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