2023.05.03 EDC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Carl commented on how the EDC has been addressing the focal points since 2015. He reported the EDC discussed business retention and expansion at 25 meetings since 2015 and put a business retention and expansion program/policy in place in January of 2016. He explained the EDC addressed placemaking initiatives at 16 different meetings. He noted the EDC discussed housing related matters at eight different meetings and reviewed physical redevelopment opportunities at 28 different meetings. Gozola asked the EDC Commissioners to speak to their areas of expertise at this time. Commissioner Sauter explained she served as the Chair of the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce. She discussed how she worked to get businesses involved both with the City and the Chamber of Commerce. Gozola spoke to how EDC Commissioner Anthony Pledger was interested in sense of place, event tourism and how to embrace yearly events or themes to drive people into the community. He commented on the meeting the EDC had with the ice castle personnel and noted the ice castles was a great event for the City of New Brighton to host on an annual basis. Further discussion ensued regarding the tremendous success of the ice castles in 2022-2023. Commissioner Norman hoped an interactive map could be created by the ice castle personnel for 2023-2024. She stated this map would lead visitors to local businesses and restaurants. Commissioner Prasek discussed her background, noting she was the treasurer of the French American Chamber of Commerce. She explained this organization was quite small, but worked with delegations that come from other countries to the Twin Cities. She stated a group from Paris is coming in May and would be visiting some local medical manufacturing companies. She commented further on her marketing day job. Commissioner Zisla explained he believed one of the main strengths of the community was its schools. He supported the City building on the connection it has with the school district. He believed there would be a benefit to local businesses if the schools were brought in and made aware of the type of training they required of their employees. Gozola stated the EDC would be also be addressing the zoning code update in the coming year, along with Block B and the group would be receiving TIF education. He asked if there were any other items the EDC should be addressing in the coming year. Councilmember Axberg supported the EDC addressing placemaking in collaboration with PREC. Gozola commented on the community mural that was completed and noted the EDC was working on banners for the Old Highway 8 corridor. Chair Carter supported the EDC continuing to focus on business retention and expansion in 2023. He thanked Commissioner Sauter for all of her efforts to reach out and get to know the business owners in the community. Commissioner Prasek suggested the EDC reach out to the local schools to see what type of career training opportunities may exist. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas commented on the career fairs that are hosted by the school district.