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Economic Development Authority Minutes December 21, 2020 Page 3 Commissioner Westgaard indicated goal #4 supporting businesses through COVID is important right now but he's not sure the economic events happening now will be pertinent in 10 years. He added he likes goals 1-3 and believes this is a nice work plan for the EDA. Councilmember Wagner stated she would like to see goal #2 taken a step further and possibly identify which groups or associations we have not reached. She noted she would like to explore if other communities are using social media more for marketing. Commissioner Wagner questioned if Mr. Leighton believes the Together Elk River initiative can continue through the 169 Redefine or does the city need to come up with a fresh initiative. Mr. Leighton believes the Together Elk River Initiative is appropriate for the 169 Redefine as its mission is to encourage people to shop locally. He added that is exactly the message needed during the 169 Redfine as businesses will have reduced access and the Together Elk River campaign will help raise the profile for those businesses. He added the city may find the program continues to have value and adapt as other things happen in Elk River. Commissioner Blesener recalled discussion under goal #2 where it talks about land availability being the key element or obstruction for success or failure for developing more properties and new business. He also recalled discussion about having a coherent vision and end use plan. He added those are strong words and he stated that is what the EDA is trying to get at. He would like to see anything that preserves the intent of the vision over time included and he found those to be critical elements to that discussion and believes it may be reflected under the second goal but just not in those words. Commissioner Blesener stated he believes goal #3 seems like it could use a little more flushing out relating to supporting businesses and outreach. He added the other side of that is the opportunities presented with the redefine, including aesthetics. He recalls discussing lighting and wayfinding and believes it may be included but underreported. Mr. Leighton indicated that item may have dropped off and can be added back. Commissioner Blesener also discussed the importance of having the EDA represented at the table during the 169 Redefine. Mr. Leighton indicated having EDA staff participate in the meetings with MnDOT could be added as sub bullet under the third goal. Mr. Blesener explained it doesn't necessarily have to be EDA staff present at the meetings but maybe just EDA or economic development staff communicating with the city staff who are present. President Tveite recognized Commissioner Ovall for the effort and value he brought to the Economic Development Authority. P 0 V F R I I al 'NATURE