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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 3 <br /> December 21,2020 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Commissioner Westgaard indicated goal#4 supporting businesses through COVID <br /> is important right now but he is not sure the economic events happening now will be <br /> pertinent in 10 years. He added he likes goals 1-3 and believes this is a nice work <br /> plan for the EDA. <br /> Councilmember Wagner stated she would like to see goal#2 taken a step further and <br /> possibly identify which groups or associations we have not reached. She noted she <br /> would like to explore if other communities are using social media more for <br /> marketing. <br /> Commissioner Wagner questioned if Mr. Leighton believes the Together Elk River <br /> initiative can continue through the 169 Redefine or does the city need to come up <br /> with a fresh initiative. Mr. Leighton believes the Together Elk River Initiative is <br /> appropriate for the 169 Redefine as its mission is to encourage people to shop <br /> locally. He added that is exactly the message needed during the 169 Redfine as <br /> businesses will have reduced access and the Together Elk River campaign will help <br /> raise the profile for those businesses. He added the city may find the program <br /> continues to have value and adapt as other things happen in Elk River. <br /> Commissioner Blesener recalled discussion under goal #2 where it talks about land <br /> availability being the key element or obstruction for success or failure for developing <br /> more properties and new business. He also recalled discussion about having a <br /> coherent vision and end use plan. He added those are strong words and he stated <br /> that is what the EDA is trying to get at. He would like to see anything that preserves <br /> the intent of the vision over time included and he found those to be critical elements <br /> to that discussion and believes it may be reflected under the second goal but just not <br /> in those words. <br /> Commissioner Blesener stated he believes goal#3 seems like it could use a little <br /> more flushing out relating to supporting businesses and outreach. He added the <br /> other side of that is the opportunities presented with the redefine,including <br /> aesthetics. He recalls discussing lighting and wayfinding and believes it may be <br /> included but underreported. Mr. Leighton indicated that item may have dropped off <br /> and can be added back. <br /> Commissioner Blesener also discussed the importance of having the EDA <br /> represented at the table during the 169 Redefine. Mr. Leighton indicated having <br /> EDA staff participate in the meetings with MnDOT could be added as sub bullet <br /> under the third goal. Mr. Blesener explained it doesn't necessarily have to be EDA <br /> staff present at the meetings but maybe just EDA or economic development staff <br /> communicating with the city staff who are present. <br /> President Tveite recognized Commissioner Ovall for the effort and value he brought <br /> to the Economic Development Authority. <br /> UREJ <br />