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<br />5. If the Commission is looking to create more services and invest additional dollars into the <br />business community, consider working with Open to Business. Open to Business would provide <br />access to business counseling and other resources (including financial) for current and <br />prospective entrepreneurs in New Brighton at a cost well below what the City would pay to <br />provide those services in-house. If the commission is specifically interested in ensuring a dollar- <br />for-dollar return on investment, it should be noted most of what Open to Business would offer is <br />intangible services. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla believed that the City ought to be actively engaged in BR&E. He fully supported the City <br />working with Open to Business. He discussed feedback that he has received from business owners <br />about the amount of regulations in place that could be hindering local business. <br /> <br />Gundlach provided comment on how City Code amendments have been made to assist local businesses <br />in meeting their goals and objectives. She then reviewed the economic development information that <br />was provided to the community through the City’s Annual Report and Quarterly Newsletter. <br /> <br />Commissioner Potter believed the amount Open to Business would require was quite reasonable. <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Benke, seconded by Commissioner Garcia-Perez to approve staff’s <br />recommendation, directing staff to proceed with the BR&E efforts and recommend the City Council <br />enter into a contract with Open to Business. <br /> <br />Approved 6-0 <br /> <br />Handout on Economic Gardening <br />Chair Zisla discussed a handout with the EDC regarding Economic Gardening. <br /> <br />Gundlach reviewed the proposed agenda for the December EDC meeting and discussed a large parcel <br />that would be going for sale in the City of New Brighton. <br /> <br />Adjourn <br />Motion by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Garcia-Perez to adjourn the meeting. <br /> <br />6 Ayes, 0 Nays, Motion carried <br /> <br />Meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m. <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Janice Gundlach <br />Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development/Director of Planning