HomeMy WebLinkAbout6 - Economic Dev. Committee Annual Report
AGENDA NUMBER:
PREPARED BY:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
INTRODUCTION:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
CENSUS '90
.
6
KAY SCHMUDLACH, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
PRESENTATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
1989 ANNUAL REPORT AND 1990 WORK PROGRAM
FEBRUARY 20, 1990
The Economic Development Committee (EDC)
annually prepares a report to summarize the
Committee's accom~lishments of the previous
year. The EconomlC Development Committee also
identifies and documents the goals of the
Committee for the upcoming year. This agenda
item has been prepared to present the 1989
Economic Development Committee Annual Report
and 1990 Work Program.
The Economic Development Committee met on
January 17, 1990 to conduct their Annual
Workshop. The Annual Workshop is the time set
aside br Committee members to critique the
activitles of the previous year and plan for
the upcoming year's activities. The results
of the work session were a healthy
conversation on economic development in Prior
Lake and the information contained in the
attached documents. The Committee encourages
the City Council to review the 1989 Annual
Report and provide feedback on the
accomplishments. The City council is also
encouraged to review the 1990 Work Program and
modifr the goals to reflect the city Council's
priorlties.
The 1989 Annual Report is a lengthy document
reflecting the many accomplishments of the
Committee. The Committee is proud of their
accomplishments in 1989, especially in the
area of marketing to outside development
persons and the internal promotion of local
businesses through programs such as the
Business Appreciation Golf Tournament. A one
page summarr has been provided to give, the
city Councll a quick review of the 1989
Economic Development committee activities.
The Committee has put together an aggressive
4629 Dakota 51. 5.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
RECOMMENDATION:
ACTION REQUIRED:
and important Work Program for 1990. The
attached 1990 Work Program identifies the
goals and objectives of the full Committee and
the two newly organized subcommittees.
The City Council is encouraged to review and
comment on the Economic Development
Committee's 1989 Annual Report and 1990 Work
Program. Committee Chairman Robert Barsness
will be attending the February 20, 1990 city
council meeting along with several other
Committee members to review a summary of both
documents and address any questions the City
council may have.
Motion accepting and/or modifying the 1989
Annual Report and 1990 Work Program would be
in order.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
1990 WORK PROGRAM
FEBRUARY 20, 1990
Submitted by:
Robert Barsness, Chairman
Darwin Fosse
Rich Gross
Dennis Hanson
Dave Miller
Darcy Running
Jim Hill
Rachel VanDenBoom
Kay Schmud1ach, Staff Liaison
David Unmacht, City Manager
I.
II.
III.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
1990 WORK PROGRAM
Summary of 1990 Full Committee and Subcommittee
Work Proqram
1990 Economic Development Committee Goals
and Ob;ectives
A. Goal Identification Process
B. Full Committee Goals
c. Subcommittee Objectives
Summary
1
2
7
II. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 1990 WORK PROGRAM SUMMARY
FULL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
PROMOTION/
MARKETING
SUBCOMMITTEE
Chair:
Bob Barsness
Chair:
Dave Miller
Members:
Darwin Fosse
Rich Gross
Dennis Hanson
Jim Hill
Dave Miller
Darcy Running
David Unmacht
Rachel VanDenBoom
Members:
Darwin Fosse
Rich Gross
Rachel VanDenBoom
Subcommittee
Tasks
Subcommittee
Tasks
-Comprehensive
Plan Review
-Cottage Industry
Outreach
-Business Park
Location Study
-Policy Review &
Establishment
-Chamber Support
-Star city Program
-Marketing Program
-Commercial Area
Analysis
1
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
SUBCOMMITTEE
Chair:
Darcy Running
Members:
Dennis Hanson
Jim Hill
Subcommittee
Tasks
-Revolving Loan
Program
-Business
Retention
Expan~ion
-Scott County
Economic
Development
Partnership
II. 1990 EDC GOALS AND SUBCOMMITTEE TASKS
The EDC met for a Workshop on January 17, 1990 to
discuss the 1990 Goals of the Committee. The EDC spent
approximately one hour reviewing the concept of
Economic Development and what t~es of activities are
generally associated with economlC development. It was
generally agreed that economic development is not a
narrowly defined concept that can easily be identified.
Economic Development is as broad as the communit~,
impacted by every activity and issue that falls withln
the community.
