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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION <br /> JUNE 17,2014 <br /> MEETING MINUTES <br /> MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Jurchen, Commissioners Rieck, and Merritt <br /> MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioners Stroot and Roggenkamp <br /> ALSO PRESENT: Sheila Haverkamp, BLAEDC; and Dawn Bittner, Zoning <br /> Administrator <br /> 1. Call Meeting to Order <br /> The meeting was called to order by Chair Jurchen at 8:00 a.m. <br /> 2. Approval EDC Minutes <br /> COMMISSIONER MERRITT MOVED TO APPROVE THE 5/20/2014 <br /> EDC MINUTES. COMMISSIONER RIECK SECONDED THE MOTION. <br /> MOTION CARRIED 3-0. <br /> 3. Chamber of Commerce—Matt Kilian and Amy Sjoblad <br /> Matt Kilian stated he had worked with the Initiative Foundation for almost 16 <br /> years with most of his time spent in marketing and fund raising. He is working to <br /> build and in some cases, repair relationships as a region. <br /> While collecting data Mr. Kilian found that small businesses, those with less than <br /> 25 employees, amounted to 89% of the Chamber membership. The most valuable <br /> activity of the Chamber is: <br /> #1 Strengthen the local economy; <br /> #2 Marketing and networking. <br /> The Pequot Lakes and Crosslake branches make up 20 to 25%of the membership. <br /> Using their formulas. Explore Minnesota placed the media coverage for the <br /> Governor's Fishing Opener at 2.7 million dollars. <br /> Amy Sjoblad questioned how the Chamber can best help Pequot Lakes? She <br /> explained that although there is room for improvement, we need to realize our <br /> role as part of a regional chamber. <br /> Commissioner Rieck stated that she has lobbyists and those who represent her <br /> through her professional organizations. She does not appreciate her membership <br /> dues supporting political candidates. She also stated that the Fishing Opener was <br /> held in Nisswa, yet the Brainerd Chamber spent money on it. Mr. Kilian stated the <br /> Chamber does not endorse candidates or fund campaigns. That is done by the US <br />