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Elk River should consider a timed message during peak seasons when travelers go up north to maximize outbound marketing to non-residents A total of 20%of sign time will be devoted to messages about the Elk River Community. Downtown Elk River is the destination-focused center of community social life. While social living in Elk River is found in many places,the place where the community desires to congregate is the downtown-people speak of its role in an affectionate manner, but with mild disappointment (empty commercial space) The purchase of Granite Shores and no vacancy rate of the residential portion is helping to change this- the construction of the sign will draw light to the downtown and assist in filling the empty commercial space. Elk River's downtown serves as Elk River's sense of place and identity.This is, and should be, the center of Elk River's community voice. Proposed signage includes community brand, Powered by Nature 2013-2016 Economic Development Strategic Plan In September of 2012, the Elk River EDA authorized staff to utilize existing plan findings, recommendations and goals to create the 2013-2016 Economic Development Strategic Plan. Adopted in January 2013, permitting the SIGN would assist in supporting/fulfilling the following as identified in the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Goals/objectives are bold, with supporting italicized comments below each goal. Business Development- attract new businesses and support existing businesses to increase the city's industrial tax base, commercial base and employment base through the following strategies: • promote available sites, encourage business retention and expansion to grow existing commercial base with business recruitment and attraction techniques • diversify economic base to include a wide variety of retail and service industries, as well as fine dining opportunities The proposed sign will help promote the available commercial space in Granite shores, promote retaining and growing existing Elk River downtown businesses(commercial base) and in turn, diversify the economic base to include a wide variety of retail and service industries through the marketing of available space and community events-potential businesses will learn more about the community and the people generating activities downtown, therefore increasing the attractiveness of the available space. Community Brand- utilize community brand strategies to effect necessary changes to strengthen and enhance community image through the following strategies: Page 6