Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 11/08/2007

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CASE # 2 BUSINESS NETWORK MEETING By: Sean Sullivan, Economic Development/TIF Specialist Background: The EDA has determined it is beneficial to continue to host Business Network Meetings. The network meeting has traditionally been scheduled for late Winter or early Spring. EI Tinklenberg was the past speaker and a new speaker should be chosen for the 2008 meeting. Past meeting have featured a catered breakfast and a 7:30 start time. In 2007, Staff added Business of the Year nomination forms and that was a good way to solicit entries. Staff would like to begin contacting desired speakers to verify availability and cost for 2008. Staff hopes to secure a speaker and set a specific date for the Business Network Meeting by January. The last meeting held at the Alexander Ramsey Room was well attended. Observations: The Business Network Meeting has been a good forum to share ideas between businesses and City officials. The Winter/Spring timeframe compliments the late Summer Business Appreciation Day well and is a good k~ck-off to the new construction season. Last year there was discussion in trying to get a legislative speaker for the event. Names such as Jim Oberstar, Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachman were suggested as possible speakers. Attempting to secUre a speaker of such high quality will take some time to accomplish and Staff is looking for suggestions on how to initiate that process. Anoka Partners no longer exists and that body paid for the hot breakfast so an alternative funding source will be needed or the format of the meeting will have to change. Funding Source: EDA levy Recommendation: Direct Staff to set a date of to authorize the EDA to fund the event. , 2008 for the 2008 Business Network Meeting and EDA Action: Motion to set a date of authorize the EDA to fund the event. ,2008 for the 2008 Business Network Meeting and to Reviewed By: Community Development Director EDA: 11.08.07 15