01-16-2024 TER MINSpecial Meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority
Together Elk River Committee
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Members Present: Charlie Blesener, Joanna Arbic, and Jennifer Wagner
Members Absent: Molly Nadeau, and Debbi Rydberg
Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O'Neil, Economic Development Specialist Josh
Mollan, and Senior Communications Coordinator Starr Sorheim
I . Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority
Together Elk River Subcommittee was called to order at 4:34 p.m. by Jennifer.
2. Consider Agenda
Brent suggested adding item 4.6 Committee Organization.
Moved by Charlie and seconded by Joanna to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Minutes
Moved by Charlie and seconded by Joanna to approve December 18, 2023, Meeting Minutes.
Motion carried 3-0.
4.1 Billboard Update
Josh advised that he will bring additional Placer.ai data regarding drivers on the three roads being considered
for a future billboard to the next Together Elk River Committee meeting.
4.2 Golden Shovel Article
Josh requested direction for Golden Shovel to take regarding their next article on 169 Redefine.
Charlie suggested gathering quotes from businesses that were impacted by the construction.
Staff suggested highlighting McDonald's.
Jennifer suggested highlighting maurices. She also suggested highlighting businesses that will be impacted in
the upcoming construction season and determine how their marketing strategies will adapt.
Josh summarized that the emphasis should be on business impact and what is to come with the completion
of the project.
Joanna shared that she would be open to being interviewed for the article.
4.3 Visitor Marketing
Josh shared some information provided by Molly in order to best market to visitors who attend events at
our facilities.
The committee highlighted multiple sports/arts events that drive visitors to our area and were interested in
continuing the conversation on increasing marketing to reach these groups.
4.4 Banner Update
Josh reiterated that the downtown banners will be rectangle and face over the sidewalk.
Josh shared four draft banners that will be used on the four rotatable banners. The committee agreed on
one banner.
4.5 General Updates
Jennifer inquired staff about business signage prior to the 2024 construction season.
Starr advised that she will connect with the MnDOT communications team to begin the discussion on
signage at their next meeting on February 14`''.
Josh asked the committee if the updated calendar items were well received.
4.6 Committee Organization
Brent advised the committee that he is submitting proposed changes to the EDA bylaws regarding
committees. He asked the committee for their thoughts on determining if the Together Elk River
Committee as a standing committee in the EDA bylaws.
The committee was in favor of not making any changes to the existing bylaws or the proposed update.
S. Adjournment
Moved by Charlie and seconded by Joanna to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:21 p.m.
Minutes prepared by J
J�rf� Wagnei, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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