Laserfiche WebLink
1996 Economic Development Work Progra~n Page 3 <br /> <br />o <br /> <br />o <br /> <br />D. Downtown Events: <br /> <br />The department will continue to work with downtown <br />businesses and the Area Chamber of Commerce in the planning <br />of various special events/activities in the central business <br />district throughout the year. <br /> <br />BUSINESS RECR UITMENT/ B USINESS RETENTION <br /> <br />The department will continue to work in a proactive way to recruit <br />new businesses to Elk River. The retention of existing businesses also <br />remains a high priority. Now that Sherburne County has hired a full <br />time economic development coordinator, it may be appropriate to <br />evaluate and undertake a county-wide survey of manufacturers. A <br />similar survey was done in 1992. <br /> <br />The Elk River manufacturing companies continue to meet on an '~ <br />informal basis and the economic development department has been <br />included in many of the meetings. This represents a great opportunity <br />to network with the industrial leaders to learn firsthand of specific <br />issues facing them. It also represents an opportunity for the business <br />leaders to learn about various state and local financing programs and <br />incentive programs to assist with upcoming expansions. <br /> <br />STAR CITY RECERTIFICATION <br /> <br />The department will continue to participate in the Star City Program <br />as sponsored by the Department of Trade and Economic Development <br />(DTED). In 1996, the economic development department will <br />determine Elk River's eligibility for one or more of DTED's special <br />recognition awards. If applicable, the awards/recognitions will be <br />pursued. <br /> <br />Although the Star City Program has evolved since its inception, it <br />continues to be a very beneficial program. Many of its principals <br />would be implemented with or without the Star City designation. <br /> <br />RETAIL SALES ESTIMATES AND EMPLOYMENT ESTIMATES <br /> <br />The department will continue to provide estimates of the growth in <br />retail sales and full time employment opportunities in Elk River. This <br />information is annually obtained through the Minnesota Department <br />of Revenue and the Minnesota Department of Jobs and Training. <br /> <br /> <br />