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4. EDA BUSINESS <br />4.01: Prospect Update, Mike Mulrooney <br />Management Analyst Brama suggested moving this item to the end of the agenda. <br />4.02: Business Retention & Expansion Program Introduction, Update <br />Management Analyst Brama advised that 60 businesses have been contacted to schedule visits <br />and 30 visits have been scheduled. He indicated that a business visit and tour of Life Fitness has <br />been scheduled for January 10, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. and the EDA members are invited to attend <br />this meeting, which will take place after the EDA meeting. He stated that staff will continue to <br />look for opportunities for tours with other businesses and the EDA is welcome to attend any of <br />the visits. <br />Member Steffen requested information regarding the first several business visits. <br />Management Analyst Brama advised that staff met with Mr. Jim Lundeen of RJM and RJM is <br />looking to expand its 130,000 square foot facility. He indicated that RJM had some concerns <br />with the City that were addressed by staff. He advised the meeting with American Print and <br />Digital was overall positive and stated this company has 5,000 square feet and is looking to <br />expand an additional 5,000 square feet. He advised that he had a positive meeting with <br />Minnesota Tool and Die yesterday and received a tour of their operations. He stated this <br />company is looking at a 10,000 square foot expansion in the future and the owners raised <br />questions regarding finding qualified employees; staff will follow up on their questions. He <br />stated that he will be meeting with Summit Arrow next week, which is a women -owned <br />company that has indicated they are excited the City will be meeting with them. He reported that <br />the meeting with RV World was positive and stated he met with Mr. Darren Mann who <br />mentioned that the RV industry has grown 20% and they are excited to be in Ramsey and are <br />happy that the City is embracing this industry. He added he intends to include a summary of <br />each of these visits in the EDA packet each month. <br />Chairperson Riley commended Management Analyst Brama's efforts in reaching out to the <br />business community and scheduling these visits. <br />4.03: 15153 Nowthen Blvd., Old City Hall Site, Development Planning Update <br />Management Analyst Brama reported that following the last EDA meeting, staff has continued <br />working on preparing this site for shovel ready certification and is partnering with Connexus <br />Energy about a possible data center, including developing scenarios for the property to determine <br />cost/benefits of a data center or a residential development. He advised staff is also reviewing <br />zoning options given the surrounding residential properties. He added that staff has no new <br />information regarding Prospect Delta and Connexus Energy will continue working with that <br />prospect. He stated the City Council will be reviewing this project next week at its work session <br />and staff is making progress on the soil borings, environmental testing, and survey work with a <br />goal to have the site ready to be shovel ready certified by the spring. He indicated that Connexus <br />Economic Development Authority/November 8, 2012 <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />