Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 12/08/2004

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Case #4: Re-cap Business Network Meeting Associate Planner Wald reviewed with the EDA that the Business Network Meeting was held on Tuesday, October 26, 2004. The meeting generated approximately half of the business attendees compared to the March network meeting. One contributing factor to the low attendance was due to the annual Crime Prevention breakfast event held on the same day. A second contributing factor could be due to the fact that the invite did not clearly state what would specifically be discussed about the Town Center and Transportation. The business community may have had the impression that the meeting was going to be discussing the same topics as discussed in March. The attendance may have also been affected by the golf tournament and elections. She suggested the need to be consistent on the months that the meetings are held. Member Kiefer commented it was surprising how many businesses did not know about the meeting, and when they received a phone call five days before the meeting they were already booked. They may want to make sure all the businesses get notices 1 ½ to 2 months before The meeting. Associate Planner Wald explained direct mailings are mailed out and an announcement is run in the business connection. She suggested they may want to do one meeting as a breakfast and one meeting as a catered lunch with a presenter. Member Gromberg suggested the Chamber be used as a resource, and that the meeting not be conducted in a format that would duplicate the Chamber's meetings. He commented part of the problem is that it is called a networking meeting in that they are getting the businesses together, but traditionally businesses look at networking meetings from trying to get businesses. He suggested the meetings be conducted as a business update meeting, rather than a networking meeting. Acting Chairperson Steffen indicated he does not think the Ramsey businesses want to network with each other. Member Gromberg noted they want to be a business community where they know each other, but maybe not buy from each other. Member Kiefer suggested the companies that attend the meeting provide a line card with what they provide, to be included with the information that is distributed. Associate Planner Wald indicated there have been problems in getting complete information when the businesses are signing in. She suggested they may want to have those that attend drop their business card in a bowl. Thc consensus of the EDA was to change the format of the meeting to a business update meeting, to continue with the breakfasts, and to hold the meetings in March and early October. Associate Planner Wald stated she found it very difficult to work with Connexus for the last meeting, and will not be utilizing that site again. Member Gromberg requested Associate Planner Wald send him a letter outlining her problems, so the problems can be addressed. Economic Development Authority/November 10, 2004 Page 5 of 7