Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/02/2015

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Environmental Expo This event used to be a partnership between the City and Ramsey Elementary School. The event previously was held at the elementary school in conjunction with the Tree Sale. However, in 2007, the elementary school notified the City that it could no longer commit staff time to the event and the partnership dissolved and there was no expo event in 2007. In 2008, the City brought back the Environmental Expo in a revamped format at the Ramsey Municipal Center. This site was not ideal for an expo venue but nonetheless, from 2008 to 2012, it was home to the event. Attendance at the event has always been an estimation, but it is estimated the event had anywhere from 100 -200 attendees annually while it was held at the Municipal Center. The number of vendors typically ranged from 25 -30 each year. In 2013, in an attempt to reinvigorate the program and to capitalize on cost efficiencies and greater community visibility, the Environmental Expo was incorporated into Happy Days. Again, attendance was hard to gauge but it appears that foot traffic through the expo tent did increase (although, how much of that was really just wandering through without much or any interaction with exhibitors is not known). However, participation of exhibitors began to decline. In 2013, there were fourteen (14) exhibitors and by 2014, there were only seven (7) exhibitors. Considering the amount of staff time that goes in to coordinating this event, the overall cost of the event (has ranged from about $4,500 to $6,000), and the declining trend of exhibitors interested in participating, Staff believes that it is time to look at alternative ways to promote awareness of environmental issues. Rather than focusing some much time and effort on seeking out interested exhibitors for the Environmental Expo, more benefit could come from having an EPB presence at other venues, such as The Draw Summer Event Series and /or the Spring Business Expo. If exhibitors that typically would have been a good fit for the Environmental Expo were looking for an opportunity to promote their message, Happy Days still has the business and craft expo components, which could accommodate those exhibitors if so desired. This would allow more time for Staff to focus on making Happy Days (and other community events) more sustainable overall, including working toward becoming a zero -waste event (which could be funded through the recycling program SCORE funds). In terms of promoting sustainability and environmental awareness and education, key themes of the Environmental Expo, there are other opportunities to accomplish this. First, the EPB could, if it so desired, still sponsor an exhibit at Happy Days. This could involve bringing in an organization with live raptors and reptiles, one of if not the most popular exhibit at past expo events, or bringing in a theater group with an environmental message (such as recycling, watersheds, conservation, etc.). to perform. Additionally, as noted previously, The Draw Summer Event Series continues to grow in popularity and would be an opportunity for the EPB to have a presence and promote awareness of current environmental issues. Action: No action is necessary. Attachments No files) attached. Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Chris Anderson (Originator) Chris Anderson 01/30/2015 08:25 AM Form Started By: Chris Anderson Started On: 01/23/2015 04:07 PM Final Approval Date: 01/30/2015