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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3A Business Forum4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake. MN 55372 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT MEETING DATE: March 28, 2013 AGENDA M 3.a. PREPARED BY: Casey McCabe, Community Development Specialist AGENDA ITEM: BUSINESS & INDUSTRY FORUM DISCUSSION: Introduction The purpose of this agenda item is to discuss the meeting format, possible attendants and pro- motion of the City of Prior Lake Business & Industry Forum. History During the February meeting, EDAC members finalized a date of April 25, 2013 and location at Fong's Event Center for the City of Prior Lake Business & Industry Forum (formerly Meet -N- Greet event). Members also considered a possible partnership with the Prior Lake Chamber or the Economic Development Authority; reviewed a list of proposed attendants, discussed market- ing and event promotion and a proposed meeting format. Current Circumstances Partnership: During the February meeting, EDAC members supported a motion to request the EDA co- sponsor the Business & Industry Forum. During their March meeting, the EDA ap- proved a motion to support the Business & Industry Forum with funding and as attendants but they chose not to be listed as a co -host of the event. The EDA discussed the Business & Indus- try Forum and expressed strong support for the event because it not only provides business owners and residents with an opportunity to share concerns or suggestions, but it provides the EDAC and City an opportunity to share their accomplishments over the past few years. The EDA members plan to attend and participate in the event but they felt the EDAC should continue to be the host. The primary reason for not being listed as a co -host is the EDA mem- bers feel this event works well as an EDAC initiative. They feel the EDAC has established its position in the community as an advocate for Prior Lake businesses and this event will help fur- ther the EDAC's role in supporting business with additional program and policy recommenda- tions that come from the event. Marketing and Promotion: The Business & Industry Forum has been promoted in the City Newswire (City email blast), on the front page of the City of Prior Lake website, in the EDAC e- newsletter, on the downtown monument sign at the intersection of Arcadia Avenue and CR 21, in the City Hall lobby, in weekly Prior Lake Chamber emails and on the Chamber of Commerce website. The event will also be promoted in the upcoming issue of the Wavelength (City news- letter) which will be published on April 6th. During the last meeting of the EDAC, members dis- cussed hand delivering invitations to businesses in the downtown and the Deerfield and Wel- come industrial park areas. Members may also ask downtown business owners post the event flyer to help notify the public. Attendants; In addition to the business owners and developers in the community, staff will send an email invitation to 8 to 10 City staff members, all members of the EDAC, EDA, City Council, Planning Commission, Technology Village Board of Directors and other government agencies, such as Scott County First Stop Shop, MN House District 55B and MN Senate District 55 repre- sentatives and Scott County District 2 and 4 commissioners. EDAC members should provide a list of other possible attendants who should receive a direct email invitation to staff. Meeting Format: At the February meeting, members supported a meeting format similar to pre- vious events, including a 30 minute networking time and a brief 15 minute presentation followed by 1 hour of opinion sharing. Presentation - Members should provide direction to staff related to what information should be included in the presentation. Previous discussion seemed to indicate EDAC members supported a brief PowerPoint showing business activity over the past year as well as specif- ic changes made as a result of previous meet -n -greet events that improved the local busi- ness climate (e.g., amending the industrial zoning regulations, update of the Downtown Ar- ea Parking Study, sign ordinance amendments and changes to the Fire Code relating to fire suppression requirements). • Specific Discussion Topics - The committee identified the need to establish specific discus- sion topics to have available at each table to help keep the conversation moving in a posi- tive direction. Members should identify specific discussion topics to cover at each small group table. Conclusion EDAC members should review each of the identified topics above and provide direction to staff on each item. FINANCIAL_ The EDA has approved a budget of no more than $1,000 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: