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5 <br /> <br />2023 HRA and EDA Annual Summary March 1, 2024 <br /> <br />Department Activities <br />Marketing <br />The economic development staff had multiple opportunities in 2023 to market properties and <br />programs of the department. In addition to various web and print ads staff were able to attend many <br />trade shows and development summits. The Economic Development department in partnership <br />with Sherburne County Economic Development staffed a sponsored hole for the annual Elk River <br />Area Chamber of Commerce golf tournament at Links at Northfork in July. The MNCAR <br />Commercial Real Estate Expo was in October where multiple properties were promoted to <br />hundreds of real estate professionals. In November, Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil <br />was featured on a panel focused on an update of development in the north suburbs. <br />Staff partnered with Tri-CAP and ERMU to produce a home improvement resources one-page <br />mailer that was included with an ERMU monthly utility bill. Economic development staff fielded <br />nearly two dozen in-person and call-in inquiries, of which four new loans were closed. <br />DERBA <br />Staff continued their support and attendance at monthly meetings of the Downtown Elk River <br />Business Association (DERBA). Regular meetings with local business-owners have afforded the <br />economic development staff valuable collaboration and insight into the social and economic pulse of <br />Elk River’s downtown. <br />Sherburne County Connect <br />Staff in the Sherburne County economic development department started Sherburne County <br />Connect, which is an organized effort to improve communication, support, and encourage active <br />engagement across Sherburne County. The group is comprised of community and economic <br />development staff from the cities and townships of Sherburne County and meets monthly across the <br />county. <br />EV Event <br />The economic development staff were on the steering committee for Recharge MN’s Elk River <br />ElectriFUNcation & EV Test Drive Event in August at FT Center. The EDA was one of the <br />sponsors of the event. <br />Placer.ai <br />Staff have continued to implement the foot-traffic software: Placer.ai. Economic Development <br />Specialist, Josh Mollan presented findings to the EDA in May, the HRA in September, and for the <br />Elk River Area Chamber Connections group in November. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />