Laserfiche WebLink
<br />MINUTES <br />New Brighton Economic Development Commission <br />Regular Meeting – February 1, 2017 <br />7:30 a.m. <br /> <br />Members/Liaisons Present: Chair Paul Zisla, Commissioners Monica Garcia-Perez (arrived at 7:34 <br />a.m.), Kevin Peck, Harry Carter and Graeme Allen <br /> <br />Members/Liaisons Absent: Commissioners Bob Benke and Mike Murlowski <br /> <br />Staff Present: Janice Gundlach-Assistant Director of Community Assets & Development/Planning <br />Director, Craig Schlichting-Director of Community Assets & Development, and Councilmember Gina <br />Bauman <br />Also Present: <br />Call to Order <br />Chairperson Zisla called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. <br /> <br />Approval of Agenda <br />Motion by Commissioner Peck, seconded by Commissioner Allen to approve the agenda as presented. <br /> <br />Approved 4-0 <br /> <br />Approval of Minutes <br />Motion by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Allen to approve the minutes from the <br />January 4, 2017 meeting. <br /> <br />Approved 4-0 <br /> <br />Report from Council Liaison <br />Councilmember Bauman stated the City Council received an overview from their retreat at their last <br />worksession meeting. She thanked Chair Zisla for providing a thorough report on the actions of the <br />EDC for 2016 to the City Council. She indicated the Council recognized Tom DeShane at their last <br />meeting and thanked him for his 34 years of dedicated service to the City of New Brighton. <br /> <br />Open to Business Annual Report <br /> <br />Gundlach reported Rob Smolund from Open to Business was present to review the Annual Report from <br />Open to Business. <br /> <br />Rob Smolund, Open to Business, thanked the EDC for their time. He reviewed in detail his first ten <br />months working with the City of New Brighton. He stated he met with 10 clients and explained he <br />would have liked to have seen more participation from local businesses. It was noted most of the <br />referrals were from City staff or local banks. He commented on the positive interaction he had with a <br />local graphic designer. He stated it was hope to bring Open to Business county-wide services. <br /> <br />Gundlach shared how staff has been reaching out to the community regarding the services available <br />from Open to Business. She noted Open to Business brochures were available at City Hall. <br />Chair Zisla recommended staff meet with local bankers to ensure they understand the offerings of Open <br />to Business.