The EDC chose to define Economic Development in this
manner:
-lower or stabilized taxes
-local em~loyment
-diversifled tax base
-quality growth promotion consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan
-land availability
(Residential/Industrial/Commercial
-wise use of resources
-a domino effect tri<1gered by housing
and business expans10n issues
-an impact on our psychological sense
of well being
A. 1990 Full Committee Activities
The EDC s~ent the next two hours brainstorming on
1990 act1vities. Manr of the activities were
identified as full commlttee tasks because of their
significance, or because they were regarded as more
ongoin9 or monitoring actions in comparison to
speciflc projects.
For general groupings of full Committee, tasks were
identified as follows: 1.) Comprehensive Plan
Review, 2.) Business Park Study Implementation, 3.)
Funding Policies and Strategies, and 4.) Analyze
Existing Commercial Areas, 5.) Ongoing Functions.
1. Comprehensive Plan Review
The Economic Development Committee is
cognizant of the City Council's priority with
completing the Comprehensive Plan Review. The
Economic Development Committee would like to
have the opportunity to have input into the
document, particularly those sections relevant
to Economic Development issues.
2
2. Business Park Location study
The EDC was instrumental in securing city
council ap~rova1 of this study and continues
to give th~s study a high priority.
The EDC will be involved in the step by step
data analysis on this study and the
formulation of the Location study results.
The EDC feels very strongly that the key to
successful development in Prior Lake is going
to be the acceptance and implementation of the
study's recommendations.
The EDC will be workin<1 with the consultant to
present an im~lementatlon package to the City
Council that ~s both realistic, financially
practical, and ~ositive to the long term
development of Prlor Lake.
policies and strateqies
The EDC has not provided the City
policies on strategies for
economic development programs and
3.
Council with
implementing
projects.
The EDC believes the city council would be
assisted with the provisions of policies to
guide funding requests such as Tax Increment
Financing and Revenue Bonds. The EDC is in
the process of gathering data to prepare a set
of development policies.
4. Analyze Existinq Commercial Areas
The Economic Development Committee felt that
the City should have some type of plan for
each commercial area. The plan would assist
the city in evaluating development as it comes
to Prior Lake. The plan would consider at a
minimum the following factors: Pedestrian
access, road networks, infrastructure,
1ightin<1, land use, business expansion, and
beautiflcation.
5. The EDC will continue to be responsible for
several ongoing functions. Three examples
that do not require a great deal of
review are, preparing the annual budget,
updatin<1 the Commercial/Industrial Inventory,
and rev~ewing development proposals.
3
B. Economic Development Subcommittee Tasks
The Economic Development Committee s~ent a great
deal of time at the workshop address1ng the 1990
goals of the EDC. The individual tasks were
divided into three cate<1ories with the full
committee goals discussed 1n the previous section.
In 1989 three Subcommittees were organized.
EDC decided after identifying the <1oa1s for
that the activities could be div1ded among
Subcommittees.
The
1990
two
The two categories
identified as:
Subcommittee, and
Subcommittee.
These Subcommittees will be described briefly along
with a description of their assigned tasks. The
membership will also be listed.
for the Subcommittees goals are
1.) The Promotions/Marketing
2.) The Business Development
1. Promotion/Marketinq Subcommittee
The Promotions/Marketing Subcommittee will be
chaired this year by Dave Miller. The
membership will include Rich Gross, Dar Fosse,
and Rachel VanDenBoom.
The Promotions/Marketing Subcommittee has the
overall charge of promoting not only
development opportunities in Prior Lake, but
also the Economic Develo~ment Committee's, and
City's development polic1es.
The specific tasks identified
this Subcommittee charge are as
Outreach to Cottage Industries
Support C.) Complete Star City
Marketing Program.
to accomplish
follows: A.)
B.) Chamber
Program D.)
a.
Outreach to cottage Industries
The EDC felt t at the majority of
businesses in town are unfortunately not
directly involved in the City's Business
Community. The EDC believes that
communications with cottage Industry
personnel could not only strengthen our
Business Community and related
associations such as the EDC and the
Chamber of Commerce, but also provide a
resource to the City for filling vacant
space in existing commercial areas.
4
Chamber sup~ort
The EDC be ieves that the City could
benefit from a strong Chamber of
Commerce. The Chamber is currently going
through a reorganization, which includes
the establishment of a Development
Subcommittee. The EDC has made a
commitment to working with this group for
the overall betterment of Prior Lake.
