03-01-2022 TER PACKET - Laserfiche WebLink

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Meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority Together Elk River Subcommittee Wednesday, January 26, 2022 An unofficial meeting of the Together Elk River Subcommittee was held on January 26, 2022, with members Jennifer Wagner and Debbi Rydberg in attendance as well as Brent O’Neil as staff. The committee discussed the Highway 169 Redefine Project and elements related to the committee’s options to support businesses during the project. After discussion, those present determined that Together Elk River should initiate a campaign to provide support during the reconstruction and that exploring the use of consulting marketing and promotion services would be in order. Four firms were identified in which Brent would call to learn more about and gauge interest and availability. They were Blue Tricycle, Rapp Strategies, Orange Ball Creative, and Brandfluential. The members also suggested that four audiences be considered in any campaign, those being citizens of Elk River, businesses directly impacted by the project, all businesses in Elk River, and commuters which traverse Elk River. The group also discussed budget and being able to utilize the 2022 allocation of $10,000 from the EDA and also the availability of unspent funds from 2021. It was also asked whether a request of the city council should be made to seek additional funding for a 2022 program; the group recommending working from the EDA allocation to start with. A recent campaign in Waconia for the Highway 5 project was referenced as a positive comparison potential efforts in Elk River. It was also discussed to do proper outreach to the community and businesses prior to determining the course for any campaign. The group decided to look at a come-and-go style open house to invite the business community in to talk about their needs and requests during the project. Brent would schedule. Utilitizing digital feedback through surveys was discussed as a supplement to an open house.