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EDA MEETING PACKET 01-13-2014CITY OF SCANDIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Monday, January 13, 2014 6:30 P.M. Scandia Community Center Board Room 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes (December 9, 2013) 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Public Forum 5. New Business a) Liz Templin, Community Economics, U of M Extension b) Parks/Tourism Promotion c) Approve Official Depositories (Resolution 01-13-14-01) 6. Old Business a) Projects/Priorities 7. Executive Director's Report 8. Agenda Items for Next Meeting (February 10, 2014, 6:30pm) 9. Adjournment The Scandia Economic Development Authority met in the Board Room at the Scandia Community Center on Monday, December 9, 2013 beginning at 6:30pm. Commissioners Present: Sally Swanson, Tom Triplett, Dan Lee, Greg Isaacson, Bruce Swenson. Staff Present: Kristina Handt. Motion by Lee, seconded by Swenson to approve the November 12, 2013 minutes. Motion carried. Motion by Swenson, seconded by Lee to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Swanson introduced the guest, Stev Stegner. Stegner was the former Mayor and EDA President in Forest Lake. He owns Rapid Press printing and his family owns Scandia Plaza. Stegner commented that businesses use less services, pay more taxes, employ people who in turn spend more in the community, etc. Small business owners also have the flexibility to be involved and volunteer in the community which isn't always possible for those who commute outside of the community. Stegner highly recommended the Business Retention and Expansion Survey (BRE) program through the U of M Extension. He shared his experience with the program in Forest Lake. Businesses helped pay for the BRE, volunteers from the community were trained and completed the surveys of roughly 70 businesses, and it led to things such as changes in the sign ordinance and the City's ability to address other business concerns. The process took approximately 5 months of meeting with U of M folks and preparing for the survey and another 6 months to complete the surveys. Stegner also talked about business property listings on the website, the revolving loan program, a trade market profile, and other business support information. Stegner suggested the EDA identify a few key areas for development and plan for attracting quality businesses. The EDA discussed possible development along TH 97 at the intersection near Manning Trail and near the Fire Hall. President Swanson presented information on a MNDOT program to help pay for landscaping along state highways and suggested it be used at Lilleskogen. Swanson also mentioned the potential for a Veterans Memorial to be added at Lilleskogen and expressed a desire to see a welcome sign at the northwest corner of the park. The Lilleskogen Plan currently includes a park entrance sign at that location. Lee mentioned the design has not been done yet and the PRC could incorporate both a Welcome to Scandia and Lilleskogen Park message into the design. Handt suggested updating the Strategic Action Plan for Lilleskogen to identify areas where the EDA would like to be involved. Motion by Triplett, seconded by Isaacson to recommend to the PRC that they apply for the MN program grant and building into their planning a welcome and park sign at the northwest corner of the park. Motion carried. It was noted the Veterans Memorial will be discussed by the City Council next week and the volunteer group will then move on to preparing a call for design. Handt provided an update on the County Economic Development Work Group. A County Board workshop will be on Thursday to discuss functions and organizational structure. Triplett mentioned the recent article in the Star Tribune about the low interest loan program for failing sewers. The Board looked at a sampling of maps that were focused on tourism. Handt also mentioned the Preserve America program. Swenson suggested doing something to inform people about the history of some of the businesses/buildings in Scandia. Perhaps placing plaque at each site and incorporating a walking tour component with the maps. The next meeting will be Monday, January 13, 2014 at 6:30pm. The U of M Extension BRE staff will be invited to the meeting. If that date doesn't work a special meeting will be considered. Swanson/Handt will also begin working on a project priority list to bring back to the Board. Motion by Lee, seconded by Isaacson to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:14pm. Respectfully Submitted, Kristina Handt, Secretary SCANDIA SMafi Report Date of Meeting: January 13, 2014 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Liz Background: At the December meeting, the EDA heard from Stev Stegner about the U of M Ext BRE program that the Forest Lake EDA had completed. Commissioners had additional questions about how this might work in Scandia and asked staff to contact Extension and invite them to a future meeting. Issue: Is the EDA interested in pursuing any Extension programs at this time? Proposal Details: Liz Templin, Extension Education, Community Economics will be at the January 13t' meeting. Liz and I met last month and discussed various options involving the BRE (from a full BRE to just certain portions) as well as other programs that might be a better fit for Scandia. In your packet are two files. The first covers the BRE program; the second covers other courses, Market Area Profile program, workshops and webinars. Options: 1) Include any programs in project priority listing for 2014 2) Identify programs to participate with in future years 3) Do not pursue any U of M Ext programs MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MINNESOTA: ENVIRONMENT * FOOD & AGRICULTURE r COMMUNITIES * FAMILIES * YOUTH A COMMUNITY APPROACH TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL BUSINESS SUCCESS Community Leaders' Business Retention and Expansion Program (BR&E) WHY BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION? A healthy and vibrant local economy depends on the well-being of a community's existing businesses. Thus, efforts to help local businesses survive and grow in the local community are key to successful economic development. The community benefits because: * Researchers estimate that existing businesses create 86 to 31 percent of all new jobs.* * Businesses that stay competitive are more likely to remain in the community - and possibly expand. * Keeping an existing business is often easier and less costly than recruiting a new business. * Businesses considering coming to the community will talk to existing businesses. Odds for attracting new businesses are better if existing ones are happy with the community. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE COMMUNITY LEADERS' APPROACH? Economic development efforts often require action from many community players. Without community consensus, economic development stalls. Our program (established 1990) is a proven approach for involving the community and building consensus to move forward. University of Minnesota Extension provides facilitation, technical assistance, training, and applied research to help communities assess , business concerns, understand the structure of the , local economy, set priorities, and implement projects that will help make communities more vibrant. We recommend the complete BR&E Strategies Program package for Minnesota communities. It is described below on pages 2-4. We also have materials, tools and applied research services available (listed on pages 4-5). We once again offer a BR&E course with the next class starting January 2014. The course is a convenient 'blended" format that combines in -person with online learning. Participants gain the skills needed to lead a Community Leaders' BR&E program. See the BR&E Course section on the website for more information. WHAT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES CAN A BR&E PROGRAM ACCOMPLISH? Short Term • Demonstrate Community Support for local businesses. • Help solve immediate business concerns. Long Term • Build community capacity to sustain business growth and development through creation of a broad based coalition. • Increase local businesses' ability to compete in the global economy. • Establish and implement a strategic plan for economic development. WHO IS INVOLVED IN A BR&E PROGRAM? A Leadership Team introduces and promotes the program in the community, coordinates task force meetings, and organizes immediate follow-up. A Local Task Force engages a broad -based group of local leaders, including representatives of economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, business, government, and educational institutions. Business Visitation Teams are leaders from the tasYC force and community. Each team has two members and visits two to four businesses. WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF BR&E PROGRAMS? University of Minnesota Extension has worked with communities to complete programs in rural, urban and suburban areas throughout Minnesota. BR&E initiatives have focused on urban corridors, single cities, groups of cities, counties and regions. Previous programs have focused on manufacturing, mixed -sector businesses, agriculture, tourism, and ethnic minority businesses. Future programs could focus on these businesses or others. Diagram 1 illustrates the three steps that result in successful business retention and expansion. Diagram 1. Three Steps to Business Retention Strategies Program Research • Community leaders form a team that plans and conducts the BR&E Strategies project. • Visitation Teams learn how to use a proven survey instrument to interview businesses in order to learn about their needs, concerns and plans. Prioritize • Surveys are reviewed, and trustworthy individuals respond to businesses' immediate needs, including linking businesses to economic development programs and services. • A panel of University faculty and other economic development experts offer suggested projects to address business needs identified in the survey. • Survey results are analyzed and documented in a written research report. • The Task Force uses the report and their knowledge of the community to develop a strategic action plan. Implement i • Local teams carry out priority projects identified in the strategic plan. • Task Force evaluates results and decides how to sustain BR&E work. Business Retention and Expansion Resources from the University of Minnesota Extension BR&E STRATEGIES PACKAGE (AVAILABLE IN MINNESOTA) The BR&E Strategies program is Extension's flagship BR&E program. This approach has moved over 65 Minnesota communities from ideas to action following our proven community leaders' BR&E model. The Strategies program maximizes Extension support, community organization, and applied research to support the business community. Contact your Community Economics Extension Educator (see below). Community must complete an application for acceptance into the program. Standard package includes in -person BR&E consulting throughout the three major steps of BR&E, complete research package below, and quarterly meetings in the first year of implementation. Premium package includes the standard items above plus customized assistance (i.e. a customized survey instrument). Research package includes a survey instrument, data tabulation/analysis, a campus research review meeting that gathers University faculty and other experts to suggest projects that meet