Star City Proqram
The EDC will be completing the star City
Program in 1990. Following the
re-submittal of the I?rogram requirements,
the Subcommittee w1ll be hosting the
final marketing presentation. with the
final approval of the State, the star
City Banquet will be planned once again
in conjunction with a Business Expo.
Marketing Program
The EDC has identified several activities
that can be categorized as marketing.
The EDC will be continuing the
development tours and promoting Prior
Lake development opportunities through
enhanced advertising in real estate
journals and through promotional
materials such as our Commercial/
Industrial Inventory. The Business Expo
mentioned with the star City Program will
also be a part of the Marketing Program.
The EDC will also be ~lanning some type
of Business Appreciat10n Event, similar
to the 1989 Business Appreciation Golf
Tournament. The EDC will be working with
the community organizations to co-sponsor
the activity.
2. Business Development Subcommittee
The Business Development Subcommittee will be
chaired by Darcy Running and include the
following membership: Jim Hill and Dennis
Hanson.
b.
c.
d.
The Business Development Subcommittee tasks
include: a.) Analyze existing commercial
areas b.) establishing a revolving loan
program c.) keeping up to date on Business
Retention and Expansion, and d.) analyzing the
formation of the Scott County Economic
Development partnership.
5
a.
Establish a Revolving Loan prorram
The EDC believes the City shou d initiate
communication with the downtown merchants
to see if there is any support for making
downtown improvements. Downtown
improvements to be included in the
discussion are landscapin9, structural
improvements, and beautiflcation. The
payment of these items could include a
variety of means including assessment,
private/public agreements and
establishing a revolving loan program.
The EDC is working with the Council on
downtown activities that were a product
of the Council Workshop on February 3,
1990.
b.
Business Retention and Expansion
The Business Park Location study will be
completed in spring in 1990. The study
will provide the City with
recommendations on where to locate the
Business Park. The study should also
offer suggestions on what type of
businesses the City should seek to locate
in the Park. The EDC plans to take the
study recommendations and research the
developers who mar provide the types of
business opportunlties we seek. The list
will be helpful to assist in the EDC's
marketing activities as w~ll.
Scott County Economic Development
Partnership
The Industrial Development/Incentive
Subcommittee initiated this idea in 1989,
but unfortunately did not have the time
to pursue this to anr great detail. The
EDC plans to init1ate a discussion
amongst all the Scott County communities
to see if they are interested in
establishing this type of organization.
The goal of the EDC is to come to a
consensus with other communities
represented on whether to pursue the
partnership and in what manner the
partnership should be established.
The Prior Lake Economic Development
Committee hosted a meeting on February 6,
1990 to discuss with representatives of
all Scott county communities, County
and Township Officials. The meeting was
well received and the EDC is proceeding
with this idea. A Work Plan is being
prepared by the EDC and approval by the
City council will be sought in the
upcoming months.
c.
6
III. SUMMARY
The Economic Development Committee has set forth an
aggressive Work Program for 1990. The city staff has
established to serve the citizen committees such as the
Economic Development Committee, Lake Review Committee,
and Parks Advisory Committee as a goal. The merits of
citizen committees can truly be seen when the City
council, Economic Development Committee, and staff are
in unison as they prepare to create Prior Lake's vision
for the future. This document should assist in guiding
the Economic Development Committee in their future
efforts.
7
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
1989 ANNUAL REPORT
FEBRUARY 20, 1990
SUBMITTED BY:
James Hill, Sr., Chairman
Bob Barsness
Linda Blaisdell
Dennis Hanson
Jack Haugen
Dave Miller
Darcy Running
David Unmacht
Rachel VanDenBoom
Kay Schmudlach, Staff Liaison
I.
II.
III.
IV.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
1989 ANNUAL REPORT
Summary of 1989 Subcommittee Accomplishments
1989 Economic Development Activities
A. star City/Public Relations Subcommittee
B. Commercial/Retail Subcommittee
C. Industrial/Development Incentive
Subcommittee
Economic Development Committee Membership
Bioqraphy
Summary
1
2
8
10
I.
