Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 02/10/2022

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Observations/Alternatives: Last year, John LeToumeau and the Manufactures Cohort led an initiative to secure a Dual Training Grant from the State of Minnesota. The group successfully procured a$120,000 grant. This grant is used to train incumbent workers (current)workers in Advanced Manufacturing skills related to their employment. Many Ramsey businesses showed interest in securing dollars for their workers. Ultimately, ony two Ramsey businesses (Multisource and Intech)followed through and received$6,000 each for the training of one employee. Member Scott Cords attended the Cohort meeting on December 28, 2021 (slide show included in Recap Document). Options relating to the Dual Training Grant presented at the meeting were 1) apply only to getting more training to the folks that completed the first round, or 2) focus on more first round folks and get more people trained, and then help businesses apply for their own grants for progressing their people. Option (2)was chosen by the Cohort and it will be pursued. Member Cords sent a meeting summary to me afterward stating he found it to be worthwhile,going as far to say having seen this program and the feedback from participants that he was supportive of the $5,000 contribution the EDA makes. Alternatives: 1) EDA recommendation to the City Council to pay the $5,000 invoice for the 2021-2022 Manufactures Cohort Season 2) EDA recommendation to the City Council to not pay the $5,000 invoice for the 2021-2022 Manufactures Cohort Season 3) Something else Funding Source: Consistent with the past several years,the City is being asked to consider funding $5,000.00. This expense has historically come from the EDA Budget. Recommendation: Considering Ramsey's limited internal resources (staff time)to pro-actively and effectively address large regional issues that effect our manufactures,the Anoka Area Chamber Manufacture Cohort provides the City an efficient opportunity to get involved and provide opportunities for Ramsey businesses. The group has a focus on workforce development and this is a pressing issue in today's economy and our local businesses. The Cohort group has provided a helpful service to our local businesses/manufactures (i.e. B &F Fastener Supply, Minnesota Tool and Die, Dynamic Group, Life Fitness,Hoya Vision Care, Intech, MultiSource and others). Staff is seeking broad policy direction from the EDA at this point as to whether or not to continue our financial contribution to this specific program of the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce. Action: Motion to recommend that the City continue/not continue its $5,000 contribution to the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce Manufactures Cohort. Attachments ACTION -2021 2022 Manufactures Cohort Manufactures Cohort Workplan and Recap Man Cohort Q and A and Financial Info Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Sean Sullivan(Originator) Sean Sullivan 01/31/2022 04:33 PM Brian Hagen Brian Hagen 02/02/2022 02:35 PM