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difficult problem in Town Center. He has made a difference in a global way. He noted John <br />Peterson of Oakwood Land Development would also be a good nominee for the award. <br /> <br />Motion by Member Kiefer to award Bank of the West as the 2006 Business of the Year. <br /> <br />The motion died for lack of a second. <br /> <br />Motion by Member Elvig, seconded by Member LeToumeau to award Jim Deal, NAU, et. al. as <br />the 2006 Business of the Year. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson Steffen, Members Elvig, LeToumeau, Kiefer, <br />Schindel, and Strommen. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairperson Riley. <br /> <br />Member Elvig suggested a review of the process utilized in other cities with this type of award. <br />He indicated it would be beneficial to have a system in place to track contributions of the <br />businesses throughout the year, which would help in making a measurable determination. <br />Member Schindel commented the Chamber of Commerce sends out forms to members to <br />nominate businesses for this type of award. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan <br />suggested the businesses that are nominated be considered according to criteria that has been <br />determined. Member Kiefer suggested criteria such as whether the business has done any recent <br />significant economic development, how the business has supported and given back to the <br />community, what kind of employment the business has provided, etc. Economic Development <br />Coordinator Sullivan suggested criteria be added that the contribution of the business be within <br />the calendar year. Member Kiefer suggested a timeframe of two to three years. <br /> <br />The Board discussed the process for the presentation of the award. Member Elvig suggested <br />consideration of Ramsey Business Appreciation Certificates to be presented to three or four <br />additional businesses. The Board discussed possible presentation formats to be followed, which <br />would include a power point presentation, with the possibility of five or six businesses being <br />recognized for their contributions to the City. It was noted that this recognition could be <br />broadened to include organizations like The Ramsey Lions, which have not been able to receive <br />the Business of the Year Award in the past. Member Schindel commented there are <br />contributions made by several organizations that are not only monetary in value, but are <br />influential to the community. These organizations are currently not recognized because they are <br />not commerce related. Acting Chairperson Steffen stressed that the businesses being recognized <br />should be eligible to win the award the following year. He noted if too many businesses are <br />recognized, it is more likely to leave out the businesses that are not recognized. Economic <br />Development Coordinator Sullivan suggested the Business Appreciation Certificates be limited <br />to two businesses. <br /> <br />There was further discussion regarding the process for the presentation of the award. Member <br />LeTourneau stated this presentation should recognize the entire City. He suggested a power <br />point presentation providing a panoramic view of the entire business community and what has <br />been done to make the community grow. The presentation could begin with a rapid fire <br />succession'~5~f'as many businesses as can be photographed,'then go'into'more specific ~picture~ o~ <br />a couple of the performers, and then down to a view of what has happened at the specific sites <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority/April 13, 2006 <br />Page 4 of 9 <br /> 4 <br /> <br /> <br />