ECONOMIC
SUMMARY
SUBCOMMITTEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE 1989 ANNUAL REPORT
STAR CITY/PUBLIC
RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
COMMERCIAL/RETAIL
SUBCOMMITTEE
Chairman:
Darcy Running
Chairman:
Jack Haugen
Membershi~:
Linda Blalsdel1
Dave Miller
Membership:
Dennis Hanson
David Unmacht
-Economic Development
Plan & Strategy
-Labor Analysis
-Business Retention/
Expansion Program
Subcommittee
Accomplishments
-commercial/Industrial
Land Inventory
-Business Appreciation
Golf Tournament
-Revolving Loan Program
Initiative
Subcommittee
Accomplishments
-"Share Our Vision"
Visual Presentation
********************************************************
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT/
INCENTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
Chairman:
Bob Barsness
Membership:
Rachel VanDenBoom
Don Schussler
Subcommittee Accomplishments
-Economic Development Authority
-Business Park Location Study
-Business Development Tours
-Scott County Economic Development
Partnership
1
II. 1989 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
The Prior Lake Economic Development Committee (EDC) spent a
great deal of time in 1989 implementing projects to initiate
future ~rowth in Prior Lake. The implementation of projects
to init1ate future growth is the product of outreach and
networking that has resulted from the EDC commitment in the
past to or<1anize, and document facts and community
characteristlcs. The EDC feels that a solid foundation has
been prepared with their past participation on the Prior Lake
2000 project and their community study through the star City
Program process. with this background and an effective
implementation through projects, the EDC has a golden
opportunity to share Prior Lake's vision of future growth
with those individuals who can make our visions a reality.
The following sections A, B, & C are discussions of the
Subcommittees. The SUb-categories are descriptions of the
projects performed by each Subcommittee.
A. STAR CITY/PROMOTIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
The Star City/Promotions Subcommittee had three members
includes Darcy Running, Linda Blaisdell, and Dave
Miller. The focus of the Star city/Promotions Committee
in 1989 was to complete the Star City Program
requirements.
The Subcommittee organized their approach to completing
the Star City Program requirements by first documenting
those requirements that needed to be completed. They
were: 1) the Star City visual presentation, 2) the Five
Year Economic Development Plan and the One Year Economic
Development Strategy, 3) the Labor Analysis, 4) the
Business Retention/Expansion Survey and, 5) the final
marketing presentation.
The following four sections will address each of these
requirements and the progress made toward each.
1. "Share the Vision" Visual Presentation
Dave Miller, Linda Blaisdell, and Kay Schmudlach
worked diligently to write the script and organize
the information to be presented in the visual
presentation. Following the ~reparation of the
script, Dave Miller took a conslderable number of
photos to visualize the characteristics and
potential of the Prior Lake Community. The voice
work was donated by local radio talent Jimmy Reed.
The production work was done by Creative visuals.
The entire prOduction was completed by June of 1989
for a total cost of $2,500. The EDC is proud of
the production and is enthusiastic about using this
to su~plement our development tours and
discuss1ons. The EDC is aware that
2
the visual presentation is a living resource that
must continually be updated. In response to this
need the EDC directed staff to provide for funds to
update the pictures for use in 1990.
Economic Development Plan and stratef~
The second major requirement of e star City
Program yet to be completed is the Five Year
Economic Development Plan and the One Year Economic
Development strategy.
The EDC members had been asked in 1988 to write
sections of the Five Year Economic Development
Plan. The sections were discussions of community
assets such as our ~ub1ic services, housing,
education, quality of llfe, professional services,
etc. Linda Blaisdell and Kay Schmudlach
incorporated the EDC writings into the Five Year
Development Plan. The Plan was drafted and
modified based on the comments from the EDC
members. The One Year Economic Development
strategy was gleaned from the Five Year document.
The purpose of the One Year strategy is to provide
for an implementation plan to accomplish those
immediate goals identified in the Five Year
Economic Development Plan. The Five Year Economic
Development Plan establishes <1oals in the areas of
housing, education, locatlon, and business/
industrial development. The goals already
established were elaborated on with reference to
the City Council and EDC's policies and the Prior
Lake 2000 Program.
The Economic Development Committee must update both
documents and submit each as part of the star City
re-certification program.
3. Labor Analysis
One of the star City requirements is to complete a
Labor Analysis. The purpose of the analysis is to
provide a well documented inventory of the City's
labor resource. The Labor Analysis is based
partially on the City's residence and partially on
the regional potential of labor resources.
