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Home My WebLink About3B Business Expansion and Retention Survey4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake. MN 55372 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT MEETING DATE: March 28, 2013 AGENDA #: 3.b. PREPARED BY: Casey McCabe, Community Development Specialist AGENDA ITEM: BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION SURVEYS DISCUSSION: Introduction As part of its mission, the EDAC conducts face -to -face business retention and expansion (BR &E) visits with local company officials. Through these visits the EDAC is able to identify challenges and opportunities for businesses in our community. The results of the BR &E sur- veys should not only collect important information but provide opportunities for EDAC and city staff members to follow -up with expansion and development assistance. History The EDAC has previously identified Prior Lake's Deerfield Industrial Park, Waterfront Passage, and Welcome Avenue Industrial Park as the primary target area for BR &E surveys. During the February meeting, EDAC members reviewed a new BR &E reporting form devel- oped by GREATER MSP and endorsed by SCALE. Members commented they would still pre- fer to have Prior Lake specific questions included in the survey and recommended the "Prior Lake as a place to do business" section of the previous survey be included in the new survey. Following the February meeting, city staff provided a cover letter template, the BR &E reporting form and the "Prior Lake as a place to do business" questionnaire to all members of the EDAC so they can begin contacting business owners and completing the survey. Conclusion Members previously determined they would like the surveys completed by April 15, 2013 so the results can be presented at the Business & Industry Forum on April 25th. Although the surveys are not due until April 15th, members are encouraged to complete the surveys as soon as pos- sible; as of March, 25th, staff has only received two completed surveys. ISSUES: BR &E surveys should be completed as soon as possible to allow time to compile and report results to the business community during the April 25Lh Business & Industry Forum. FINANCIAL None. IMPACT: ALTERNATIVES: Update Only. RECOMMENDED Update Only. MOTION: