10-15-2013 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Commission Minutes October 15, 2013 Page 2 of 3 be made available to homes and businesses. It may be prudent to partner with other entities, such as the school 5. Business Expansion and Retention Sheila Haverkamp reported that Central Lakes College received a grant from the Department of Education to provide new curriculum for certificates and degrees for technology education. The area needs workers to fill existing jobs, to grow the industry sector. Phones and IPADS vs. Computers—should the Commission be thinking more about Verizon than TDS? In some instances,phones download/upload information quicker than computers. Sheila Haverkamp explained that information is only mobile for a very short time,until it reaches the nearest fiber. Infrastructure is still very important. 6. BLAEDC Update Sheila Haverkamp reported that the Exec's are launching a"Rent A Board" for small businesses that need the resource,but not ready for their own Board of Directors. The "Rent A Board"will act as advisory council. 7. Chamber Update Barb Merritt reported that business has been great and stated Dean Brandt had reported things have been good. Mayor Adams stated she is disturbed with the empty buildings. The Commission discussed some of the larger buildings could be re-established as both retail and office. Parking could be an issue with office space. Parking should be discussed in the future. 8. November Agenda Items • Continue Technology Updates • Chris Lindholm, School Superintendent -update 9. Other Business Mayor Adams informed the Commission that the two Business Groups are going to merge. They will meet on the last Tuesday of the month and will be called Pequot Promoters. Mark Jurchen reported that he is representing the EDC at the Highway 371 turnback meetings. It is necessary for the City to examine the roadways they may be asked to take over at some future time. There will be considerable cost to the City for maintenance, etc. in the future.