Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 03/13/2025

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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 something they can 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 to attend numbers is typical for any event. He stated that he would suggest that they go with option two, noting that would leave the option for staff to find a speaker for $2,500 or choose a free speaker and leave the $2,500 in the reserve to add to the budget for a speaker for the next year. 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: Chairperson Wiyninger, Members Johnson, Lindahl, MacLennan, Riley, and Stewart. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Motion by Member Johnson, seconded by Member Lindahl, to adopt 2026 Business Network Meeting budget Option Two, up to $6,500 with the discretion of staff to choose a paid or unpaid speaker as discussed. Further discussion: Economic Development Manager Sullivan clarified that the direction from the EDA would be to 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. Voting Yes: Chairperson Wiyninger, Members Johnson, Lindahl, MacLennan, Riley, and Stewart. Voting 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