2.
staff coordinated a local Labor Analysis with the
cooperation of the MNTED staff. A survey was used
to gather data from our local residents.
Approximately 25% of the city households were
issued surveys in 1989 and approximately 45%
returned their survey. The local labor survey
identified a well educated, higher than average
salaried employee base in Prior Lake. The regional
data provided b~ the County and state documents a
major pool of d1versified labor resources.
3
The Labor Analysis assists the Cit~ in providing
potential developers with informatlon that could
assist them in making a decision on where to locate
their company. A community showing a limited
resource of labor or a very narrow or limited trpe
of education qualification may suffer wh1le
communities such as Prior Lake have excellent
potential for staffing professional, management,
technical and clerical positions.
4. Business Retention Ex ansion Surve
T e Buslness Reten lon/Expanslon Survey (BRE) is a
two part survey that documents the stability and
potential growth from local businesses by asking
major manufacturing and si<1nificant private
employers whr ther located in Pr10r Lake, why they
are staying ln Prlor Lake, and if they have any
plans to expand or relocate within the city.
The survey is invaluable because it gives staff and
the EDC an opportunity to sit face to face with
local business leaders and discuss the City's
develo~ment future. The survey also provides the
City wlth the lead time necessary to help employers
who wish to expand or relocate in the city.
The star City Subcommittee felt that the Business
Retention/Expansion Survey (BRE) annual requirement
had been fulfilled because the last BRE had been
completed in January of 1989. Unfortunately, the
MNTED staff disagreed and determined that the
January 1989 BRE documented 1988 dates and was
therefore not timely enough information.
The Subcommittee was required to redo the BRE
Survey which they did in late 1989 and within the
past couple of weeks was tablulated by the state.
The State has assured us that this BRE Survey data
will qualify for the 1990 submittal and approval.
5. Final Marketin9 Presentation
The final rema1ning requirement of the Star City
Program is the marketing presentation. The
demonstration should provide the developer with the
basic information necessary to decide whether to
pursue locating a business in Prior Lake. The City
Council, Economic Develo~ment Committee and Staff
should be involved in th1s presentation.
B. COMMERCIAL/RETAIL SUBCOMMITTEE
The commercial/Retail Subcommittee consisted of three
members including Chair Jack Haugen, Denny Hanson and
David Unmacht. The Subcommittee met regularly to
initiate several key economic development projects in
4
1989. They are: 1.) Commercial/Industrial Land
Inventory, 2.) Business Appreciation Golf Tournament,
and 3.) Revolving Loan Program. The following will
describe each project in greater detail.
1. Commercial Industrial Land
T e Commercla In us rla was
suggested by guest speaker, Ernie Peacock, who
addressed the EDC in December of 1988. Mr. Peacock
reported to the EDC that some cities have prepared
documents that list pertinent development data on
all industrial or commercial land in their cities.
The EDC endorsed the idea and directed staff to
gather information.
staff Intern Gary Schmitz prepared a draft document
listing all the land in the commercial/industrial
zonin<1 classification. Subcommittee members
identlfied the information that would be
appropriately represented in this document
including; the fee owner, legal description,
zoning, estimated market value, assessed value,
taxes paid (previous year), lot acreage, and
structure square footage. with the help of Mr.
Schmitz all the data was researched from the County
and City data banks and summarized on inventory
sheets. Mr. Schmitz also incorporated a series of
maps and basic zoning information to complete the
inventory.
The Subcommittee also worked with staff to prepare
a list of commercial and industrial brokers and
developers who have libraries of City information.
A professional document was distributed to each of
the 150 names on the list either in the mail or at
a City hosted Business Development Tour. The
Development Tours will be discussed under the
accomplishments of the Industrial Development/
Incentive Subcommittee.
2. Business Appreciation Golf Tournament
The Commercial/Retail Subcommittee discussed
opportunities for Showing the City appreciation for
Businesses in Prior Lake. A golf tournament was
hosted by the EDC on June 22 at the Lone Pine Golf
Course.
with the excellent cooperation of Bob and Betty
McKush, the City achieved excellent success in this
first time event. The limited tee times available
quicklr filled up as business people delighted in
particlpating in this City sponsored activity.
Following the Golf Tournament an informal meal was
catered and the golf awards were presented.
5
Golfers were asked to bring door prizes and the
response to this request was phenomenal. Over 50
door prizes were given away to the business folks.
