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<br />himself in 2014 and 15 have been conducted already in 2015. It was now his goal to improve the <br />partnerships with local EDC’s to further assist with business retention efforts. <br /> <br />Mr. Sanford stated the key for business retention visits was to understand local business conditions and <br />thank them for their time. He reported that he also gathered opinions on local and state taxing, along <br />with the business owner’s thoughts on employees. <br /> <br />Murlowski believed this was an important point to note as people were no longer being trained in the <br />technical fields as electricians and plumbers. Mr. Sanford provided further comment on the millennial <br />generation and how they would be impacting the work environment. <br /> <br />Mr. Sanford reviewed the questions he asked each business on a visit noting he ends each interview <br />expressing his appreciation for their time and asks how he can be of assistance. He believes that the <br />Chamber has to service its local businesses and be a champion for their cause. He discussed the types of <br />businesses he visited and noted the MSP provides him with a list of businesses to visit on an annual <br />basis. He commented he would be more than happy to assist with New Brighton business visits. <br /> <br />A member questioned what issues the EDC could assist local businesses with. Mr. Sanford believed the <br />EDC could assist with greater understanding the concerns and needs of local businesses. He noted that <br />taxes were always a concern to business owners. He reported that many small businesses run into road <br />blocks with the City when trying to expand, which leads to frustration. Another concern for local <br />businesses was the ability to find good employees. He stated that by improving the relationships <br />between the City and the local business owner, the business was more apt to remain in the City. <br /> <br />Commissioner Garcia-Perez asked if the City of New Brighton was able to resolve issues with local <br />businesses in a timely manner. Mr. Sanford explained that based on his experience, the City of New <br />Brighton was cooperative and worked with business owners to find a solution. <br /> <br />Commissioner Garcia-Perez inquired if the needs between a large business and small business varied. <br />Mr. Sanford indicated that he has not differentiated between large and small businesses. He found that <br />the needs for both were the same. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla asked if the Chamber had a list of New Brighton businesses that it would be interviewing <br />over the next 12 months. Mr. Sanford stated he had a committee of four people at this time and the idea <br />from this committee was to increase the partnerships with local EDC’s. A plan of attack would then be <br />created with the assistance of the EDC. He discussed the value of the partnerships between the <br />Chamber, the City and local business owners. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla believed it would be valuable to better understand how local businesses view their <br />relationship with the City. <br /> <br />Commissioner Murlowski discussed his dealings with City staff, the Planning Commission and City <br />Council. He noted he had several unresolved issues with the City at this time, but he believed that the <br />City has been very good to work with over the past five years. It was his opinion that City staff was <br />business friendly. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla thanked Mr. Murlowski for his input. <br /> <br />Commissioner Beach stated he has had the same experience with the City as his business has expanded <br />in the City, even when concerns were raised regarding noise and air quality. He explained that he was <br />able to work through these issues and has had no complaints from his neighbors. He believed that the <br />City was great to work with.