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approximately 9,000 residents on the City's mailing list. He recommended that the City send a card stock, color, half page mailer. It was the consensus of the EDA to direct staff to send a card stock, color, half page mailer. Member Riley noted that May 4 is the City's recycling and tree pick -up day and suggested the City place a sign at the public works building to advertise the business expo. Chairperson Steffen suggested that staff contact the local banks and /or businesses that have reader boards to advertise the business expo. 4.03: Business Retention Program, Review of 2012 Report Management Analyst Brama presented the Business Retention Program Executive Report and advised that staff met with 24 business representatives between November 2012 and January 2013. He stated the majority of the businesses were industrial /manufacturing businesses and five of the businesses indicated they will be expanding their businesses in the next 18 months. He discussed the survey results regarding perceived Ramsey weaknesses and suggestions for improvement stating that four manufacturing businesses identified a need for qualified employees; other comments included the negative disruptive local politics and lack of trust in the City. He indicated staff is working with the Police Department to address an issue raised regarding the dumping of waste in parking lots as well as an issue raised regarding the City's policy to charge businesses for false alarms. He stated that staff has made and will continue to make businesses aware of the VoTech and Minnesota Workforce Center to assist with employee recruitment. He pointed out the City does not have any significant industrial land available and staff has identified this issue as something the City Council may wish to consider during its strategic planning process. Member Riley requested that staff provide the EDA with further information regarding work done in the past with respect to the City's business parks. Management Analyst Brama suggested that staff prepare a unified response to all businesses that summarizes the site visits and reiterates the City's commitment to continue working with its local businesses. He then requested input from the EDA regarding moving forward with respect to the business retention program particularly as it relates to the hiring of the EDA staff position. Member LeTourneau encouraged staff to include other types of businesses in the program and to integrate more retail businesses. He stated the business retention program is an important program and did not feel the program could exist in an on and off mode, adding that staff may want to figure out a more robust program once the EDA staff person is in place. Member Skaff agreed the program should be expanded to include retail as well as the PACT Charter School. Economic Development Authority/February 14, 2013 Page 3 of 6