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Chairperson Olson asked what would constitute participation by a Ramsey business. <br />Mr. Turok stated that showing up at one meeting would qualify as participation. He reviewed <br />some of the topics that are discussed at meetings noting that the 26 listed Ramsey businesses have <br />participating in one way or another. <br />Member Howell stated that there are 20 slots for the grant and asked if any of the other 18 slots <br />are taken by other cities. <br />Mr. Turok clarified that the slots are taken by businesses, not cities. He confirmed that the other <br />slots are taken by other businesses within the region that participate in the cohort. <br />Member Howell asked the number of slots left. <br />Mr. Turok replied that all the slots were filled immediately which is why they would like to apply <br />for another grant. <br />Member Howell asked how many cities contribute into this effort. <br />Mr. Turok replied that the City of Anoka and City of Ramsey make annual contributions. <br />Member Howell asked and received confirmation that Mr. LeTourneau is a contract employee. <br />She stated that if Mr. LeTourneau is able to provide the services needed to make the cohort <br />successful through the cohort, why it would be run through another company (CO2). She stated <br />that it typically costs a company more to do it in that manner rather than directly working as a <br />contract employee or through a 1099. <br />Mr. Turok replied that CO2 is hired to do multiple services for the Chamber of Commerce and not <br />just the cohort duties. He reviewed some of the services that CO2 provides, noting that it is a <br />shared effort between the Chamber and cohort. <br />Member MacLennan referenced the 20 businesses participating in the grant and asked how that <br />was decided. <br />Mr. Turok replied that it was a first come first serve basis, as the Chamber did not want to make <br />decisions on any other basis. <br />Member MacLennan asked how businesses that are not currently participating in the cohort would <br />find information on this program. <br />Mr. Turok replied that they do reach out to businesses with mailers. He stated that they advise <br />businesses of meetings and explained that they do not require businesses to be a member of the <br />Chamber to participate in the cohort. He commented that they meet every other month, meeting <br />in different locations. <br />Member MacLennan asked if that meeting information is available on the Chamber website. <br />Economic Development Authority/ February 10, 2022 <br />Page 6 of 13 <br />