Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 09/13/2018

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Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting Date: 09/13/2018 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Title: Review 2018 EDA Business Appreciation Day Event 4. 2. Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to review the 2018 EDA Business Appreciation Day held on August 7, 2018 at The Links of Northfork. Notification: Notification is not required. Observations/Alternatives: The event overall was a great success. The event went without a hitch logistically. The event remained in budget without cuts to expenses or quality. Sponsorship of the event was well, with additional sponsorship above forecast. Attendance has been steadily declining since 2015. This has caught the attention of sponsors, and may have an impact on future sponsorship levels. 2015 11139 I 2016 11115 I 2017 11116 I 2018 1196 I Staff would recommend more focus on advertising and recruitment be emphasized in 2019. Additionally, the date was moved to the first Tuesday of August instead of the third Tuesday as was the traditional date. This was done during a time where both the EDA Business Appreciation Day and Happy Days were being managed by the City's Event Specialist. The EDA Business Appreciation Day (as well as Fall Networking Event) will now be managed by the Economic Development Team (Staff). This date coincided with the annual Night to Unite event hosted by Public Safety agencies across the Nation, including Ramsey. Staff does not recommend the second Tuesday in August, as this would also conflict with future Minnesota Primary Elections and the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting dates. Staff suggests moving the event back to the third Tuesday in August to avoid the potential conflicts. Staff did field some complaints about behavior of attendees on the course. Staff would recommend a simple disclaimer on the registration form outling a Code of Conduct. Funding Source: This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. Recommendation: No action is being requested. Action: No action is being requested. General feedback in preparation for the 2019 event is welcome.