8.0. EDSR 08-14-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item 8. \,44 t.ityof lk River MEMORANDUM TO: City Council Economic Development Authority FROM: Pat Klaers, City Administrator DATE: August 14, 2000 SUBJECT: Proposal for Customer Service and Siting/Expansion Process Plan—Anita Duckor, Duckor and Associates Implementation of the recently completed Industrial Marketing Plan is a high • priority for the city and the EDA. The customer service and client siting/expansion process was highlighted by the Industrial Marketing Committee as a key component of the overall Industrial Marketing Plan. The attached proposal from Anita Duckor was requested in order to help city staff understand and improve its customer service and its siting/expansion process. The city has had numerous successes in providing quality customer service to prospective business owners and in its siting/expansion process for new companies. However, the city has also experienced some problems in these areas. This process is key to the Industrial Marketing Plan being successful. One mistake or breakdown in the process can unfortunately create long-term hard feelings. The proposal from Duckor and Associates is designed to help the city formalize its site/expansion process so that city staff will have clear guidelines to follow. We need to develop a better understanding of each other's role in the development process and how the city can improve our working relationships with clients. The plan from Anita is an intense, detailed work plan and I have requested Director of Planning, Michele McPherson to be the lead staff liaison on this project. The planning department is the common link between economic development, finance, engineering, and the building/zoning • departments. The planning department "receiving" the client and "handing off' the client is at the center of the process. In fact, sometimes a new business 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD &Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425