1.0. HRSR 08-12-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EXHIBIT A ELK RIVER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CBD TASK FORCE REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY By virtue of a chamber-sponsored survey of civic and opinion leaders, various issues emerged which required additional discussion and future action plans. One survey issue that commanded more attention was the vitality of the Elk River Central Business District (CBD). A task force was formed, comprised of the following members: John Houlton, Chair(First National Bank of Elk River), Bruce Dalchow(Champion Auto), Pat Dwyer (Elk River EDA), Dave Hanson (District No. 728 Area Learning Center), Bob Minton (Elk River Planning Commission), Gene Schuldt (Elk River HRA), Jim Tacheny (Elk River Planning Commission), and Bill Rubin(City of Elk River). Various recommendations or action items have been identified by the CBD task force and are outlined in greater detail in this report. To successfully implement a course of action for these issues, it will require a strong commitment from the chamber leadership/membership, downtown businesses, and the City of Elk River. This "public/private"partnership will go a long way in addressing the items outlined by the CBD task force • Although the retail base has shifted to the Highway 169 corridor, Elk River's Main Street CBD remains as a highly identifiable focal point for the community. Downtown Elk River represents a substantial share of the local economy- it represents jobs, tax base, municipal investment, and business. One could suggest that a CBD is a barometer of the community's overall health or vitality. Consequently, retaining the vitality of Elk River's CBD should be a high priority for both the Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Elk River. TASK FORCE FINDINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS The CBD task force met numerous times and identified various issues linked to the vitality of downtown Elk River. The findings of the task force are divided among two categories: business-related and city-related. A civic organization such as the Chamber of Commerce will likely play an important role where certain issues overlap both categories. BUSINESS-RELATED • Work Together* No one individual, company, or civic/public organization can address the ongoing challenges in an older downtown area. To successfully retain the vitality of Elk • River's central business district, a group effort is necessary. This will no doubt take *Recommendations that appear on both lists cbdtask