6.4 EDSR 05-18-2015Request for Action
To
Item Number
Economic Development Authori r
6.4
Agenda Section
Meeting Date
Prepared by
Work session
February 20, 2015
Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Item Description
Reviewed by
Work session information
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Receive information
Background /Discussion
This work session is scheduled as a continuation of last month's meeting to review the expectations,
processes, and practices of the Economic Development Department.
From the discussions, staff intends to develop a more formal framework and process plan for approval at
a later date.
No action is suggested.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
• Business Survey
NATURE
We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to have served you. Your feedback will assist us to improve our
services. Please take a few minutes to completely fill out the survey. All responses are confidential
unless you indicate that you would like us to contact you and discuss your issues in detail. Thank you for
your interest in improving your city government.
1. How would you describe how staff met your expectations?
Choose an item.
2. Select which answer best describes each statement below.
Staff informed me about the process and timelines of my project.
Choose an item.
Staff provided me a list of deliverables in a timely basis.
Staff gave me complete and consistent answers regarding my project.
Choose an item.
Staff coordinated with other City Staff to ensure my project went smoothly
through the process.
Choose an item.
Staff responded to me in a timely manner.
Choose an item.
Staff made themselves available to me to respond to questions /concerns I
had about my project.
Choose an item.
Staff provided alternatives or suggestions to me that were helpful in moving
my project along.
Choose an item.
From start to finish, the project was completed in a reasonable time.
Choose an item.
3. Which Divisions worked on your project?
❑ Building Department
❑ Code Enforcement
❑ Economic Development
❑ Planning
❑ Other
4. Please provide any additional feedback about your experience working with us. (what we did
well or what we con improve)
Would you like us to contact you regarding this survey to help improve our service? If "Yes ",
please provide your contact information below:
Contact Name
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
Email
4ar�dou_+ G. Li
EcJ4 5 118 11 �;-
Economic Development Department
Process Discussion
1. EDD
a. Key contact for the department. Act as a gatekeeper and decision - maker, if required,
and ensure siting /expansion decisions are driven by customer requirements.
b. Team Atmosphere — EDA members direct questions /concerns to EDD for follow
UP.
c. Maintain collaboration and alignment among internal /external departments.
d. Be progressive & proactive
e. Reinforce Success
f. Emphasize our strengths
2. Lead Generation
a. Generate leads from a customer -driven marketing and sales plan.
b. New prospect, lead or existing customer.
3. Site Selection /Site Visit
a. EDD to guide this process with clients.
4. Project Review /Proposal Development
a. Negotiate and develop a comprehensive proposal including project and approval
components for client review and acceptance.
5. Finance Concept Approval
a. Delivering a packaged deal to EDA and Finance Committee subject to final
approval.
6. Final Project Approval
a. Assist the client in obtaining the needed regulatory approvals for the project.
b. Collaborate with internal departments to obtain necessary approvals.
Points to consider
1. Rely more on State /Federal programs for projects.
2. Utilize TIF /TAF for GAP Financing.
a. Reduces overall tax burden for residents.
3. Utilize Internal Microloans /Revolving Loan Fund money for GAP Financing.
4. Create a sound business environment
a. Take care of our existing business base
b. Maintain a strong downtown
c. Conduct BR &E Visits with members of the EDA
i. Collaborate with the Elk River Chamber & Grow Minnesota to conduct
visits
d. Listen to Client's needs and address concerns
5. Ensure confidentiality with clients
6. Develop a Long -term Client Relationship
a. Builds Trust
b. Provides opportunities for referrals.