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• the form of a"public/private" partnership. Similarly, businesses along Main Street or <br /> Jackson Avenue should consider working together as a single group too. <br /> • Capitalize on What's Downtown* <br /> Downtown Elk River has a wide array of retail, service, and financial institutions. <br /> Many residents might be surprised to find the number of service providers in <br /> downtown Elk River too. This retail-service mix of businesses should be expanded <br /> even further as diversification helps strengthen the existing economic base of a <br /> downtown. <br /> • Establish a Downtown Association/Revitalize Existing Organizations <br /> Many individuals and organizations have an important stake in the vitality of a <br /> downtown area. In order to successfully implement many of the findings of the CBD <br /> task force, it may be necessary to establish an energetic organization. This <br /> organization may also address the need for businesses to work together more closely. <br /> If creating a new organization is not a solution, then existing organizations already in <br /> place should be revitalized. If the mission of these organizations are in need of re- <br /> evaluating, that should be done as well. <br /> • Offer More Events Downtown <br /> Marketing the downtown's unique characteristics to residents, shoppers, investors, <br /> and new businesses creates a level of activity that helps re-establish the downtown <br /> • area as the center of community activity. Several of the downtown businesses have <br /> sponsored individual events throughout the year but there's room for additional <br /> events. <br /> • Expand the Service Base* <br /> Although many retailers exist in downtown Elk River, another key component is its <br /> service base. More health care providers - doctors, dentists, chiropractors, and <br /> professional users, attorneys, abstract companies, real-estate agents, etc. should be <br /> encouraged to expand their operations downtown. To ensure the success of this <br /> strategy. :he City will play a key role. Its HRA/EDA may have to be the catalyst in <br /> order to absorb the up front costs of a redevelopment project. The service base, <br /> whether medical or professional, attracts a strong customer base and customers <br /> translate into shoppers and buyers. <br /> • Emphasis Service <br /> Service is an intangible item that more and more customers are demanding. For that <br /> reason, it is no surprise that service sells, again and again. Customer service is a mind <br /> set and downtown businesses need to have this reinforced to them. <br /> CITY - RELATED <br /> • • Create A Master Plan For the Downtown <br /> *Re:ommendations that appear on both lists <br /> cbdtask <br />