6.1. EDSR 07-16-2018.Request for Action
To Item Number
Economic Development Authority 6.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business July 16, 2018 Colleen Eddy, Economic Development Specialist
Item Description Reviewed by
Marketing Update Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Item presented for information.
Background/Discussion
This year the performance measures set by the EDA focuses on personally connecting with developers,
marketing the city and gaining positive exposure for the city. Staff has accomplished these goals, to date
in the following venues:
Advertising:
In the first half of the year staff has achieved advertising in three different trade industry publications.
The Growler Magazine gave us the opportunity to promote the city’s Brew Pub/Tap Room Microloan.
We also placed ads in Site Selector magazine, Trade and Industry magazine, an advertorial in Expansion
Solutions magazines, and in the 2018 MN Twins Yearbook.
EDA website:
The EDA/HRA website has been updated to Economic Gateway 2.0, which offers an updated look of
the landing page and the addition “Powered by our Businesses” video feature. Avalon Salon will soon be
joining Sportech in this video module. MetalCraft and CHOW Mixed Grill will be featured in the next
couple months. The video compilations introduce community leaders and promote businesses who make
Elk River their home.
Trade shows:
Staff has attended two BisNow events, in partnership with Sherburne County, Greater MSP, and
Minnesota Marketing Partnership through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development (DEED). The event in Virginia was attended by 350 data center professionals from around
the county and included a market visit with Buddy Rizer, the Economic Development Director for
Loudoun County (which has over 7 million sq. ft. of data centers). He has been instrumental in the
success of the data center market in Loudoun County and the state of Virginia and look for his insight as
we continue to attract data center developments in Elk River.
Staff reconnected with Chirisa, a data center investment company which the city hosted a site tour with
back in January (Elk River is still on their short list of locations). The other BisNow event held in Dallas
included market visits with JLL, Site Selection Group and US Consults (who is interested in the gravel
mine area).
Marketing:
Staff is working with Kaylin Clement, the new Communications Director, on marketing pieces for the
upcoming FAM tour, BR&E videos and social media posts.
Sponsorships:
In June, the EDA sponsored the annual EDAM summer conference in Nisswa. Amanda promoted the
city in a four minute presentation and introduced the conference’s keynote speaker. This event also
offered educational opportunities and networking with other economic development professionals from
around the state.
Staff is partnering with Elk River Municipal Utilities on an Energy Summit hosted by the MN Real Estate
Journal. The sponsorship package includes an opportunity to exhibit and Tom Sagstetter will participate in
a panel presentation.
Financial Impact
Funding for trade shows, marketing and advertising are included in the 2018 budget.
Attachments
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