3.1. EDA DRAFT MINUTES (2 SETS) 08-20-2018

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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2 July 16, 2018 ----------------------------- Commissioner Wagner had questions about the increase in advertising. She wonders what staff had found that was working. Were there specific ads that were working? Ms. Eddy discussed which magazine ads were reaching the intended audience and that there was some cost increases by targeting these publications. Commissioner Wagner asked who designed the ads. Ms. Eddy said some are designed in house and others are created in collaboration with publication design staff. Commissioner Wagner wondered if it might be beneficial to focus on a structured advertising campaign to avoid overlap in materials between magazines. Commissioner Ovall questioned if the city’s current property inventory is big enough to be in larger magazines. Ms. Eddy described that the city has been using a pulse as a consistent look throughout campaign materials to convey that the city is on the cutting edge and has a positive energy vibe. Commissioner Wagner said the ads should be worthwhile. The city should consider hiring a designer to do all of the ads for the year since they already know what publications they will be going in. Commissioner Wagner would like to see movement in 2019 toward process improvement for customer service. Ms. Othoudt said the city is currently developing a pamphlet showing the process and could look into adding customer service training if the EDA wants to include that in their budget. Commissioner Blesener said the process is more than the publication, it is how the departments intersect. It is noticeable when businesses are unified in their process and anyone in any position in the company can respond similarly to what their goals are. Commissioner Ovall recommended adding some money to the budget for developing the process. Commissioner Tveite suggested coming up with a more definitive plan. Perhaps the initiative should begin at the city wide level and be pushed down into commissions. Commissioner Ovall mentioned City Administrator Portner had initiated some training such as presentations, and storytelling. President Tveite asked the committee if they want to consider the business incubator program.