07-12-2004 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes July lz, zooa Page 2 managers) for the Gradient Technology groundbreaking event held on July 7th. Auth Consulting provided the invitations and the City provided the refreshments, videotaping, and photography. She noted that approximately 20 people were in attendance. Ms. Steinmetz indicated that the fifth edition of the Economic Development Newsletter, the Progress Partner Dispatch, was distributed in early July to approximately 500 people representing the following groups: • Elk River manufacturers • High-tech companies located in Anoka, Sherburne, and Wright Counties • Anoka, Sherburne, and Wright County manufacturers with 20 or more employees • Past & present prospects/inquiries • Key accounts (site selectors, etc.) She explained that the purpose of the newsletter is to inform businesses of information useful to their operations and present a "open for business" image. The newsletter is distributed in the Economic Development marketing packets and is also available for download on the City's Website. Ms. Steinmetz stated that staff and Commissioner Tveite attended a BRE visit with Ed Stoutenburg and Bill Helliwell of NRG on July 8th. She stated that the following issues were discussed at the meeting: • Company's unhappiness with the Main St./Hwy 10 intersection redesign which has caused difficulty for trash haulers to maneuver through the intersection • Company would appreciate notification of city development issues, especially as it relates to their transportation routes • Company's concern that the city remain the core Energy City staff • Mr. Stoutenburg's marketing idea for Energy City • NRG's willingness to form future partnerships with the city (recycling programs, etc.) Commissioner Tveite added that NRG has concerns about the reduction in the amount of garbage being brought to their plant because the garbage is used for energy. Commissioner Kuester questioned the concern about the city remaining the core Energy City staff. Ms Steinmetz stated that some Energy City members had expressed interest in wanting more out of the brochures, minutes, website, etc. and staff expressed their willingness to accept help but this may have been misconstrued as staff not wanting to continue to work on Energy City items. Ms. Steinmetz noted that staff will contact EDA Commissioners individually to schedule future BRE visits. 6. Update on ABRA Auto Body