Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/10/2025

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Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated that the City has only asked for donations for the golf event as businesses have requested to donate to the raffle. He stated that one business asked to sponsor lunches for that event, noting that was an ask of the business not a solicitation by the City. He stated that he would be leery of asking businesses for sponsorships or donations for City events. He stated that the EDA is the marketing arm of the City and therefore they should not be afraid to spend EDA dollars on events that support and encourage the business community. Chairperson Wiyninger stated that while updates on Highway 10 can be helpful, there is a desire from businesses to have leadership development and to gain some ' ey ca bring back to their business. Member MacLennan agreed that there is value in providing something that attendees can take back to their business. He recognized that there is a cost to do that, but believed that it is value gained in return. He stated that he could also support the every -other -year model. He believed that most businesses will attend if they feel there is value provided. Chairperson Wiyninger stated that a 27 percent drop-off on the register for any event. He stated that he would suggest th they go with optio leave the option for staff to find a speaker for $2, or choose a free spe in the reserve to add to the budget for a speaker the next year, mbers is typical , noting that would r and leave the $2,500 Motion by Member Johnson, seconded by Member Lindahl, to select LaFontaine Event Center as the event venue with a late January/early February date for the 2026 Business Network Meeting. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairerson Wiyninger, Members Johnson, Lindahl, MacLennan, Riley, and Stewart. Voting No: None. Abse 4 No . e. Motion by mber Johnson, s Meetin get Option Two, up t spea as di Cussed. d by 1 ber Lindahl, to adopt 2026 Business Network 500 wi the discretion of staff to choose a paid or unpaid Further discussion: Economic De '-'a opment Manager Sullivan clarified that the direction from the EDA would be'o pursue a good speaker for $2,500 and if he does not find one at that level, he should then choose a free speaker option for the event in 2026. Motion carried. Votin es: Chairperson Wiyninger, Members Johnson, Lindahl, MacLennan, Riley, and Stewart. V ting No: None. Absent: None. 5. MEMBER / STAFF UPDATE Economic Development Manager Sullivan provided an update on the planning for the Business Expo, development activity, and other items of interest to the EDA. Economic Development Authority/ March 13, 2025 Page 4 of 5