5. EDSR 09-11-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Appendix C: 7/11/06 EDA Marketing Committee Meeting Minutes MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MARKETING COMMITTEE HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, JULY 17, 2006 Members Present: Jim Barthel, Jerry Gumphxey, Gary Santwire, Dan Tveite and Mark Uxista Members Absent Dave Ehlers, Chris Carlson Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich and Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz Introductions /Overview of Plan Process Muxxay Wolf of Wolf Marketing & Media introduced himself to the committee and presented a brief overview of the planning process. 2. Committee's Assessment of 2002-2004 Action Plan Mr. Wolf requested the committee member's assessment of the 2002-2004 Strategic Industrial Marketing Action Plan. Barthel suggested a change to "A Gght industrial hub in the northwest metro" as opposed to "The light industrial hub of the northwest metro". He felt that is a reflection of what we really are in the market with competing communities. Santwire agreed with Barthel's comments. Tviete stated that maybe because Elk River wasn't as aggressive as other cities in giving land away fox free that we aren't perceived as "the light industrial hub". He also felt that part of the reason the initial marketing plan got off to a slow start was the general economic downturn of the early 2000s. Santurixe stated that the critical change in the success of the plan occurred when the city made the decision make more property available Eor development. He stated even then there was still asignificantwrite-down on the land cost by the city. Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich stated that there is a lot of talk in the industrial market that Elk River is aggressive with its financial incentives; even though land may not be "given away" upfront there is still a significant unite down on the land cost. Tviete stated that the city has decided to offer pay-as-you-go incentives rather than upfront because it is less risk to the city. He stated that if pay-as-you-go incentives axe being given to Duke in Otsego that there will be tremendous competition for industrial developments and that will require the City of Elk River to offer industrial sites at minimal cost. Mr. Wolf stated that Duke's project in Otsego will definitely be part of the competitive research fox [he plan update. Ms. Mehelich provided a summary of Duke's recent experience with the City of Elk River in which Duke responded to the EDA's request for proposals for the master development of the Northstar Business Park. Barthel stated that the question seems to be, can Elk Itivex really be more successful with a Duke if we want to reach a higher level of industry, or do we just keep trying to do it