />of the City's interest and need to advance the inclusion of the Ramsey rail station as part <br />of Phase 1, as it relates to the immediate advantages the site provides, and the <br />economic jumpstart it can provide the Ramsey Town Center development. <br /> <br />The typical plan for a delegation trip to Washington D.C. would be to fly out on a <br />Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon, have a combined dinner and planning meeting that <br />evening, and meet with delegation members and staff the next day, flying back to <br />Minnesota that night. The average cost which varies considerably depending on flight <br />and hotel availability is $800-$1,000 per person. Also, the congressional offices are very <br />small so it is good to limit participation to no more than five or six people plus two <br />consultants. <br /> <br />The Tinklenberg Group recommends scheduling the trip immediately following the <br />Easter holiday to avoid meeting while large groups, conferences and other collective <br />events are typically requesting the attention of the elected officials. Meetings with the <br />following individuals as part of a single trip are suggested: Senator Norm Coleman and <br />staff, Senator Amy Klobuchar and staff, Congressman Jim Oberstar and staff, senior <br />officials with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Amy Hawkins (or other senior <br />executive) from BNSF. <br /> <br />It is also important to consider inviting a prominent member from the business <br />community to join in the meetings as a representative from the Ramsey Town Center to <br />reinforce the public/private partnership in support for the rail station. <br /> <br />City of Ramsey - Washington DC tasks <br />The Tinklenberg Group <br /> <br />March 2008 <br /> <br />-3- <br />