5. EDSR 09-11-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The City has also improved and expanded the amount of economic development information available online because it has become common practice fox a city's Web site to be the first point of contact fox economic development inquiries. To maximize the value of the marketing budget, we strongly recommend these tactics: ^ Devote even more of the marketing budget to public relations efforts, including new and updated case studies ^ Research and write new and updated case studies fox all recent projects ^ Establish a regular schedule (at least six per year) of news release distribution and media relations ^ Continue quarterly publication of the News from the Hub newsletter ^ Reevaluate the messaging, design strategy and media selection strategy of the advertising ^ Continue to maintain, update and expand the content and other resources available online Strategy #6: Facilitate the preparation and marketing of the new Gateway Business Center Strategy #7: Conduct aCity-wide Market Study to Determine the Locations, Size and Phasing of Additional Industrial Land Inventory These two strategies go hand in hand As noted earlier, there's little value in doing industrial development marketing if the City doesn't have land available. So, with respect to the dwindling inventory of land ready fox industrial development in Elk River, we recommend these strategies: ^ Move forward expeditiously to make the new Gateway Business Paxk avaIlable fox development ^ Conduct a market study to deteunine the location, size and phasing of additional industrial land inventory The Gateway property will provide a short-term solution to the problem of the City's lack of available land fox industrial development. Gateway may also provide an opportunity for some commercial development, and the appropriate mix should be supported by a market study. However, the Gateway property totals only about 60 acres, and its development potential is limited by wetlands and a gas line that passes through the property. Meanwhile, larger -and in some ways, more desirable -tracts of land have recently become available fox industrial development in competing areas, including Otsego (129 acres), Monticello (120 acres) and Big Lake (50 acres). There is also the potential fox Rogers/Hassan Township to make more land available fox industrial development. In light of this situation, the EDA Marketing Committee and City Staff agree that the City must also address the long-term need fox additional industrial land. We strongly concur with City Staff's recommendation that the City conduct a market study to determine the location, size and phasing of additional industrial land inventory. Please see Appendices C and D for copies of the EDA Marketing Committee meeting minutes. 15