6.3 EDSR 04-18-2016 *hi Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Economic Development Authority 6.3
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business April 18, 2016 Amanda Othoudt,EDD
Item Description Reviewed by
Director's Report Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Information presented for discussion only in effort to keep the EDA updated development activity.
Background/Discussion
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
Joplin Property Update
We continue to work with our attorneys to secure interest in the property owned by the heirs of the
Lakoduk's and the Wingness's (encumbered MnDOT parcel). We have connected with the family of the
Lakoduk's and expressed our interest in purchasing the property.The acquisition of the property owned
by the Lakoduk's and Wingness's may be more difficult than originally thought.We have identified over
14+ heirs between the two properties. We are analyzing our options.
BUSINESS VISITS
BR&E visits were conducted last month at ZTECH and Elk River Travel. Our strategic plan and
performance measures call for two visits per month for 24 a year. More visits are being scheduled and
invites will be emailed to the EDA/HRA commissions and council.
Open Doors for Youth
Staff attended the open house for Open Doors for Youth. Open Doors for Youth is a drop-in resource
center in Elk River, that serves youth (16 to 21)who are experiencing homelessness or housing
instability. They have recently completed an expansion of their facility this month. Since opening last
March, Open Doors for Youth have assisted 60 young individuals. There have been over 475 visits by
youth to their center, 300 meals served, 850 pounds of food distributed, and 155 connections of youth to
needed service providers. They have tracked over 4,015 volunteer hours since opening. Back in
December, the EDA authorized staff to repurpose 53 Northstar GoTo Passes to organizations like Open
Doors for Youth and other local organizations that could utilize the passes.Amanda delivered 22 of the
53 cards to Open Doors for Youth.The Open Doors for Youth Staff was very appreciative of the cards.
MISCELLANEOUS
Annual State Subsidy Reporting
The reports were submitted to the state on April 1,2016, for all businesses that have received financial
assistance or business assistance in 2015, or that have current unfulfilled job goals from prior years.
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NATURE
Video Projects
Staff is undertaking several initiatives in producing videos to be uploaded to our new website to identify
the abundance of resources we can provide to help their business succeed and grow.
In addition, staff is also working with the Chamber and the Elk River Schools on a manufacturing video
production.The video is in partnership with the school district and will focus on students,parents and
manufacturers. The school will incorporate this project into their video production curriculum and will
be produced by students.The goal of the video is to reflect a realistic vision of the career path students
can take in the manufacturing industry.
EDA/HRA Website
City staff completed a soft launch with Golden Shovel Agency to discuss the design, content,links and
layout.All the comments from the team members were given to the website designer.They are now in
the process of incorporating the requested revisions and comments. Staff will be holding a joint work
session in May to give the EDA/HRA an opportunity to view the site,make comments and suggestions.
Progress Minnesota
President Tveite attended the Progress Minnesota 2016 awards program on April 7,2016,recognition
dinner hosted by Finance&Commerce. Sportech, Inc.was recognized at the Progress Minnesota awards
program as a company that is driving business growth and economic development in the state in
innovative ways.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
None