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Economic Development Manager Sullivan presented the staff report. <br />Member Johnson asked for more information on the promotion of businesses, as she thought that <br />the City had been doing a good job of that, noting the opportunities on the digital billboards. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that the City does not allow private advertising <br />on the City's digital display, and the digital billboard is privately owned by iDigital, which means <br />that businesses have to pay for that advertising. He confirmed that there is a 20 percent discount <br />for Ramsey -based businesses on the private billboard that was negotiated with iDigital as part of <br />their land lease. He noted that there is information that he provides to businesses that identifies <br />marketing opportunities when they ask. <br />Member Stewart commended Economic Development Manager Sullivan for the follow-up he <br />provides to the businesses after the visits. <br />Chairperson Wiyninger asked if there is comparison information for other communities on the <br />ratings. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that there is no comparison data, as this is a <br />unique survey for Ramsey. <br />Chairperson Wiyninger referenced the businesses that have left Ramsey and asked if there is data <br />related to the impact of Highway 10. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that he did not formally track that data. He <br />noted that a number of the businesses that left are auto dealers that cycle through multi -tenant <br />buildings. He identified some of the businesses that left that were related to Highway 10 <br />construction activity. <br />Chairperson Wiyninger stated that he supports the direction for this year to focus on Highway 10 <br />businesses for business visits. <br />Member Stewart asked if staff are aware of what is going onto the Speedway site. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan explained that, unless there is a rebrand, when a gas <br />station leaves, they take their tanks. He stated that he does not have full information yet, but there <br />is a purchase agreement for the site with another gas station. <br />Member Stewart asked if a turn lane could be added to enter that business area. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that there are no plans for that improvement at <br />this time, noting that is a county road. <br />Motion by Member Johnson, seconded by Member Lindahl, to accept the 2025 Business Retention <br />Report and adopt the Goals for 2026 as presented. <br />Economic Development Authority/ January 8, 2026 <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />