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<br />current situation at the Hwy 47/167th Commercial Node is an absentee owner that has not <br />expressed an interest in the past to work with the EDA, and is now trying to sell the property. <br /> <br />Member LeTourneau commented it will be a matter of time to figure out what the situation will <br />be at this node. He suggested the EDA keep the site under their radar and noted 5th Street <br />Ventures could be invited to attend an EDA meeting. Economic Development Coordinator <br />Sullivan indicated 5th Street Ventures has been invited to attend an EDA meeting if they have <br />something they would like to present. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley noted there has not been a buy-in from the development in the past, which is <br />why there has not been any participation from theEDA. <br /> <br />Member Kiefer stated the closing of this store will be a loss to the community. He was of the <br />belief that it is a viable node under the right conditions, and he advocated the EDA doing the <br />study to determine whether that was a correct assumption based on Town Center, and if it was <br />not the correct assumption to encourage them to move to Town Center. He stated he wishes there <br />was more the EDA could do to help the existing businesses in the community. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley indicated communication will be kept open on this commercial node. <br /> <br />There was . discussion regarding the Spring Business Connection Meeting. Economic <br />Development Coordinator Sullivan noted there were a few comments relating to the political <br />persuasion of the speaker and the bias to the topics. The Board discussed that the EDA should try <br />to maintain neutrality with speakers, and that if the political persuasion leans one way at an event <br />they may want to swing back as well. It was noted that the Governor has been welcome to speak <br />as well. <br /> <br />Member LeTourneau questioned if participation in the Spring Business Connection Meeting was <br />up or down, and whether there is still value in the event. Economic Development Coordinator <br />Sullivan indicated the number is about the same, but there was more business participation and <br />less City involvement this year. He noted one thing mentioned was that there was not enough <br />time for networking. He suggested in the future when structuring the event they may need to <br />allow for more time prior to the speaker for that opportunity. <br /> <br />There was discussion that possible methods of networking at future meetings may include <br />passing the microphone around for introductions and distributing a contact list of those in <br />attendance. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Miller left the meeting at 9:41 a.m. <br /> <br />There was discussion of the Cost of Doing Business study currently being completed by staff. <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan stated he is currently working with Connexus <br />Energy to put together an analysis on energy costs. He indicated the study should be complete by <br />the May meeting. <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority/April10, 2008 <br />Page 13 of 14 <br /> <br />13 <br />