Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/14/2022

Home

Economic Development Authority (EDA) 4. 4. Meeting Date: 04/14/2022 By: Sean Sullivan, Community Development Title: 2022 Business Appreciation Day Event Planning Purpose/Background: Purpose: Provide update to the EDA of the status of 2022 event and to receive feedback and budget approval. Background: The City of Ramsey has a rich history in hosting a Business Appreciation Day and Business of the Year Award dinner to celebrate the great businesses in our community.With Covid restrictions for the event lifted last year,the event returned to the Links at Northfork and it was full with 144 participants. Armstrong Kennels was presented with the 2021 Business of the year award. The Links at Northfork uses Lynde Catering (Formerly Wells Catering)for its events and the City has been very satisfied with the quality of service and food. For the January Business Network meeting hosted at the Fountains of Ramsey,the City used the Kitchen Table as the caterer. In order to give other Ramsey businesses an opportunity to participate in city events. Staff is recommending using Lynde Catering out of the Links at Northfork for the Business Appreciation Day Event. The Links of Northfork has been the host of this event for many years and has agreed to host again. The facility size and layout are conducive to a great event and pricing for golf has remained unchanged. All aspects relating to the format,golf,meal and 2022 Business of the Year ceremony will remain consistent with non-Covid 19 years. The EDA has always provided a City of Ramsey item for each of the participating golfers. Staff proposes that this marketing "giveaway" continue and is asking for staff to have the discretion to select an item. Staff is asking for a budget of up to $24.00 per item in for the 2022 Event. Last year there was some confusion as to the eligibility of certain teams to be to win the event. It has been brought to Staff s attention that in past years there have been teams full of"ringers" (really good golfers) and that these teams were not considered eligible and were not recognized as winning the event. It is difficult for staff to determine if a team truly has ringers and to make a decision on eligibility. Based on this situation staff is suggesting that all teams are eligible to win First Place prize regardless of the composition of the skill on their team. Over the years,the prize for the first place team has been reduced from $200 per team in prizes and trophies to $100 per team ($25 per player in prizes)and no trophies. There are some teams that do take pride in being awarded the winner of the tournament and the spirit of competition and I think recognizing that team is good for the event. Staff has added back a Random Team Prize equivalent to the First place prize in the 2022 budget to ensure all teams have an equal chance of winning and additional team prize. Staff is open to suggestions and direction on this item and the eligibility of teams for the First Place Prize. Notification: N/A Observations/Alternatives: