3.7 Boards and Commissions Minutes

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EDC Minutes December 19, 2023 Page 3 of 5 7. Chamber Update Nichole Heinen states that a summary will be coming soon for the plan next year. Ms. Heinen updates on the progress of getting businesses involved. She states there are 294 businesses that are Chamber Members already. She says they just had another couple of businesses that will be opening, such as a new restaurant in planning to open in the Jack Pine Center. She says it is very exciting to see new businesses come in and update outdated spaces are looking toward a better future. Ms. Heinen gives an update on the Annual Excellence Awards. The event is open for everyone to attend. She explains a brief update of the awards that will be given out at that event. 8. Marketing The EDC is still working on its goals for 2024. There is nothing specific nailed now yet. The Commission consensus is to continue brainstorming. Discussion ensues on whether to host our own website or do we partner with BLAEDC, etc. Tyler Glynn speaks regarding different directions we can go, such as having their own EDC site with links to other city sites or having it embedded within the City website. Mr. Glynn gives the example of Crosslake EDA and how cost effective and inexpensive it is to maintain their website. Questions we brought to our attention of the benefits of having our own site. Ms. Lewica inquiries about who is going to maintain it, how duties will be delegated out, etc. Generally, how it is going to be handled. Where would it have links back to. Chair Lottman responds stating nothing can be open ended. He doesn't want to rush everything and wants to be sure to have a direct plan before going live. Council Liaison Pederson adds that the City website is specifically for utility, etc. The EDC would need to be an entirely separate website but could link back to the City website. Mr. Glynn also states, BLAEDC is not in this to make money, they want to come in and support the city. He says they pass costs of what things are to the City but do not bump or inflate prices. COMMISSION LEWICA MOVED TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN EDC WEBSITE, COMMISSION HOLLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3-1. There is ongoing discussion regarding Chair Lottman opposing the motion. He states he doesn't believe we are to that point and would like to have other options. Chair Lottman states he is not opposed to the website in general, he just isn't behind the marketing piece. Delvin Krueger appears on behalf of KLKS radio. Would like the City to be part of their sports broadcasting. He presents ideas of things to use it for, such as