3.2. EDSR 08-09-1999 NOTES FROM STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 12, 1999
• The following is the results of group voting on major issues:
Priority Issues
1. Develop stronger industrial base - 61 votes
2. Promote business retention and growth - 40 votes
3. Develop West Business Park - 37 votes
4. Develop external marketing strategy- 26 votes
5. Redevelop east Highway 10 corridor - 21 votes
6. Coordinate transportation options - 16 votes
7. Redevelop downtown - 15 votes
8. Improve cooperation/coordination with school district & county - 7
votes
• 9. Develop a community focal point such as a community center - 7 votes
10. Define and manage commercial expansion - 7 votes
11. Capitalize on Energy City - 4 votes
12. Strong public/private coordination with business/industry - 4 votes
13. Focus priorities on economic development - 3 votes
14. Develop river corridor through community - 2 votes
15. Educate/communicate with citizens - 1 vote
Major Strategies of Priority Item #4
What
Develop a marketing strategy for economic development
Why
• Definition/focus
• Metro versus St. Cloud
• Don't have a current marketing strategy
• Areas identified - focus
• Area competition
Consequences
• No industrial base
• Current allocation of dollars
• Lack of focus
Vision
• Multi-faceted
• Media options
• Internet
• Investor relationship
• Broker relationship
• Market definition
• Product defined
• Land
• Financing
• Community amenities
Barriers
• Measure difficulty
• Limited resources, dollars and staff
• Expertise
• Appropriate focus
• Industry resistance
• Economic development marketing - educate and understand
Strategies
• Hire expertise
• Ask the potential customer
• Define product - focus
• Business plan approach
• Investor
• Broker
• Consumer
• Use Strategic Plan - incorporate marketing strategy
• Number of direct contacts
• Measurable payback for resources used
•