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I I I Council Meeting Minutes January 10, 1995 Page 5 Council Business. continued Council Business Cities participating in the effort become members of the North Metro Business Retention and Development Commission whose function is to work collectively on the business retention needs of the communities participating. The Phase II component will focus on implementing and monitoring data base information. Strauss highly recommends that interested cities should become members of the Commission and participate in Phase II. The survey instrument will give New Brighton an enormous amount of information regarding the business community's needs. He highly recommends the Chamber become a participant in the process. Participation in Business Retention Study Report 95-013 The program is comprised of four components: Creating the Business List, Data Collection and Survey, Analysis of Survey, and Recommendations. New Brighton's risk assessment located about 600 businesses in the City. Of that 600, about 269 businesses employ 5 or more; 331 business employ fewer than 5. The businesses which employ 5 or more employees create a total workforce of 1l,029 employees. It was found that 42 businesses with 5 or more employees would be contemplating a future relocation and about 3-4 businesses would expect to make a move each month. If these 42 businesses relocated, that would represent a potential loss of 1,722 jobs. If 4 businesses relocated each month, this represents a total of 72+ jobs and a potential tax revenue loss of $71,000 per month. Regarding the survey results, 30% of the businesses had issues pertaining to City services. Eighty-four businesses within the 5 city survey area indicated a relocation out of Minnesota, and of these, 19 were New Brighton businesses. Other survey results included: 28 businesses are searching for technology assistance; 68 businesses have environment information needs; 20 businesses were dissatisfied with hazardous waste regulations; 11 businesses were interested in international sales; 34 % indicated an ability to provide summer youth positions; 34 businesses requested information regarding City ordinances, zoning, permits and licensing; 30% are looking for employee training assistance; 157 businesses plan on increasing employment in 2 years; 11 businesses plan to decrease employment in 2 years; and many businesses have an interest in joining their local Chamber of Commerce. Eventually a final report will be created which analyses the survey data. Samuelson asked the process used to perform the survey. Strauss said trained - personnel contact the businesses after the survey is completed and schedule a personal interview with the owner. A City staff member or Chamber representative may attend the interview. Samuelson asked the percentage of businesses who- - decline the interview. Strauss found that about 10% decline the invitation.- and this__ has been primarily the one or two person shops which do not have the time.- - Curt Ackerman, New Brighton Chamber Executive Director, said this appeats-tQ be _ a promising approach, and asked how the process would deal with concerns sucha-s-"- - the City's sign ordinance. Strauss explained that such an issue would be considered a red flag and the appropriate City staff member would be contacted and discussions would be scheduled with the business owner. Benke feels many businesses have expressed similar concerns and those areas should be analyzed and reviewed by staff. Ackerman asked the project's timeframe. Strauss feels the analysis could be completed within one year, and the survey will be customized to the City's needs.