Laserfiche WebLink
Elk Park Business Center <br /> Staff visited with management from Fashion Bug who indicated they will remain open until <br /> January of 2013. Staff is working closely with Brixmor properties to fmd a tenant for their <br /> 8,400 square foot space. Staff has also been working with Brixmor properties to discuss the <br /> placement of mailboxes in the parking lot of Elk Park Center. Planning staff has provided <br /> the USPS all the information needed to move forward with this request, however the USPS <br /> has not contacted Brixmor. <br /> Realtor's Day <br /> On August 8, an Elk River Realtor's Forum was held at City Hall. Six city staff members <br /> presented information about the city to 19 area realtors. Mayor Dietz welcomed the group, <br /> and city staff presented information encouraging realtors to use city resources. The event <br /> built relationships between city staff and realtors and encouraged open and active <br /> communication. Feedback about the event from the realtors was positive;each indicated <br /> they would be interested in a similar event held annually. Economic Development staff met <br /> with the President of ReMax Results Realty to discuss the Micro Loan program as a result of <br /> the Forum. <br /> Business Retention/Expansion Visits <br /> Economic Development staff and Council Members Motin and Westgaard visited <br /> Professional Service Bureau (PSB) on Wednesday, September 5. PSB shared some concerns <br /> about their current parking situation due to their number of employees (currently 70, <br /> anticipated to be 100 by the end of the year) and increased traffic from Spectrum High <br /> School. Staff has been working with their property owner,Pat Briggs, to discuss potential <br /> solutions to their problem and anticipates coming forward to the EDA to discuss at a future <br /> meeting. <br /> Minnesota School of Business- Elk River Campus <br /> Staff met with MSB Business Program Chair to discuss potential service learning projects <br /> between Elk River MSB students and small businesses. MSB Business instructors work with <br /> their students and small business owners to assist in the creation of business plans, financial <br /> analyses, etc. This is a great tool to add to our business finance tool-kit. Staff has provided <br /> the MSB resource to several local businesses. Additionally, there may be an opportunity for <br /> staff to partner with MSB students in the creation of the housing intern posting. <br /> Powered by Nature Community Brand <br /> The Powered by Nature brand was featured at the August 9th and 10th International <br /> Economic Development Council Marketing and Attraction Training Class. Elk River's <br /> progress implementing the brand impressed IEDC instructor Linda DiMario who decided to <br /> use Elk River as an example of a community that"has taken control of their"ground game" <br /> to build momentum for their community identity". <br /> Staff was approached by the City of Clearwater to discuss the success of Elk River's <br /> Powered by Nature Community brand. The City of Clearwater plans on beginning the <br /> branding process,utilizing Elk River's process as their model. <br /> Initiative Foundation <br /> N:\Departments\Community Development\Economic Development\I IRA to move\Agenda\Year 2012\10-1-12 Agenda\Executive <br /> Director update 10-1-12.doc <br />