Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/19/2007

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CASE # 2 2007 BUSINESS CONNECTION MEETING By: Sean Sullivan, Economic Development Coordinator Background: The EDA directed members Strommen and Elvig to try to secure either Governor Tim Pawlenty or Congressman James Oberstar to speak at our Spring Business Connection meeting. The members have been diligently working on this but have been unsuccessful up to this point. Staff agrees that speakers of this caliber are worth the wait and the EDA should try to get the best speaker. However, with Spring quickly approaching, it might not be a bad idea to put a contingent plan in place if we are unable to get the Governor or Congressman. Our fall back was to work with Anoka County Partners to secure a Speaker for the 2007 Spring Business Connection Meeting. Observations: Staff has researched the logistics of the Alexander Ramsey Room and it should accommodate our needs. The room has a capacity of 100 for an event of this type and it can be set up for large pods that will allow face to face contact. Ramsey Rotary has also expressed interest in partnering with the Business Connection Meeting and details will be worked out when the event date is determined. Staff proposes the event be financed as follows if a speaker other than Pawlenty or Oberstar is needed. . Anoka County Partners: Speaker and all associated marketing costs . Ramsey Rotary: Cost of Food and beverages (100 people) . Ramsey EDA: Invitations (Approximately 300-400) Regional Trends, as well as transportation, seem to be popular topics and the speaker should be able to address each topic. Recommendation: The EDA select a date to secure Governor Pawlenty or Congressman Oberstar and to move to other alternatives if they have not committed by then. EDA Action: Motion to select May _ to secure Governor Pawlenty or Congressman Oberstar and to move to other alternatives ifthey have not committed by then. EDA: 04.19.07 11