Laserfiche WebLink
MEETING OF THE EDA FINANCE COMMITTEE <br /> HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL <br /> MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009 <br /> Members Present: Cliff Lundberg,Paul Motin, Nate Oval,Larry Toth,Dan Tveite and Chris Carlson <br /> Members Absent: None <br /> Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Economic Development <br /> Assistant Annie Deckert <br /> 1. Accept EDA Finance Committee Minutes <br /> Motion by Tveite, second by Toth to accept the December 18, 2008 EDA Finance Committee Minutes <br /> as presented. The motion carried 6-0. <br /> Ms. Mehelich welcomed new Finance Committee member,Nate Oval,representing The Bank of Elk <br /> River. <br /> 2. Discuss Micro Loan Request: Nicole's Finishing Touc.h'Salon. Inc. <br /> Ms. Mehelich summarized the Micro Loan restructuring request from. .Nicole's Finishing Touch Salon, <br /> Inc. She indicated staff's concerns regarding placing additional securities and/or setting additional <br /> expectations for the loan. The original terms of the loan were for a 2-year term, 3% fixed rate,direct <br /> loan with the EDA,and secured by a personal guaranty from the owner. In January of 2009, following <br /> review and recommendation from the Finance Committee, the EDA:approved a 1-year extension on the <br /> loan terms in order to reduce the monthly payment to assist the business cash flow. The applicant, <br /> Nicole Fox, along with her step-father,Joe Brandenburg,"are requesting EDA consideration of <br /> restructuring the micro loan payments to an amount"which can be realistically handled by the business's <br /> strained cash flow. Mr. Brandenburg has indicated to staff that Ms. Fox can handle a monthly payment <br /> of$250. Ms. Mehelich inquired about the current'balances of the bank loans. Mr. Oval indicated the <br /> combined balance of the SBA and build-out loan were approximately$100,000. He also stated that Ms. <br /> Fox had attended a Business Network International(BNI) meeting with him, and has been working on <br /> her marketing efforts by meeting weekly with Stephanie Danielson,realtor for the residential portion of <br /> the Bluff's building.: <br /> Mr. Brandenburg, stepfather to Ms. Nicole Fox, owner of Nicole's Finishing Touch Salon, Inc,provided <br /> an update on the status and future plans for the business. Mr. Brandenburg indicated the empty <br /> building,current state of economy and unexpected build-out costs and City fees have made it difficult to <br /> survive. He stated that they"have worked with The Bank of Elk River to lower the interest rate and <br /> lengthen the term of their loans. They have also worked with MinnWest bank to lower her monthly rent <br /> payments. Mr. Brandenburg informed the committee that he has purchased Ms. Fox new equipment to <br /> offer additional services"and have replaced prior employees with new employees which better fit the <br /> salon and increase the marketability of the business. They have also restructured employees pay-scales to <br /> assist the cash flow. He indicated that he had replaced her prior financial tracking system with a new <br /> system,which would accurately track her cash flow, providing a better picture on how the business is <br /> doing. At this time,Nicole has made several lifestyle adjustments to accommodate her cash flow <br /> situation. Mr. Brandenburg indicated Ms. Fox is extremely active in donating gift cards and services to <br /> several community events, silent auctions and area schools. <br /> Ms. Fox indicated that she did have a business plan when she opened her business;however,with the <br /> current unpredictability of the economy,it was tough to maintain an accurate plan. She also indicated <br /> that her prior financial tracking system was not accurate and made it difficult to gauge how her business <br />