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Strategic Industrial Marketing Activities Update <br /> March 8,2004 <br /> Page 3 of 3 <br /> • Technical Assistance & Operations Consulting Program <br /> In May 2003, the EDA committed $5,000 of the EDA's Advertising/Marketing budget,to <br /> implement a two-year partnership program with MN Technology, the Technical Assistance <br /> & Operations Consulting Program. Companies may receive up to $2,000 for technical <br /> assistance services and must contribute 25% towards the services. <br /> MN Technology is considering planning a business forum to promote the program. <br /> VI. Strategic Partnership Strategy <br /> Downtown Revitalization Project <br /> The HRA extended the Preliminary Redevelopment Agreement with MetroPlains to April 5, <br /> 2004 to provide sufficient time to work together toward a development agreement. <br /> Planner Chris Leeseberg and Jim Prosser, Ehlers &Associates, conducted twenty meetings <br /> (totaling approximately thirty-five people) with downtown property&business owners <br /> during the months of January and February. The purpose of the meetings was to seek <br /> feedback on parking issues,including reaction to several options to address the removal of <br /> the public parking in the Jackson Block. <br /> VII. Business Retention Strategy <br /> Business Retention &Expansion (BRE) Visits <br /> Two BRE visits were held in February. <br /> • Contour Mold — Heidi Steinmetz and Commissioner Kuester <br /> • The Cretex Companies, Inc. — Heidi Steinmetz, President Gongoll and <br /> Commissioner Dwyer <br /> EDA Commissioners attending BRE visits are asked to provide a brief verbal report of <br /> issues that were discussed during the visits. Staff will contact EDA commissioners <br /> individually to schedule future BRE visits. <br /> E& 0 Tool and Plastics <br /> Staff attended a recent Manufacturers Alliance event in which Tim Osterman of E & 0 Tool <br /> and Plastics spoke on the importance of LEAN manufacturing practices. <br />