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Request for Action <br /> <br /> <br />To Item Number <br />Economic Development Authority 7.2 <br />Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by <br />General Business September 16, 2019 Colleen Eddy, Economic Development Specialist <br />Item Description Reviewed by <br />FAM Tour Update Amanda Othoudt, ED Director <br />Reviewed by <br />Cal Portner, City Administrator <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Item presented for informational purpose. <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />2019 FAM Tour – Chicago <br />I attended a Familiarization (FAM) tour in Chicago with representatives from DEED and other <br />economic developers from around the state. We attended six visits during the two and a half days along <br />with a lunch hosted by DEED and attended by several site selectors and representatives from various <br />consulates. As DEED hosted a FAM tour last year to Chicago which focused on meeting site selectors, <br />this year they opted to visit with venture and private equity firms along with site selectors. <br /> <br />Virtual General Counsel – Met with James Interlandi, Principal and Chief Counsel <br />Team: John Shoffner (DEED), Jane Connell (Fagen Inc.), Ryan Aasheim (Fargo/Moorhead), <br />John Considine III (Mankato), and Colleen Eddy (Elk River) <br /> <br />Virtual General Counsel prides itself on having sophisticated services with a boutique feel. Jim founded <br />the company after gaining invaluable experience with some large and respected law firms. His areas of <br />focus are on contract drafting and negotiation, digital privacy and security, product distribution and <br />channel development, service industries, information, network and telecommunications. He strives to <br />cultivate a close, friendly, and trusting relationship with each client and strongly believes in deep <br />intellectual engagement for each client, each project and each challenge. What I found and was interesting <br />is Jim’s overall goal is to help entrepreneurs succeed no matter what. Jim is interested in presenting at a <br />MMP meeting in the future and taking a site tour of MN. <br /> <br />Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company, LLC. – Met with Kyle Syers, Senior Consultant <br />Team: John Shoffner (DEED), Jane Connell (Fagen Inc.), Ryan Aasheim (Fargo/Moorhead), <br />John Considine III ( Mankato), and Colleen Eddy (Elk River) <br /> <br />Biggins Lacy Shapiro creates value for clients through Location Economics. They help some of the <br />world’s largest corporations identify the locations, secure incentives, obtain development approvals and <br />optimize energy strategies. They represent clients in industries across North America. Kyle stated that <br />Biggins Lacy Shapiro does not do many projects in MN, but did not know really why that was. The team <br />reiterated available financial incentives offered through the state and on the local levels. I highlighted Elk <br />River’s available lots and our various microloan programs. Kyle stated his focus is on automotive and <br /> <br />The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community <br />engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity <br />