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<br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman questioned what type of services were provided to local businesses. Mr. <br />Smolund described the services he provided in detail noting it included, business plan review, <br />professional referrals, loan assistance, and advised on business structure. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman asked if the business owners provided feedback to the City. She expressed <br />frustration that there was no measure in the services being provided by Open to Business. <br /> <br />Commissioner Garcia-Perez believed that at some times, business owners may want their conversations <br />with Open to Business to remain confidential. <br /> <br />Mr. Smolund stated any feedback that he receives from his New Brighton clients could be provided to <br />the City. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla understood there was no measure, but he believed the program was still growing and <br />contacts with local business owners would increase. He questioned what else could be done to increase <br />the number of engagements over the next six to twelve months. <br /> <br />Commissioner Peck recommended the EDC and staff continue to refer developers and commercial <br />realtors to Open to Business. Gundlach stated a targeted mailing could be sent to commercial realtors in <br />order to provide them with additional information on the services being provided by Open to Business. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman believed the realized gain on this program would have to be better <br />substantiated over the coming year. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla summarized on the outreach activities that would be conducted over the coming year. A <br />member suggested brochures be placed at local coffee shops and restaurants. <br /> <br />Commissioner Allen recommended Open to Business also be promoted at local craft events. Mr. <br />Smolund supported this idea. <br /> <br />Commissioner Carter suggested Open to Business speak to the local rotary group. <br /> <br />Commissioner Allen asked if social media posts should be used to further spread the word for Open to <br />Business. Mr. Smolund stated he did not have a strong social media presence and noted he would be <br />revamping his website this year to improve this situation. He explained the City has been good about <br />getting the word out on his company. Gundlach indicated she would work more with the City’s <br />Facebook pages in order to get the word out. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman asked why Ramsey County would want to contract services with Open to <br />Business when currently only New Brighton and North St. Paul are clients. Gundlach reported Ramsey <br />County had approached Open to Business to provide county-wide services and at this time they do not <br />have adequate staffing to meet this need. Mr. Smolund explained he does have a number of contracts <br />with other counties and he was looking to get a contract with Ramsey County. If this were to happen, <br />New Brighton’s contract would be reexamined. <br /> <br />Gundlach summarized the work staff would complete over the coming year to assist in promoting Open <br />to Business to the community. She stated staff understood this program would take some time for the <br />public to understand the type of resources that were available. She requested the EDC be patient with <br />the process. <br /> <br />Open Discussion