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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3A Meet N Greet4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake. MN 55372 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT MEETING DATE: February 28, 2013 AGENDA M 3.a, PREPARED BY: Casey McCabe, Community Development Specialist AGENDA ITEM: MEET -N -GREET EVENT DISCUSSION: Introduction The purpose of this agenda item is to discuss potential dates and locations as well as a marketing plan and meeting format for the 2093 Meet -N -Greet event. History The EDAC has previously hosted two business Meet -N -Greet events. The pri- mary purpose of the Meer -N -Greet event is to provide business leaders with an opportunity to share their concerns, suggestions or opinions regarding business development in the city with EDAC members, elected officials and City staff. Previous meet -n -greet comments and suggestions identified the need to evalu- ate city policy and code requirements which were felt to be restricting develop- ment opportunities as well as a review or downtown parking availability and ex- amination of signage regulations. Other comments included the need for city staff training, general public safety concerns, discussion over the farmer's mar- ket location, downtown traffic issues, the need for grant or incentive programs and other business friendly initiatives. Current Circumstances During the January meeting, EDAC members asked staff to research certain aspects of the event and report back to the committee for additional discussion. Below are a few areas identified by staff which require direction from the EDAC. ➢ Date — Members commented that the last Meet -N -Greet event was held on a Thursday afternoon from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This time worked well and was recommended again. Suggested dates for the event are Thursday, April 25th or Thursday, May 2nd. ➢ Location -- Possible locations, including The Wilds, Fong's Restaurant & Bar, The Pointe (formerly The Basement), Mystic Lake Casino and City Hall /Club Prior, were discussed. The committee would like to find a location and envi- ronment that encourages conversation. Staff contacted Fong's Restaurant, Bar & Convention Center and their convention facility is available both of the recommended dates. Fong's would provide space for $921person; this cost includes facility rental, gratuity and hors d' oeuvres. Staff felt that t=ong's was the best option as a local business establishment with its small conven- tion space and downtown location. ➢ Partnership — Members discussed whether the event should be hosted solely by the EDAC or the potential value of partnering with another organization, such as the Chamber of Commerce and/or Economic Development Authori- ty. This should be further discussed by the EDAC. ➢ Attendants — In addition to business leaders in the community, staff antici- pates inviting elected and appointed officials from the EDA and City Council. Additional suggested invitees included representatives from GREATER MSP, Scott County First Stop Shop and the Scott County Economic Garden- ing committee. ➢ Marketing -- Staff proposes to notify elected and appointed officials by direct invitation. Notice to businesses will be provided on the City of Prior Lake website and a notice in the Prior Lake Business Pages e- newsletter. Staff assumes the Prior Lake Chamber will assist by sending an email blast and include the Meet -N -Greet information in an upcoming newsletter. ➢ Meeting Format — Previous events included a 30 minute networking time and a brief 15 minute presentation followed by 1 hour of opinion sharing. This year, staff could prepare a PowerPoint showing business activity over the past year as well as specific changes made since the last event that im- proved the local business climate (i.e., amending the industrial zoning regu- lations and repealing a fire suppression code requirement). The committee discussed the need to develop a meeting format which en- courages discussion and identifies specific issues which can be addressed by the EDAC and city staff throughout 2013. Members discussed how some of the comments received in previous years are not useful to staff or EDAC members because they are not specific enough to follow up on. Specific discussion topics at each table were offered as a way to keep the conversa- tion moving; however, the discussion would not be limited to the topics pro- vided. ➢ Training Session — EDAC members will be stationed at each table to facili- tate discussion. Members discussed the potential value of a training session for EDAC members so they know what questions to ask and how to keep the conversation moving. Conclusion EDAC members should review each of the identified topics above and provide direction to staff on each item. FINANCIAL The city can provide the EDAC a budget of approximately $800 for this event. IMPACT: ALTERNATIVES: 1. EDAC members should provide direction to City staff on each item identified above and any other items the committee wishes to discuss. RECOMMENDED Alternative No. 1. MOTION: