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Joint meeting of the Economic Development Authority <br /> and Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 2 <br /> October 19,2015 <br /> Commissioner Toth asked staff to explain how they felt using a tool such as this <br /> would benefit them. He expressed his concerns on how using a site layout such as <br /> this would fully benefit the HRA. <br /> Ms. Othoudt explained the desire and need for a website providing a one-stop <br /> seemless shop on the web to a target audience,explained how these opportunities <br /> overlap and can be laid out on the website,noting the current website doesn't <br /> highlight HRA opportunities. <br /> Mr. Marshall explained how the site is used to `drive' online traffic to the city, <br /> providing detailed content to offer to newcomers.The web layout markets to those <br /> interested by using portals and modules,generating interest and providing high detail <br /> information to prospective interested parties. Golden Shovel will also provide <br /> important monthly analytics to show who is showing interest in Elk River. <br /> Councilmember Wagner asked questions about the analytics of the current website. <br /> Ms.Allard explained the website analytics and the time required for staff to pull <br /> together,download,and review. <br /> Mr. Marshall indicated their company will provide detailed analytics for the city on a <br /> monthly basis and this reporting is included in the monthly fee. He also noted the <br /> unique position Elk River is in,in having an active HRA that works in conjuction <br /> with the EDA. He referenced five websites Golden Shovel hosts that have the <br /> similar type of situation and it's a sign of how well the city commissions work <br /> together,which is very favorable to potential customers. <br /> Councilmember Olsen asked what interested parties look for when researching <br /> locationing their business. <br /> Ms. Othoudt explained when companies are looking at coming into the city,they <br /> look at what the community can offer for a workforce,such as available housing and <br /> other resources. <br /> Councilmember Wagner indicated her concerns regarding outreach to regional and <br /> national companies but has heard from local businesses and having their needs met, <br /> one need being a website that allows for Adobe PDF editable and fellable forms. She <br /> said she can't see yet where doing such a big website changeover would be such a <br /> benefit overall. <br /> Ms.Allard explained the challenge of offering the public an Adobe PDF fellable <br /> form, such as costs and legal requirments for obtaining signatures. <br /> Mr. Marshall explained the Golden Shovel site would provide these tools, such as a <br /> loan module,which would allow potential businesses the ability to log into the secure <br /> site and fill out loan documents,or a survey module. <br /> 1RVERER RI <br /> NATURE <br />