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Request for Action <br /> <br /> <br />To Item Number <br />Economic Development Authority 7.3 <br />Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by <br />General Business March 18, 2019 Colleen Eddy, Economic Development Specialist <br />Item Description Reviewed by <br />Marketing Update Amanda Othoudt, ED Director <br />Reviewed by <br />Cal Portner, City Administrator <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Item presented as information. <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />This year, the performance measures set by the EDA focuses on personally connecting with developers, <br />marketing the city and gaining positive exposure for the city. In order to accomplish these goals, staff <br />proposes several marketing and business attraction initiatives. <br /> <br />Advertising: <br />In the first quarter, the city placed quarter page ads in Site Selector magazine, Trade and Industry magazine <br />and an ad which was included in an advertorial in Expansion Solutions magazines. This venture also <br />includes a lead generation component. The city will once again be promoted via a full color ad in the MN <br />Twins Yearbook and in a full color ad in the Tri-County Manufacturing Directory. <br /> <br />This year we will be advertising in the Economic Development Directory feature in the Heartland Real <br />Estate Journal publication. Our ad in the Growler Magazine was successful the first time we ran it; we are <br />proposing to run it again. <br /> <br />Marketing: <br />Staff worked with Prime Advertising on the 2019 Community Profile, which is currently at the printer. <br />The profile will once again incorporate an eight page spread, with updated statistics and graphics. The <br />2018 EDA Annual Report was bound in a booklet format which will be distributed at the EDA meeting. <br /> <br />Promotion: <br />This year, staff is proposing to highlight local vendors and products, which will be part of an “Elk River <br />Swag Box.” The box will include various items that are locally made or local products. Staff will continue <br />to distribute the Elk River Swag bag, which is full of various items that represent the city’s targeted <br />industries. <br /> <br />EDA website: <br />The EDA website has been upgraded to Gateway 2.0. New features include a Powered by our Businesses <br />video module and graphic infused Community Profile. Staff continues to work with Golden Shovel <br />Agency on content that populates the news feed. We receive quarterly analytic reports which reflect the <br /> <br />The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional <br />service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity <br />