Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 10/12/2023

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4. 1. Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting Date: 10/12/2023 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Promote economic growth and development. Title: Approval of 2024 Business Network Meeting at LaFontaine Event Center Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to approve an event budget, approve the program topics, and to select a date(s) for the 2024 Business Network Meeting. Staff has been planning for the 2024 Business Network Event. In past events, the City has had Keynote speakers on various topics from time to time. Two of the biggest items that come up during business visits are the Hwy 10 project and challenges with hiring workers in all sectors. Staff is proposing having Anoka County and their communication team provide the final layouts for the project, present project impact timing and to outline the communication plan for City businesses and residents. Staff has reached out to County Engineer Joe MacPherson and his team to provide an update on the Hwy 10 project and they are available for the last week in January and First Week of February. The City would also provide a development / city update as part of this meeting. Historically, the Business Network event has been well attended in January and doesn't have the holiday/vacation conflicts that we have in November and December. Traditionally, the event has been held at the Fountains of Ramsey and this venue has served the event well. The venue has been updated with technology, new paint and a new look and now operates as LaFontaine Event Center. A hot breakfast has been part of the event in the past and staff recommends continuing in 2024. Staff has obtained two quotes for the breakfast (Wells and LaFontaine) which are attached to this case and are highlighted below in Observations. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: The main cost for this event is the food as we have been fortunate to have speakers that have not required a speaking fee for most events. Staff obtained quotes for hosting/catering the event (including the Room Rental and associated charges) from the LaFontaine ($3,768.44) and Lyndes/Wells Catering Service ($3,871.65). Staff always looks at local vendors/caterers first and gives some preference if costs are close. LaFontaine is considered a local caterer and desires to showcase its new venue and catering product to the Ramsey Business community. LaFontaine has come in with the lowest complete quote. The only city costs for this event are the venue, signage and breakfast as outlined in the attached budget. Staff has provided the historical cost for this event for review and believes that with the new quote the EDA will be able to maintain the $4,000 budget allocation in 2023. This amount would provide some flexibility in the event that registration exceeds 119 people. The Business Network Event has traditionally had a start time of 8 AM and usually runs for just over an hour. Staff has consulted with County Engineer, Joe MacPherson (Hwy 10) and his team and they are available 1/31, 2/1, 2/6, 2/7,and 2/8 for the event. Staff is still trying to identify a date that will work for the communications team within this time window. The Hwy 10 presentation this year would be more detailed than previous iterations and would include timing for all aspects of the project, a communication strategy/plan as well an opportunity to ask questions. City Staff (Sullivan, Hagen, Hanson and others) would also put together a City presentation and be