Agenda - Council - 02/24/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDA BUSINESS Case #1: Business Communication Initiatives Business DirecJtory Associate PI .ar~ er Wald informed the EDA that staff attended the Ramsey Rotary meeting on January 7, 2004, to try to receive input from the local business leaders. One of the things discussed was the business directory. As discussed with the EDA, the basics of the directory would include listing the businesses in categories that relate to their business operation. Member Kurak commented Champlin and Dayton have an impressive directory that includes businesses, City Hall phone numbers, emergency phone numbers, and other information. It also includes the hi~ijtory~of Champlin and Dayton. She suggested something like this would be good for the EDA to 'work on in the future. Chairperson Riley inquired if the idea of the directory would be to "Shop Ramsey First". Ms. Wald replied yes and also to provide the subject information to people who call on a weekly basis inquiring about the types of businesses we have in Ramsey. Suggestions regarding the directory were to distribute the list or put it on the City website, email the directory to[businesses, make the directory downloadable from the City website, and update the directory annually. Member Kurak;stated the directory is a great idea. Business Netwqrk Meeting Ms. Wald inforined the EDA that Rotary members expressed an interest in continuing to receive updates regardi.ng residential, commercial, and industrial developments. At the business network meetings they Would like to give the business community an update on current or pressing projects or topids the City Council is addressing. One of the suggestions was the potential U.S. Highway # 10 improvements and the Town Center. They suggested holding the meetings in the early morning two times per year. Business Conlae~Ction Newsletter Ms. Wald informed the EDA that staff asked the Rotary what topics they would like to see in the business newsl0tter. Although she did not receive great feedback on what topics they would like to see, she did r~ceive good feedback on the format. Suggestions included the following: · Format the newsletter somewhat like a newspaper. · Include a calendar that provides information about events and meetings. · Include a survey to find out what the business community is interested in reading. · In the s ~ta-vey ask for business emails and websites to email the publication in the future. :Economic Development Authority/January 12, 2004 Page 2 of 6