10-19-2015 EDA HRA JOINT MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Joint meeting of the Economic Development Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes October 19,2015 Page 2 Commissioner Toth asked staff to explain how they felt using a tool such as this would benefit them. He expressed his concerns on how using a site layout such as this would fully benefit the HRA. Ms. Otboudt explained the desire and need for a website providing a one-stop seemless shop on the web to a target audience, explained how these opportunities overlap and can be laid out on the website, noting the current website doesn't highlight HRA opportunities. Mt. Marshall explained how the site is used to `drive' online traffic to the city, providing detailed content to offer to newcomers. The web layout markets to those interested by using portals and modules, generating interest and providing high detail information to prospective interested parties. Golden Shovel will also provide important monthly analytics to show who is showing interest in Elk River. Councilmember Wagner asked questions about the analytics of the current website. Ms. Allard explained the website analytics and the time required for staff to pull together, download, and review. Mr. Marshall indicated their company will provide detailed analytics for the city on a monthly basis and this reporting is included in the monthly fee. He also noted the unique position Elk River is in, in having an active HRA that works in conjuction with the EDA. He referenced five websites Golden Shovel hosts that have the similar type of situation and it's a sign of how well the city commissions work together, which is very favorable to potential customers. Councilmember Olsen asked what interested parties look for when researching locationing their business. Ms. Othoudt explained when companies are looking at coming into the city, they look at what the community can offer for a workforce, such as available housing and other resources. Councilmember Wagner indicated her concerns regarding outreach to regional and national companies but has heard from local businesses and having their needs met, one need being a website that allows for Adobe PDF editable and fillable forms. She said she can't see yet where doing such a big website changeover would be such a benefit overall. Ms. Allard explained the challenge of offering the public an Adobe PDF fillable form, such as costs and legal requirments for obtaining signatures. Mr. Marshall explained the Golden Shovel site would provide these tools, such as a loan module, which would allow potential businesses the ability to log into the secure site and fill out loan documents, or a survey module. !01EHEB BI NATURE