06-16-2015 EDC Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Commission Minutes May 19, 2015 Page 3 of 5 • 53% of second homeowners own, operate, or play a significant management role in a business. • Second home utilization received the most use during the summer months of June-August. • A quarter of respondents report they engage in telework from their second home. • The majority of seasonal residents (56%) plan to transition permanently to their second homes, while more than a quarter(27%) are undecided. • The potential negative and positive impacts of rapid population growth in recreation counties. • Strategies and tools recreation counties and communities can use to accommodate newcomers. • The important role of lake associations and the connection they make with second homeowners. • Natural resource issues are the most important changes needed to make life in their second home county better over the next 20 years. • Importance of quality of life. Chris Lindholm stated that in the school district over 50% are seasonal homeowners and it is important to build relationships with them. He noted that there is a window of opportunity to get second homeowners involved, especially from those who plan to retire here. Sheila Haverkamp stated that BLAEDC will send Executive Initiative brochures to second homeowners who may be interested in joining this group. Chair Jurchen noted that information on lake associations can be viewed on the Minnesota Waters website and the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association website and these are great communication tools for seasonal residents. 6. Crosslake EDC Empty Spaces Mayor Sjoblad was not in attendance to discuss this agenda item. 7. Action Plan with Local Retailers Chair Jurchen discussed the idea of creating a random marketing survey for businesses to address with their customers about their places of residence and future Highway 371 impacts. The Commission should decide on the businesses that are most impacted by the future Highway and determine the survey questions. Commissioner Merritt stated that she is willing to work with Jenna Crawford in enticing Pequot business owners to join the Chamber. She stated that more ■.' business involvement is key to the action plan.