07-21-2015 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Commission Minutes July 21, 2015 Page 2 of 4 are closed. The businesses need to embrace the people coming to town whether for concerts or sports events. Chair Jurchen stated the EDC will be looked at in a leadership role and this is an opportunity to investigate what businesses can do to promote themselves. This is not just a shopping experience; it is an experience. Council Member Karr stated that if we encourage investment in activities for children, their parents will come. Sheila Haverkamp pointed out Region Five has a program for creative place making. The EDC should look into that. Commissioner Rieck stated she would prefer to keep the intersection green and focus on the downtown area with expansion to that area when existing downtown area is full. Chris Lindholm stated Pequot Lakes has the town square and should expand on that experience by making it more inviting for people of all ages. Wi-Fi could be available drawing students and parents from the school. Pequot Lakes is the "True Up North" and there should be a strategic vision to become more inviting. There could be a list of criteria outlining what businesses could do, such as painting their storefront or staying open more hours. Chair Jurchen stated the EDC could encourage business owners to dress up their stores and improve their facades, but it may not be financially possible. It might be time for an Economic Development Authority. He also hopes the new City Administrator will have experience in economic development. Council Member Karr noted local artists are looking for a location for an art cooperative but the rents are too high. It was suggested the vacant store fronts could be charged a surcharge for remaining vacant. Events bring people to town and businesses should be encouraged to support them. We will be spinning our wheels if we try to help individual businesses. It was the consensus of the group to schedule 3 meetings over a three-month period inviting the business community to collect input from those stakeholders. The meetings could be held at various businesses. The first meeting could be held the third week of September.