Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 09/13/2012

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Economic Development Authority (EDA) 4. 4. Meeting Date: 09/13/2012 Submitted For: Patrick Brama By: Patrick Brama, Administrative Services Title: Business Retention & Expansion Program Introduction, Continued Background: This case was originally brought forward to the EDA on July 12, then again on August 2. At the July EDA meeting, Karen Skepper from Anoka County briefed the EDA on the concept of a business retention and expansion strategy known as Economic Gardening. In addition, Staff presented to the EDA various other business retention and expansion program strategies. A number of questions were asked by the EDA (re Economic Gardening and the County EDA) in the July meeting and were answered in the August meeting. A number of additional questions were raised in the August EDA meeting as well (again, re the County EDA). Observations: Regarding the questions raised by EDA members about the County HRA /EDA /Economic Gardening at the August EDA meeting, please review the attached Q &A from Anoka County. Regarding the development of a business and retention program in the City of Ramsey, below is a list of common strategies used by other communities: • Surveys • Meetings with local businesses • Community events (fostering pride /networking within local economy) • Publications (promoting businesses /fostering pride in local economy) • Removing local obstacles (i.e. legal /physical /social) • Reduce the cost of doing business • Enhance infrastructure used by businesses • Economic gardening Funding Source: Will be determined in subsequent discussions. Staff Recommendation: Staff is proposing the EDA consider the following as an action plan for the Ramsey business retention and expansion program. (A) development of a business retention & expansion survey (annual or bi- annual) (B) develop a system of regularly visiting Ramsey Businesses (C) continue hosting community events (expo, business appreciation golf tournament, business networking) (D) continue to publish a spotlight business article in the Ramsey Resident (E) further investigate the economic gardening program with Anoka County No action is needed at this point. EDA Action: