Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/19/2004

Home

RAMSEY BUSINESS CONNECTION QCTV PROGRAM AND BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Case of Megan Wald~ Associate Planner Background: The Business Connection newsletter was designed in an attempt to connect and communicate with the business community. Each publication contains a business spotlight, which includes a complimentary piece about an individual business and their related operation. The business spotlights provide the opportunity for City staff to connect with individual business owners/managers and network within the community. Last year, an idea was discussed to broadcast the business interviews on the City's local cable station, which is operated by QCTV. The initial reaction by QCTV staff to broadcast the business spotlight interviews was resistance and hesitation due to lack of stafftime. ~ Staff, Council member Kurak, and staff from QCTV met in March to discuss how the City's desire to broadcast the interviews could be accomplished. Observations: During the meeting with QCTV staff, it became evident that the business interview needed to be integrated with other economic development projects and/or updates. The result of the brainstorming meeting was to create a Ramsey economic development cable program to be named Ramsey Business Connection. The program will include the "business spotlight" interview, "hot topics" related to projects the EDA is working on, and upcoming events. On April 2, 2004, Associate Planner Wald and Scott Darsow from Life Fitness attempted to comPlete a professional interview at the QCTV studio. After the interview, Associate Planner Wald attempted to update the viewers on projects the EDA is working on and provide information on upcoming events. Staff anticipates receiving a copy of the completed program the week of April 19th and the program will air later that week. Watch your local cable channel and check out this exciting program! The Ramsey Business Connection cable program is going to require additional staff time and brainstorming sessions. Staff needs to be efficient in respect to time and preparation of topics in order to avoid monopolizing QCTV staff's time. Staff would like to discuss the forum of the cable program and establish a list of business to spotlight. Business interviews need to be set up in advance to allow time for two interviews to occur; the City interview, which is to allow staff the time to write down the answers to the questions and prepare an article in the newsletter, and then the cable interview. Staff is anxious to entertain suggestions regarding businesses to interview. The Rmnsey Business Connection cable program should also include representation from EDA members. Staff is suggesting that the Chair and Vice:Chair participate in the program on a rotating schedule. It is anticipated that the cable program will occur 4-5 times a year. EDA Action: Discuss the forum of the Ramsey Business Connection cable program and select a few businesses for staff to interview for the business spotlight piece. EDA: 4.19.04