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<br />panel is putting together a program that looks to the future for what type of workers will be <br />needed, and is providing a curriculum that will address the changing trends. He noted a couple <br />of years ago there was worry about what was going on in China and that there was a lot of work <br />going to China. Business owners in Ramsey have gotten a lot of that work back. He believes a <br />good network is being put in place to address the future. <br /> <br />Member Elvig suggested consideration of a Comprehensive Plan on the City's business parks <br />and land that could become commercial. He noted this type of plan could include holding some <br />parcels for future development. <br /> <br />Member Kiefer stated he has thought for some time that as a body the EDA needs to focus on <br />making sure the infrastructure is here, such as better roads and access. They should also expand <br />or more aggressively market the future of Ramsey, and work harder to attract Fortune 500 <br />companies and white collar type of jobs. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied <br />he believes the City is moving down that path right now. He suggested the EDA create a <br />marketing plan to market Ramsey Town Center as a possible location for these businesses. <br /> <br />Economic Development Consultant Mulrooney explained one thing associated with the white <br />collar companies goes back to the impediment of Highway 10 today, and the look and image <br />Ramsey and Anoka have along that corridor. He would not recommend spending a lot of money <br />and time on this today. Companies have options in Blaine on 35W that have a direct pipeline <br />into downtown Minneapolis, and Highway 65 is making improvements. Companies will not put <br />a major investment into a location that has the current image of Highway 10 with a lot ofRV and <br />~~. ' <br /> <br />Member Kiefer pointed out that Highways 47 and 10, and CR 116 will all be major <br />thoroughfares in and out of the City. If the EDA has the catalyst and a plan of what will happen <br />with these roadways they can use that as a marketing tool to attract businesses prior to the <br />infrastructure all being in place. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied he <br />currently does this and tells businesses that Highway 10 is officially mapped. <br /> <br />Economic Development Consultant Mulrooney commented on the Medtronic project in Mounds <br />View in relation to the strategy of possibly holding land for a larger site development. He <br />advised quality of housing is a critical element to attracting Fortune 500 and white collar <br />companies. To the extent the City can strive for excellence and trying to develop areas with <br />higher end housing it will assist in attracting companies. <br /> <br />Member Elvig suggested the EDA make a statement to the Council regarding the quality of <br />housing in relation to bringing in quality projects/to the City. <br /> <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan commented this issue, as well as the plans for the <br />south side of Highway 10, are two items the EDA would have input on in the upcoming work on <br />the Comprehensive Plan. Member Strommen concurred. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley noted the EDA was involved in housing, and it was taken away from their <br />review. Townhomes are currently being built in the City wherever they can fit, and now they are <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority/October 19, 2006 <br />Page 5 of7 <br /> <br />5 <br />