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4. EDA BUSINESS 4.01: Presentation: Anoka County Regional Economic Development Partnership Jacquel Hajder, Anoka County Economic Development Specialist, introduced herself noting that she began her position with Anoka County in July. She provided background information on the partnership and study that brought the need for her position forward. She stated that Anoka County is defining the roles to determine how the it can work with regional partners as it relates to economic development marketing, incentives, business retention and expansion; ensure that the communities in Anoka County are ready for development; and address and work to change the perception of Anoka County. She highlighted the employment and target industries that were identified in the study and provided information on employment distribution throughout the County. She reviewed the members of the Executive Committee that she works with which includes Connexus, four city representatives, County Commissioners and staff, Metro North Chamber, three Subcommittees, and herself. She reviewed the issues that the Marketing Subcommittee, Readiness Subcommittee and the Alignment and Regionalism Subcommittee are focusing on. She identified additional partnerships and opportunities for leads to bring new businesses into the communities of Anoka County. She highlighted some of the regional coordination and local assistance that she is able to provide for communities. She provided information on the budget for the program that is provided by the cost -share of the communities. She explained that the cost -share portion for each community is based on the population of each community community. Acting Chairperson Burandt asked if some of the goals have been accomplished. Ms. Hajder replied that there are some projects that came from Connexus Energy with businesses that had specific needs and that they were able to locate within the County. She stated that some of the partners that she has talked to are glad to see Anoka County take this kind of action and regional coordination. She noted that some communities also find it helpful to have a point person at the County to assist in resolving challenges towards economic development. She explained that a perception of a regional level can hurt the communities at a local level and that is what they are attempting to change. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that he would be looking for action from the EDA on the recommendation to the City Council regarding participation in the Anoka County Economic Development Partnership and cost -share. He stated that the City Attorney had reviewed the form and content of the documents and found them satisfactory. Member Riley asked from the perception of staff whether this would be beneficial to the City. Economic Development Manager Sullivan agreed that this would be helpful to have the partnership and noted that that an active regional approach by Anoka County would increase potential leads for the City of Ramsey and the Region. He stated that there are additional services relating to the use of the MNCAR membership that are able to be provided from Ms. Hajder upon request. Economic Development Authority/ October 11, 2018 Page 2 of 5