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EDA BUSINESS Case #1: STAFF UPDATE Deputy City Administrator /Community Development Director Nelson presented the invitation to the fall EDA Business Networking event. The event, as previously determined by the EDA, will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2010, in the Alexander Ramsey Room at the Ramsey Municipal Center. Networking and breakfast will be served between 7:00 — 7:45 a.m., with a welcome from Mayor Bob Ramsey and EDA Chair Chris Riley at 7:45 a.m. The program, "Starting and Staying in Business — Tools for Your Success in Challenging Times," will be presented by guest speaker, Dr. Charles Schaffer, at 8:00 a.m. Economic Development Consultant Mulrooney stated that there is continued interest from the prospect for the Harbor Industries building. There are a few issues with the building (e.g. the in- floor heat is not conducive to the heavy equipment they would bring in; therefore, they would need to rip out the floor or put mats down). If they choose the site, they will be relocating employees from another location to Ramsey. The project would create approximately 300 new jobs. Deputy City Administrator /Community Development Director Nelson reminded the members of the EDA of the GMI open house from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. today. Deputy City Administrator /Community Development Director Nelson updated the members on the VA project. The date of the groundbreaking event continues to shift, however, it is anticipated that the event will take place in early November. A heavy political presence is expected. A reception will be hosted at The Fountains of Ramsey after the groundbreaking event. Case #2: REVIEW SHOP QA -WEB BASED APPLICATION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT /SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVES Deputy City Administrator /Community Development Director Nelson presented the staff report. Discussion ensued regarding a web -based application called Shop QA, which was developed by Gov QA. Staff first learned of Shop QA while attending the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Conference, and now the city has been offered the opportunity to become a pilot city for this product. Gov QA is only offering three pilots per state - in Minnesota, the other pilot cities are Buffalo and Cottage Grove. EDA members participated in an on -line demonstration of the product. Further discussion led to additional questions, which will be researched by staff. The Shop QA topic will be brought back in December for further discussion. Case #3: CONSIDER EDA RESTAURANT SUBSIDY POLICY Deputy City Administrator /Community Development Director Nelson presented the staff report. Economic Development Authority/October 14, 2010 Page 2 of 3