5. EDSR 09-11-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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^ Develop and submit to the EDA a proposal fox giving fmdex's fees or some type of other compensation to bxokexs who site clients on privately-owned industrial sites ^ Clearly communicate the existence of both incentive programs to the bxokex community ^ Develop a bxokex-oriented event that will attract brokers to the community to network and to see local industrial development site options It should be noted that the 2002-2004 action plan xecottunended meeting with Key Accounts three times per year. We believe that is unrealistic because the Key Account list has grown to 57 contacts and because most brokers would probably resist that level of contact. Based on comments from the bxokexs with whom we spoke, that frequency of meetings is probably unnecessary -and unwelcome. They axe extremely busy and are usually only interested in meeting if there is a specific opportunity to discuss. Thus, the City will probably achieve better results if it will: ^ Keep bxokexs informed through marketing communications ^ Make periodic phone contacts with bxokexs about new opportunities ^ Host a broker event that will give brokers a reason to visit and pay attention to Elk River Strategy #3: Leverage Northstar Commuter Rail and Additional Differentiated Community Assets With Northstar Commuter Rail moving closer to reality every day, there's little need to belabor the point that it will be a significant asset to the City of Elk River. The many upbeat comments made by those we interviewed, as well as the positive response to the Northstar Business Park (specifically the almost immediate sale of three lots fox development of 68,000 square feet), axe proof enough. Admittedly, with initial plans for only one daily "reverse-commute" (east to west) commuter run, the immediate impact of Noxthstax for Elk River will not be dramatic. But service is likely to expand in the future, and there is already a highly positive perception of the potential impact. The question is how to most effectively leverage Noxthstax. One obvious way to do that is to tout Noxthstax at every opportunity. The Economic Development Division has done an effective job of doing that with regular Noxthstax updates in the News from the Hub newsletter. And, of course, naming a business park after Northstar was a shrewd move. To more fully leverage Northstar, we suggest that the City implement these additional tactics: ^ As has been mentioned, the City Web site is usually the first stop fox economic development inquiries. However, information about Noxthstax is currently buried deep within the site. We suggest that the Noxthstax logo be displayed - or that Northstar at least be mentioned - on the City's home page, ox at least the Economic Development Division home page. ^ Currently, there is no prominent information about Noxthstax in the City's hard copy package of economic development information. We recommend that a dedicated Noxthstax brochure ox sell sheet be added to the pocket folder. ^ Take every opportunity to tout Noxthstax. Every Economic Development Division ad, duect mail effort, news release and communications effort should mention Northstar. ^ The City and EDA should advocate expanded Noxthstax service to Elk River 12