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Community Development Director Gladhill stated that in the past there was consistent <br />attendance around 140 and did not believe that should be a problem in the future with increased <br />attention from staff. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that he believed that there were some problems <br />with conflicting events on the date this year. He stated that in the past when he worked for the <br />City, there was larger participation and believed that moving the event back to the third Tuesday <br />and providing additional focus from staff will increase attendance. <br />Member Kanaventi stated that he felt the event was very well organized and had great food, as a <br />first-time attendee. <br />Member LeTourneau stated that he attended the event and also thought it was well run. He <br />suggested the possibility of moving the event into July, which would move the event further <br />from the Happy Days event. He commented that this event occurs for a larger purpose, as this is <br />a business retention activity and believed that this is time and money well spent as a healthy <br />business community is good for the City. He stated that the numbers are not as important as <br />having a good group of businesses together networking and communicating. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill noted that staff can bring the topic back in the future <br />for further discussion on the date. <br />4.03: Approve Program Outline, Speakers and Emcee for 2018 EDA Business Networking <br />Event <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan presented the staff report. <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if staff is also in the process of securing panelists. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan reviewed the panelists that have been secured. <br />Member LeTourneau expressed appreciation to staff for putting this together. He asked how <br />firm this agenda is and stated that he would like to talk more about the second agenda item. He <br />asked if that is the issue that warrants this much attention for the business community, <br />specifically whether there is enough material included in the initiative or whether another topic <br />may be more appropriately aligned to inform the business community. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated that there is enough material in the Anoka <br />County initiative and it is a positive benefit to the community. He noted that staff plans to <br />provide an update on the topic to the EDA at the October meeting, ahead of the event. He also <br />recognized the input that some broader initiatives could be helpful and could be part of the City <br />updates, using the example of the Highway 10 corridor. <br />Member LeTourneau stated that he feels like there have been many opportunities for the Anoka <br />County initiative to be introduced throughout the County and asked if there will be new <br />information provided. <br />Economic Development Authority/ September 13, 2018 <br />Page 3 of 5 <br />