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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 3 <br /> April 20,2020 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> 7.3 Modification to the Jobs Incentive Microloan Policy funded by State <br /> DEED Money <br /> Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. <br /> The Commission felt the item should be brought to a work session in the future. <br /> Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Hartwig <br /> to modify the Jobs Incentive Microloan Policy funded by State DEED money. <br /> Motion carried 7-0. <br /> 7.4 Director Report <br /> Ms. Othoudt presented the staff report. <br /> 7.5 Keep Ellc River Open Public Relationsr, am ai n <br /> Commissioner Wagner outlined a joint effort between the EDA and hamber of <br /> Commerce to help encourage small businesses and restaurants in Elk River and <br /> create a sense of community pride and unity. Different marketing tools would be <br /> utilized and approximately$9,000-had been identified as a budget. <br /> Debbi Rydberg, Executive Director of the Elk River Chamber of Commerce, added <br /> that the initiative would promote shopping and investing locally. While this <br /> campaign may be reactionary to COVID-19,it would also help develop community <br /> engagement for when the Highway 169 Redefine project started. <br /> Commissioner Ovall wondered about tangible measures of success. He believed that <br /> Elk River already strongly supported the idea of"shop local". He hoped for <br /> something actionable such as a YouTube video of how a local business was adapting <br /> or how customers could support them. <br /> Commissioner Christianson agreed and suggested comparing what a dollar was <br /> ,worth here versus somewhere else. <br /> Commissioner Westgaard wondered if dollars could be repurposed such as a hiatus <br /> on franchise fees or utility bills. He felt it was a bigger conversation than just the <br /> EDA and should include a partnership with the HRA, Council, and Utilities. <br /> Commissioner Blesener suggested addressing Commissioner Westgaard's suggestions <br /> at a future work session. He cautioned using the term "open" since it was receiving <br /> negative attention at governor protests. <br /> President Tveite suggested using 1/3 to 1/2 of the allocated budget for the campaign <br /> and retaining the remainder until they could discuss it more thoroughly. <br /> l F 0 W I R 1 0 0 Y <br /> UREJ <br />