Laserfiche WebLink
Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2 <br /> July 15,2020 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> The Commission asked about the continuation of the Together Elk River program <br /> as well as what to do about the database of business information they have been <br /> collecting. <br /> The Commission questioned if the database was a duplication of Elk River Chamber <br /> of Commerce resources. Would Together Elk River eventually make the chamber <br /> irrelevant? <br /> Commissioner Wagner explained they had approached Together Elk River as a <br /> partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber lobbies at the state level <br /> on behalf of businesses. The Together Elk River campaign will be more successful as <br /> a group venture. <br /> Commissioner Wagner stated she sees the EDA doing the same thing every year and <br /> going to the same conferences and wanted to see something different. <br /> The Commission felt that a database might help the EDA proactive k with the <br /> business community. <br /> Ms. Othoudt talked about the conferences staff were hoping to attend in 2021. <br /> The Commission asked for information on these conferences and the return on <br /> investment for attending. They also stated the amount may need to be a placeholder <br /> because of potential conference cancellations. <br /> The Commission asked for metrics to help determine what type of businesses and <br /> industries are interested in Elk River,what is done to reach them, and why they <br /> potentially choose not to locate here so they can quantify the data. They also would <br /> Eke to be cognizant of the EDA staff capacity of adding projects. <br /> Commissioner Blesener added that he would appreciate a narrative to understand <br /> what "seeds" have been planted for prospective new businesses or expansions and <br /> the value in recurring presence at conferences. <br /> Ms. Othoudt stated she could make summary information available as part of the <br /> Director's Report. <br /> Commissioner Ovall asked for more information about wetland credits. <br /> Ms. Othoudt will work with the Environmental department to provide this <br /> information. <br /> Commissioner Wagner asked if the Together Elk River subcommittee could operate <br /> outside of open meeting laws as an advisory committee. <br /> UREJ <br />