5.0. EDSR 12-10-2001 Item 5.
City of
Elk
River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Economic Development Authority
FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development�`�"C
DATE: December 10, 2001
SUBJECT: Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan Update
The Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan outlines a schedule of annual actions steps.
Attached is a summary of the activities that have been completed or continued since the
Plan was adopted in year 2000.
• Important action items for year 2002 include:
• Conducting the annual Business Retention &Expansion visits & survey
• Developing and implementing a public relations campaign in addition to
advertisements
The Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan was developed for implementation years 2000-2002.
Another important action item for 2002 will be the update of the Plan for implementation
years 2003-2005. Staff recommends the EDA utilize the Marketing Committee for review
and analysis of implemented activities and assist in the update of the Plan with Anita Duckor
&Associates, Inc. Staff further recommends that the update of the Plan begin in May 2002,
so that any changes can be implemented within the 2003 budget proposal in August.
The Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan has been helpful in keeping the economic
development marketing activities focused. The first few years of the Plan has largely been
preparing the framework for a successful marketing program,with the completion of the
Siting/Expansion Process Plan and the Communications Standards Plan. The purpose of
the Plan is to establish a process that will attract growth-oriented,light industrial businesses,
compliments the existing industrial base, and guides prospective clients through the entire
site selection and development process.
•
City of
Elk
River
CITY OF ELK RIVER
STRATEGIC INDUSTRIAL MARKETING PLAN
YEAR 2002 ACTION STEPS
❑ Conduct annual Business Retention &Expansion visits & survey
❑ Hire Public Relations writer
• Develop 3-different theme positions
• Place articles in select newspapers and trade journals
• Place articles for groundbreaking&grand opening for new business &
expansions
❑ Update Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan for implementation years 2003-2005
❑ Develop attractive signage for East&West Business Parks
❑ Establish joint development agreement with Gagne &Wilson
• YEAR 2001 ACTION STEPS
O Complete Econ Development Web Site
ONGOING Utilize GIS to manage inventory
ONGOING Use City of Elk River brochure and fact sheets
ONGOING Research and gain knowledge of Industrial Machinery, Metal Fabrication &
Electronics sectors
ONGOING Acquire knowledge for state, regional,local ED programs,products, services
ONGOING Meet with Key Accounts quarterly
ONGOING Advertise in trade journals
YEAR 2000 ACTION STEPS
❑ Update Land and Property Inventory
❑ Develop Siting/Expansion Process &Plan
• Develop "How to Site Your Business in the City of Elk River"Brochure
• Develop Prototype Proposal Format
O Develop Ad Campaign for 2001-2002
• Meet/Discuss with possible candidates for"testimonials"
• Meet with Potential Co-Sponsors to discuss funding for each Ad
❑ ID Top 10 Key Accounts, ID Goals and Purposes for each Account
❑ Revise Policy&Applications for TIF, MicroLoan&Tax Rebate Financing
❑ Develop Communication,Promotion &Advertising strategy
• Revise City Logo
• Develop fact sheets for East and West Business Parks
ONGOING Conduct groundbreaking&grand opening for new business
ONGOING Participate in DTED Manufacturers Week to showcase local firms