3. Revolvinq Loan Proqram
The Commercial/Industrial Subcommittee members
discussed the merits of establishing some type of
loan ~ro<1ram to assist local business in
refurblshlng their structures. The discussions
regarding this pro<1ram focused specifically on the
downtown, but conslderation was given to bringing
in all business areas.
The Subcommittee did schedule a tour of several
towns who have instituted major redevelopment
projects. The tour was open to all EDC members and
six did attend. The tour visited Hastings and Red
Wing and included walking tours by local
redevelopment experts.
The progress of this project was retarded toward
the end of the year because of the full committee's
concentration on the Enivid development project.
c. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT/INCENTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
The Industrial Development/Incentive Subcommittee was
Chaired by Bob Barsness and included member Rachel
VanDenBoom (and formerly Don Schussler).
The Industrial Development/Incentive Subcommittee had
several accomplishments in 1989 including: 1.) Economic
Development Authority 2.) Industrial Park Location
study 3.) Business Development Tours 4.) Scott County
Economic Development Partnership.
1. Economic Development Authority
The Industrial Development/Incentive Subcommittee
researched the Economic Development Authority (EDA)
with the assistance of Ed Tschida, Advance
Resources for Development (formerly of Professional
Planning and Development).
The research brought the Subcommittee to the
conclusion that the EDA could be a valuable
resource for processing economic development
projects. The Subcommittee presented the conce~t
to the full Committee and with staff and thelr
complete support, the idea was forwarded to the
city Council. The City Council took action on July
17, 1989 to establish the EDA organized with all of
the Council members and one re~resentative of the
EDC and the planning Commisslon serving as the
Authority.
6
2. Business Park Location study
The EDC has discussed for several years the merits
of conducting a study that will locate a site for a
Business Park. The Subcommittee was encouraged by
the City Council's discussions regarding future
business growth at the Citr Council retreat in 1989
and pursued the idea of in1tiating the study with
the support of the City Council.
In order to facilitate the Business Park Location
study the Industrial Development/Incentive
Subcommittee worked with staff to develop the study
Request for Proposal (RFP) and also supported the
proposed study at the City Council meetings when
this issue was discussed.
The Business Park Location study was approved ~y
the City Council on October 16, 1989. The study lS
tentatively scheduled to conclude in March or April
of 1990.
3. Business Development Tours
The Industrial Develo~ment/lncentive Subcommittee
considered several opt1ons for getting the word out
that Prior Lake is developing. Some of the options
included expensive public relations tools, mass
mailings, personal visits, and local tours.
The Subcommittee decided to take the list of
persons who would be recelvlng the
Commercial/Industrial Inventory and review it to
select fifty persons to attend two tours. The
development tours were planned for July 25 and
August 2.
The purpose of the EDC Development Tours was to
introduce the City of Prior Lake to developers and
to provide develo~ers with documents that will
enhance their opinlon of Prior Lake's development
potential.
The tours started with a welcome by the Mayor
followed br a viewing of the Star City "Share Our
Vision" sl1de presentation. Next the <1llests were
taken on a 45 minute bus tour highli9htlng existing
commercial, industrial, and resident1a1 development
and identifying available land. The guests were
taken on a tour of the lake and given hors
d'oeuvres at McWi11ies. The Commercial/Industrial
Land Inventory and a Prior Lake marble paper weight
were given to each tour attendee.
The result of the tours were twofold. First and
foremost the City has established stronger
relationships with developers in the Metropolitan
7
III.
A.
area. The open communication allows the City to
tap into an Economic Development network that has
not been available in the past.
4.
Second, the City has received numerous phone calls
from tour attendees and their contacts regarding
specific sites and development proposals.
Scott counth Economic Development Partnership
The EDC as discussed the ~ossibility of
starting some type of Econom1c Development
organization for Scott County communities. The
purpose of the organization would be to coordinate
some economic development activities to reduce
individual City costs, encourage Scott County
development, and better promote development
opportunities in Scott County.
In the Fall of 1989 Economic Development Committee
member Bob Barsness, City Manager Dave Unmacht, and
Assistant City Manager Kay Schmudlach met with
Commissioner Mark Stromwa11 to discuss the County's
participation in this program. The Economic
Development Committee proposed to continue to work
on this activity in 1990.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP BIOGRAPHY
MEMBERS
In this section, a short biography has been prepared on
each EDC member to familiarize the Citr Council with the
backgrounds and skills of the membershlp.
