Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/19/2004

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RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES By: Sean Sullivan, Economic Development / TIF Specialist Megan Wald, Associate Planner Background: City staff and elected officials have been attending ribbon cutting ceremonies for newly opening businesses and substantial infrastructure improvements. It is important to have a "City" presence at these types of events in support of local businesses and achievements. Although it is common practice to attend these events when notified, City officials are often unaware of grand openings due to the fact that the businesses have not notified the City. This may be due to the fact that the businesses are not aware that the City does provide a ribbon cutting service for these special occasions. Attendance at these events will only strengthen the bond between City and business. Observations: As noted above there are many businesses that do not know that the "City" will come out to their grand opening and perform a ribbon cutting ceremony. A ribbon cutting ceremony serves many purposes. It heightens the awareness of the community of a newly opening business, demonstrates that the City is playing an active role in supporting its local businesses and serves as an advertisement for the City of Ramsey in the local papers. Letting businesses know that this service is available should benefit both City and business, There will be some events that will warrant a Mayoral visit and others that may require a staff and EDA member. Those types of decisions can be made by the City but those decisions should be made more often with all the new businesses and development. Staff is looking for direction on how we can make this service more aware to businesses and to utilize it more often. Recommendation: Based on discussion Review Checklist: City Administrator, Jim Norman EDA: 04.19.04 P. 15