5.4. SR 05-10-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1i of 11 1 '' ~ fiver MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor & City Council Economic Development Authority Item # 5.4. FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development DATE: May 10, 2010 SUBJECT: Great River Energy Business Retention Visit Update As part of the EDA's Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) strategy, staff and two EDA Commissioners recently visited Great River Energy. The BRE visit was also in response to the company's invitation for a tour of the Maple Grove facility following the City's discussion of its Economic Development Strategic Plan. You may recall that a portion of the strategic planning discussion focused on a desire for a better understanding of the site selection process and the opportunities to learn from GRE's decision to expand its corporate campus to Maple Grove in 2005 and how Elk River may better position itself in the future to attract this type of development. Participants of the visit last week included: • City Administrator Lori Johnson • Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich • Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart • Councilmember Matt Westgaard • EDA President Ron Touchette • GRE Director of Business Operations Mike Finley • GRE Manager of Facility Services Mark Lucas In addition to comments at the meeting from Councilmember Westgaard and EDA President Touchette, below is a summary of strategies the City may consider to position itself for this type of development in the future: • Maintain an ongoing working relationship and communication with company officials to be aware of future plans, trends affecting industry, etc.