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Economic Development Authority Page 2 <br />July 15, 2019 <br />----------------------------- <br />Commissioner Ovall agreed that one performance measure is the number of BR&E <br />visits that are being done. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blesener commented that BR&E visits are important for business and <br />retention, but what is the connection between these businesses and the EDA goals? <br />For example, what role could a particular company have in the expansion of Green <br />Collar jobs? Can the commission promote expansion and direct businesses toward <br />niches instead of staying in silos. <br /> <br />Ms. Othoudt stated that performance measures keep everyone on task and are <br />updated annually. She could include information such as the number of building <br />permits in Elk River and surrounding communities and where the city stands in <br />commercial and industrial development in comparison. <br /> <br />Commissioner Ovall said that some measures are driven organically and some by <br />initiatives of the EDA. For example, if the city should learn about activity in a <br />different part of the country that might correlate with a business in Elk River they <br />could make the connection. In a few years that business may have an office in Elk <br />River and that is a reason to spend money on conferences and education for staff. <br />He wonders if the city is tracking the correct data. <br /> <br />Commissioner Westgaard asked, what do we want to be? Do we want to be a Rogers <br />with a high percentage of distribution centers? If not, what is the point of tracking <br />this type of information? The city should determine what their focus is and try to <br />attract that type of business. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blesener asked if it would be possible to have a work session to <br />brainstorm some of the commission goals, such as creating Green Collar jobs. This <br />would demonstrate that effort is being made even if there is not progress in this area. <br /> <br />Ms. Othoudt talked about improving the strategic plan. <br /> <br />Vice President Wagner agreed that it would be a good idea to look at this since there <br />will be so many changes with the infrastructure and new developments coming in. <br /> <br />Commissioner Ovall asked if the strategic plan development would be facilitated. <br /> <br />Ms. Othoudt suggested having the strategic plan facilitated including community <br />input. The previous strategic plan was created by staff. She outlined an example of a <br />plan as well as possible price. <br /> <br />Mr. Blesener said that he was familiar with organizations where each department did <br />their own strategic plan vs one that is developed by the organization. It made more <br />sense for the largest entity to initiate it. It would be good to examine what is <br />happening in the country as well as Minnesota and the North Metro area. The EDA <br />should describe their ideal future, make that their results statement, and then plan <br />how to make it happen. <br /> <br />