Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 10/10/2024

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Wiyninger, Members Johnson, Lindahl, Howell, Riley, and Stewart. Voting No: None. Absent: Member MacLennan. Chairperson Wiyninger thanked all the developers for their interest in Ramsey, noting that the EDA looks forward to working with Capital Real Estate, Inc. on this project. 4.03: Approval of 2025 Business Network Meeting at La Fontaine Event Center Economic Development Manager Sullivan presented the staff report. Member Riley stated that he likes the idea of having people available at a table for Highway 10 questions, although not making that a part of the presentation. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that he would still propose that the communications team briefly speak on Highway 10, but could also not do that and just have people available for questions. Chairperson Wiyninger stated that they would still be going into another construction season for the highway project in 2025 and therefore he would support the brief mention, but not having it be a focal point. Member Howell asked how the cost for this keynote speaker would compare to previous speakers. Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that he has not yet paid for a speaker for the event, but perhaps there was payment for that during the 2010 to 2018 time period. He stated that the last two speakers have spoken for free, but noted that one was from a state organization, and another was a Ramsey resident (Ron Schara). He stated that this would maybe spike interest in the event from new people and businesses. Member Johnson stated that she likes that the speaker is also bringing in his business to the community and he is a good speaker, therefore she believes there is value in that decision. Member Stewart agreed that he is a good speaker and asked if there could be a chance that the speaker would bring in additional guests and how that would be budgeted. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that is possible. He stated that the only difference in cost for attendees would be food and typically there has been a lot of food leftover, so he was not concerned. He stated that if attendance increased, he would be pleased to see more members of the community in attendance. Member Howell stated that she does not oppose paying for a speaker. She stated that this may bring in additional business for the speaker and therefore perhaps the rate should be discounted. Chairperson Wiyninger stated that this rate is about ten percent of the typical payment, therefore this would be a significant discount. Economic Development Authority/ October 10, 2024 Page 5 of 7