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<br />Page 2 of 3 <br /> <br />VI. Business Items <br />A. Updates from Open to Business <br />Gozola stated Noah Her, the City’s Open To Business representative, was present to provide <br />the EDC with an overview of their activities during 2021, to discuss ways OTB has been <br />helping businesses through the pandemic, and to answer any questions the Commission may <br />have about the program moving forward. <br />Noah Her, Open to Business representative, thanked the Commission for their time. He <br />commented on the COVID relief grants that were offered in the first quarter of 2021 to local <br />business. He stated in the second and third quarter he worked on the OTB referral network. <br />He discussed how OTB helped businesses to pursue free money opportunities. He noted the <br />outlook for 2022 was positive and more and more businesses return to normal. He explained <br />he was looking forward to continuing to serve and returning to regular office hours in New <br />Brighton. <br />Rick Howden, Ramsey County representative, introduced himself to the Commission and <br />stated he was available to answer questions from the group. <br />Discussion included: <br />• It was noted OTB spent 66 hours providing direct assistance to eight different New <br />Brighton businesses. <br />• The nature of the consulting work provided by OTB was further discussed. <br />• The County’s efforts to assist businesses was described, along with the amount of <br />CARES and DEED relief that was offered to local businesses. <br />• OTB client demographics were reviewed. <br />• The Commission was pleased with the services being provided by OTB to the City of <br />New Brighton. <br />B. Taking Advantage of Local Events <br />Gozola reported the EDC has spent several sessions in the past year discussing business <br />outreach and event tourism. He explained the Council would like the EDC to continue this <br />work by having a discussion to identify and suggest ways to get ahead of events like Ice <br />Castles and Stockyard Days. Specifically, Council would like the Commission to share their <br />thoughts on: <br />1. What can the City can do to help our businesses take advantage of large events at Long <br />Lake Park (Burma-Shave signs?, banners?, work to allow business to runs their own <br />concessions in some other area?). <br />2. How much do you believe we should do (i.e. what is your take on the cost/benefit for <br />these efforts)?