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Economic Development Authority Minutes December 13, 2004 Page 3 President Gongoll asked how they will proceed with RFP. Ms. Mehelich stated that they will follow the plan outlined in Mr. Inman's memo to the EDA. President Gongoll asked how many RFP's they could expect. Ms. Mehelich stated that she would expect approximately two dozen could be sent out. 5.1. Strategic Industrial Marketing Activities Update Ms. Steinmetz updated the Commission regarding the Key Account/Lead Generation Strategy, Promotions & Advertising Strategy, Public Relations Strategy, Strategic Partnership Strategy, and Business Retention Strategy, as detailed in her staff report to the Conunission dated December 13, 2004. Ms. Steinmetz noted that a recent prospect mentioned that they like the case srudies located on the Economic Development website because they can read about why other companies located in Elk River. Also, holiday greeting cards will be sent to key accounts and industrial prospects. Ms. Steinmetz reviewed the results of the 2004 BRE visas and comments staff received regarding the following issues: traffic, flexibility of the City regarding zoning/planning issues, finding workers, taxes, competitiveness with other communities, and global competitiveness. President Gongoll asked if Sherburne County has added an Economic Development staff person. Ms. Steinmetz stated they have not yet hired for the position. 5.1. NAIOP Survey Summary Ms. Steinmetz reviewed the comparison of the variation in processing times and fees between Elk River and its key competitor communities. She noted that the survey shows the process takes less time in Elk River than many of the other 77 communities included in the survey. NAIOP plans to conduct another survey next year, and hopes to make the data more usable. Ms. Steinmetz mentioned that the Director of Planning Michele McPherson provided straightforward responses to the survey, and that there are no hidden costs regarding city fees. She noted that other communities may have interpreted the questions differently. Ms. Steinmetz provided an overview of the City's industrial development process, noting that it was streamlined in 2001. She noted that their intent is to keep the process between 30 - 90 days, and that there are no surprises for the developer. 5.2. Timetable for Economic Development Strategic Plan Ms. Steinmetz reviewed the activities that have occurred in the development of the 2004- 2007 Strategic Plan, and the timetable for implementation of the plan as it relates to Industrial, Central Business District, Transportation, and Commercial Development. Commissioner Kuester noted that some of the implementation steps in the Central Business District would be undertaken by the IdRA. Ms. Steinmetz stated that the EDA would support the roles of the HRA and City Council in the implementation process. Ms. Mehelich stated that the next step would be to determine "who does what". Discussion followed regarding the transportation component of the Plan. President Gongoll asked how the plan relates to Economic Development issues. Ms. Steinmetz noted that she serves on