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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Steffen, Members Hardin, Burandt, Cords, Kuzma, <br /> and Riley. Voting No: None. Absent: Member Berg. <br /> 4.06: Consider State of Minnesota Economic Development Marketing Opportunity <br /> Economic Development Manager Sullivan presented the staff report. He stated that staff <br /> believes this marketing opportunity is worth considering. It provides a unique "bang for the <br /> buck" when considering how much the State of Minnesota pushes this publication, and when <br /> considering how staff can reuse the Thriving in the North ad for other purposes. Based on <br /> feedback from neighboring cities, they are happy with how this publication plays into their <br /> overall comprehensive marketing strategies. Both Coon Rapids and Elk River recommended <br /> that Ramsey get involved; however, both indicated it's unlikely this one specific ad will generate <br /> an influx of calls from prospects. But to that point, if it generates on call that leads to a future <br /> project, it more than pays for itself. <br /> Chairperson Steffen asked who designed the previous ad and who would design this ad. <br /> Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that the previous ad was developed internally <br /> and then tweaked by the publication. He stated that a similar format could be followed for this <br /> ad if desired. <br /> Chairperson Steffen stated that he would perhaps want to see additional thought put into the ad. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill commented that the marketing funds could be used <br /> to develop a more thoughtful ad. <br /> Member Hardin agreed. He asked if the EDA could review a draft before submission. <br /> Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that there is a quick timeline but noted that he <br /> could submit the draft to the EDA via email. <br /> Member Kuzma stated that he is not thrilled about the ad as he believes the funds could be better <br /> spent. He noted that CBRE is already advertising the City land. He was unsure that this would <br /> be the best resource, as the EDA has limited marketing dollars. <br /> Member Riley stated that this group is the EDA and the job is to push business development in <br /> general in the City, which is different than selling just City land. He stated that this would <br /> promote the City in general and would attempt to bring in business in general. <br /> Member Cords asked if there are metrics that show the reach the magazine would provide <br /> beyond the current business the City already has. He stated that he likes the idea of the proposal, <br /> as it shows access and availability. <br /> Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that the City would be getting 7,500 issues of <br /> this magazine mailed directly to site selectors/decision makers. He stated that the magazine is <br /> also distributed at national and regional tradeshows championed by the State of Minnesota. He <br /> Economic Development Authority/ September 12, 2019 <br /> Page 7 of 9 <br />