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i <br />REQUEST FOR ACTION <br />TO ITEM NUMBER <br />Elk River Economic Develo ment Authori <br />AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY <br /> 12 Sept 2011 Annie Deckert <br /> Director of Economic Develo ment <br />ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By <br />rize staff to move forward with brand plan <br />th <br />A Tina Allard, Ci Clerk <br />o <br />u <br />implementation REVIEWED BY <br /> Bob Thistle, Interim City <br /> Administrator <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Authorize staff to move forward with brand plan implementation <br />BACKGROUND <br />At the November 8`" Elk River Economic Development Authority meeting, the EDA discussed the need <br />for and evaluating moving forward with a City branding campaign. Earlier this year, the EDA directed <br />staff to create a branding subcommittee to facilitate the process with branding consultant chandlerthinks. <br />Today, Steve Chandler and his team are here to present the results of the research and brand plan. A <br />copy of the presentation will be available at the EDA meeting. <br />When we make the choice to define our self, it's a step towards protecting our identity and building, <br />managing and sustaining our reputation. The branding plan provides us the tools to tell the Elk River <br />story with compelling messaging and imagery that effectively describes the value and purpose of the <br />brand. This plan will identify opportunities to solidify marketing efforts and provide recommendations <br />on how to maximize community participation and promotion. <br />DISCUSSION <br />To create an accurate and successful brand, community involvement is vital and will support the brand <br />implementation. In addition to all those who completed the survey, staff would like to give a big thanks <br />to the following people who took time out of their day to participate on the branding subcommittee, <br />interviews and focus groups: <br />Tina Allard, City Clerk <br />• Steve Benoit, Parks and Recreation <br />• Andy Christensen, Heritage Construction <br />Annie Deckert, Director of Economic Development <br />Pat Dwyer, Economic Development Authority Commissioner <br />Larry Farber, Sherburne County Commissioner <br />• Jay Lusignan, Vision-Ease Lens <br />Michelle Martindale, Elk River Municipal Utilities <br />Brad Rolfe, Chief of Police <br />Alan Sakry, Chamber of Commerce Board Chair <br />