02-11-2002 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes February 1 1, 2002 Page 2 thanked all of the sponsors on behalf of city and EDA for helping wi[h the City's strategic industrial marketing efforts. Economic Development AssistanC Heidi Hall indicated that the 2002 Community Profile would be available latex this week and distributed as part of the marketing packets. The Profile will also be made available at the Chamber of Commerce. b. 2001 Inquiry/Pxos-pect Report Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich reviewed the 2001 inquiry and prospect report. Catherine noted that the City received a total of 7~ inquiries in 2001, 45 industrial related and 30 commercial related. 6. 2002 Business Retention cot Expansion Survey Heidi Hall indicated that staff would be conducting a 2002 Business Retention and Expansion Survey. Ms. Hall reviewed the timeline that will be used to conduct the survey with a final report to the EDA in April. Ms. Hall reported that staff will attempt to meet with the 40 listed manufachirers in Elk River. President Gongoll suggested that business retention should be the primary goal at this time due to the downturn in the economy. Reeional Labor Force Assessment Report Heidi Hall explained that the 2001 Minnesota Labor Force Assessment included nine regional pilot projects that identified and evaluated the underemployed work force and determined the gaps between the supply and demand for workers throughout the State of Minnesota. She noted that Sherburne County was one of the nine pilot projects included in the study. Heidi reviewed the findings and data in the Summary. Catherine Mehelich stated that the results of the assessment show what percentage of the regional labor force is going elsewhere to work and allows us to focus how can we attract the labor force back to our community. She indicated that the study also indicated that people axe working elsewhere because they are either underpaid ox overqualified Fox positions available in Sherburne County. Mayor Klinzing suggested that the survey be evaluated ro determine if the groups have received the value for the money that was put into the report. 8. Other Business There was' no o[her business.