James Hill Sr.: Mr. Hill was the Chairman of the
Economic Development Committee in 1989 and has been
since its formation in 1983. Mr. Hill is a civil
Engineer and the founder of his own Engineering
Consultant firm, James R. Hill, Inc., located in
Bloomin<1ton. Mr. Hill served on the
Industr1al/Commercial Advisory Committee in 1982 prior
to serving on the Economic Development Committee.
Robert Barsness: Mr. Barsness was the Vice Chairman of
the Economic Development Committee and the Chair of the
Industrial Development/Incentive Subcommittee. Mr.
Barsness is the Executive Vice President of the Prior
Lake State Bank. Mr. Barsness was also a member of the
8
Industrial/Commercial Advisory Committee in 1982 prior
to the organization of the Economic Development
Committee. Mr. Barsness will be the Chairman of the EDC
in 1990.
Linda Blaisdell: Mrs. Blaisdell joined the Economic
Development Committee in January of 1988. Linda has
been very active in the star City/Promotions
Subcommittee writing the five year and one year Economic
Development Plans. Mrs. Blaisdell is a Legal Assistant
at the law firm of stevens-Egan in Burnsvi1le. Mrs.
Blaisdell has indicated her intent to resign from the
EDC in January.
Dennis Hanson: Mr. Hanson also joined the Economic
Development Committee in January of 1988. Mr. Hanson
served on the Commercial/Retail Subcommittee assisting
in the creation of the Commercial/Industrial Land
Inventory. Mr. Hanson is the President of Marquette
National Bank located at 16817 Duluth Avenue SE in Prior
Lake.
Jack Hauqen: Mr. Haugen has served on the Economic
Development Committee since 1985 and as a Chair of the
Commercial/Retail Development Subcommittee in 1989. Mr.
Haugen operates an independent MSI Insurance Agency in
Prior Lake. Mr. Haugen resigned from the EDC in August
of 1989.
Dave Miller: Mr. Miller has served on the Economic
Development Committee since 1987 and as a member of the
star City/Promotions Subcommittee since 1989. Mr.
Miller has his own business, Promark Communications
Inc., in Prior Lake located at 4995 160th Street SEe
Darcy Runninq: Mr. Running has served on the Economic
Development Committee since 1986. Darcy served as the
Chair of the Promotions/star City Subcommittee in 1989.
Rachel VanDenBoom: Ms. VanDenBoom has been a member
of the Economic Development Committee since 1987. Ms.
VanDenBoom is the Manager of Prior Lake's branch of
Edina Realty. Rachel served on the Commercial/Retail
Subcommittee assisting in the implementation of the
Business Appreciation Golf Tournament.
Dave Unmacht: Mr. Unmacht has served on the Economic
Development Committee since his ap~ointment to City
Manager in May of 1987. Prior to h1s appointment to
City Manager, Mr. Unmacht was the Assistant City Manager
and the Staff liaison to the Economic Development
Committee from August 1985 to May 1987.
Kay Schmudlach: Ms. Schmud1ach has been Staff liaison
to the Economic Development Committee since her
appointment as Assistant city Manager in July of 1987.
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Two new members were appointed to the EDC in December of
1989. Their biographies are as follows:
Dar Fosse: Mr. Fosse became a member of the Economic
Development Committee on December 18, 1989. Mr. Fosse
is the Principal of Westwood Elementary School, a
position he has held for 12 years. The EDC is excited
about Mr. Fosse's appointment and anticipate Mr. Fosse's
insightful perception in community and school issues.
Rich Gross: Mr. Gross also became a member of the
Economic Development Committee on December 18, 1989.
Mr. Gross is the owner and manager of Value Office
Products in Prior Lake. Mr. Gross brings extensive
sales and marketing experience to the EDC along with a
strengthened communication with downtown business
people.
V. SUMMARY
The Economic Development Committee is proud of the progress
made in 1989. The near completion of the star City Program
and the exciting development activities of 1989 further
encourage the business community in Prior Lake. The EDC is
appreciative of the Council's commitment to Economic
Development and anticipates that the Council will embrace the
1990 goals and objectives as identified in the report.
With the City Council's approval, the EDC
enthusiastically pursue development opportunities in
Lake and assist the City Council in accomplishing the
they have provided for Prior Lake.
will
Prior
vision
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