business concerns, a four -chapter research report with narrative and graphs, a summary report, and a planning retreat to "Set Priorities and Take Action". BR&E consulting is not included in this package. Urban/suburban programs typically are more complex, requiring rnure team -building, complex sampling to obtain representative sample sizes, and other specialized efforts. For this reason prices are as follows. Packages Available: • Premium Urban/Suburban $15,000 • Standard Urban/Suburban $12,000 • Premium Rural $12,000 Standard Rural $9,500 • Complete Research $7,000 BR&E TOOLS (AVAILABLE IN MINNESOTA) Just as the name implies, the BR&E Tools program makes all of Extension's BR&E components available to practitioners. This approach allows communities to capitalize on their own strengths to conduct a BR&E. While Extension staff provides support during the project, the community leaders take the BR&E in the direction and at a scale suitable to their local resources. For the most self-reliant practitioners, our BR&E Tools includes free online resources such as a question bank and sample surveys. Contact your Community Economics Extension Educator (see below) to explore how BR&E Tools might be implemented in your community. Community must complete an application for acceptance into the program. I Coaching sessions, facilitated meetings, and trainings can be delivered in Minnesota communities. Your Community Economics Extension Educator will work with you to design a plan that moves your community forward, customizing it for local needs and providing a little or a lot of expertise ($300 each, except where noted). Mix and match these sessions, and consider other education or research provided by Extension's Center for Community Vitality. • Planning Your BR&E - facilitation • BR&E Leadership Team - training • SurveyMonkey - training • Putting Together a Good Survey - training • Task Force - training • Business Visitor - training • Immediate Survey Follow-up (a k.a. Warning Flags Analysis) - facilitation or training, so we will facilitate the meeting or train you how to prepare for it and successfully run warning flag sessions • Basic Data Analysis & Report Writing - training • Setting Priorities and Taking Action (i.e. planning retreat) - facilitation (priced at $1,000, more for situations requiring more than 10 hours of prep and in -session time, at $100/hour) • Community Commencement Meeting - training from us to allow you to create and facilitate a successful event • BRU Project Implementation - training Research services can also be provided to communities participating in a BR&E Tools program. These services support communities as they move through a BR&E Tools program designed with an Extension Educator. Research services are primarily handled by the Program Director. • Custom survey instrument ($2,000+) • Data tabulation ($1,000). Extension staff will enter collected survey data, from an Extension approved survey, into an Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. A copy of the questionnaire with summary statistics embedded, along with the spreadsheet, will be provided back to the community. • Data analysis ($1,000 - must purchase data tabulation also). Extension staff will critically review the survey data. Charts and tables highlighting important and noteworthy results will be created. A two -page written summary highlighting general themes in the data will be delivered, along with the charts and tables. • Report writing ($1,500 - must purchase tabulation and analysis also). Two -page summary, table and charts, and questionnaire with data will be reviewed by 1 to 2 Extension and/or DEED experts. This review will identify any major themes in the data and provide to the community suggestions for how to address these issues. The community will receive a 5 to 7 page summary of relevant ideas for potential implementation in the community. OTHER BR&E PRODUCTS AND SERVICES The University of Minnesota Extension offers a variety of research -informed tools to help communities manage successful business retention and expansion efforts. Prices are subject to change without notice. These services are available outside of Minnesota. Web resources are available at the University of Minnesota website. At this web site, you can jfind free BR&E tips, sample surveys, sample survey questions, sample reports from BR&E programs, success stories, research on BR&E, and more. New tools are added regularly. w'wwl .extension.umn.edu/communitri,/business-retention/ BR&E Course. Retaining and Expanding Business in Your Community is our course that we designed for economic and community development professionals and other leaders who want to conduct a community -led BR&E effort. It is unique among BR&E courses by providing a convenient "blended" format that combines in -person with online learning. The next class begins January, 2014. The early bird rate is $400 until December 16, 2013, after which it is $500. For more info: www.extension.u=.edu/communitti!/business-retention/course/ WHO TO CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Michael Darger, BR&E Program Director, 612-625-6246 or darger@umn.edu; or the i Extension Educator in Community Economics in your area: South Central: Adeel Ahmed, 320-203-6050 or ahme0004@umn.edu Northeast: John Bennett, 218-726-6471 or ibennett@umn.edu • Northwest: Rani Bhattacharyya, 218-281-8689 or rani-b@umn.edu • Southeast: Bruce Schwartau, 507-536-6308 or bwschwar@umn.edu • Southwest: Neil Linscheid, 507-337-2814 or hns00410umn.edu • West Central: Ryan Pesch, 218-998-5794 or pesch@umn.edu • East Central: Liz Templin, 651-480-7745 or templin@umn.edu • Central: Merritt Bussiere, 218-825-2175 or bussiere@umn.edu • Twin Cities Metro: Michael Darger, 612-625-6246 or darger@umn.edu REFERENCE *A range of job estimates from Birch, Kraybill, Little compiled by Henry Cothran in Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Programs. Why Existing Businesses Are Important, http://edis.ifts.ufl.edu/fe651. m 2013 Regents of the University of Minnesota All tights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to the Extension Store at 800-876-8636. Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material. * FAMMES + YOUTH , healthy, vibrant local economy depends largely on the strength of a community's existing businesses. Community leaders can help local businesses survive and grow by implemantin effective business retention and expansion (BR&E) strategies. So how do you do that? g The Business Retention and Expansion in your Community course starts in January, 2014. It will teach the fundamentals of BR&E in a convenient "blended" format that combines in-personwith online learning. The course is designed for economic and community development professionals and other community leaders who want to learn how to implement a community -led BR&E effort. COURSE COST AND SCHEDULE The BR&E course gets under way with in -person sessions January 21-22, 2014 in the tion Cities. Twin The training will be held in concert with the EDAM (Economic Development Associa Minnesota) Winter Conference scheduled for January 23-24, 2014. Several online modules will be conducted in the months following, and we will wrap things up on March 25,h. Cost of the course is $400 until December 20th, 2013 ($500 after). There also is a community teamprice, htr : '/z.umn.edu/brecourse. Course content is outlined on the back of this fler. Y A PROVEN APPROACH i Economic development efforts rely on action from man buy -in, economic development stalls. Extension's BR&E y community players. Without community approach for involving the community program, established in thou c a proven BR&E course is' and building consensus to move forward. Our new blended grounded in that approach. After completing the BR&E course, you will be able to: Understand the three major elements of the BR&E process; Access BR&E resources and networks as needed; • Plan a BR&E initiative that fits your community; and • Organize a community to implement BR&E strategies. We kick off the course with two days of in -person learning led by Extension BR&E experts. You'll be introduced to the BR&E process and learn about major milestones in a community -led BR&E program. You'll also hear from guest speakers and do some role-playing. The course then goes online to provide a series of modules that dig deeper into how to implement BR&E strategies. Modules include video clips and online presentations from BR&E experts, as well O 2012 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal o accordance ,nth the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats u �g26-8636. ®PnMed on recycled and q ppo�n'n' editor and employer. In recyciable Paper with at least 10 waste request. Direct requests to the Extension Store at percent postconsumer waste material. as ongoing forum discussions that allow you to interact with your instructors and fellow students. practitioners from We wrap things up with a final live meeting. Guest presenters and BR&E p organizations such as the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's Grow Minnesota! program will enhance learning and discussions. QUESTIONS AND REGISTRATION For more information, visit this website for updates: htt�/ BR&E Director, a 612-625 6u/brecourse. To 246 o ster for the course, contact Michael Darger, University of Minnesotaon to the course site in mid -January. n danger@um.edu. You will receive instructions for logging BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION IN YOUR COMMUNITY —A BLENDED COURSE The following table lists course content as of December 17, 2013. This schedule is subject to change before course goes live in January, but general topics will remain the same_ Session 1 -1n person introducing BR&E January 21-22, 2014, What and why of BR&E Humphrey School of . The 3-step BR&E process (Research, Prioritize, Implement) Public Affairs, Organizing the Leadership Team and Task Force and planning the Minneapolis BR&E initiative and practice visit to an actual business volunteer visitor training `Warning Flag' analysis (Identifying immediate priorities) Understanding survey instruments and evaluation Simulated Task Force retreat 41 introduction of Northwoods Case Stud -online 0 Responding CO Warning Session — Flags Reviewir► data identif � otentiai ro"ect ideas Session 3 - Online riority projects for the comm>uZitY Session 4 - Online • Interpreting data and selecting p (Note: this course does not teach data analysis and report writing) to implement projects Session 5 -Online a Organizing Sharing pflority Projectss with the community Develo in a Dian to ensure tasks are completed Realizing the valced ro e ue of Task Force gatherings to sustain momentum ducti Session 6 -Online Conizing effective Task Foranct team meetin s ideas for evaluating your BR&E project Session 7 -Final General le Effect Mapping' to evaluate BR&E results Session -Online Live How to use 'Ripple session, March 25, a How will you apply the BR&E strategies process in your own 2014 community? sustain How � �� 1=�cb and on Northwoods Case Study (oa BR&E in YOuT r your�own ty� Turn P communit ) Post Course Receiving your Certificate of BR&E Course Completion. optional: An Extension professional presents your certificate of completion to you at vour board of directors,or council meeting (in Minnesota) tll& UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA I EXTENSION 0 2012 Regents of the Universtty of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnes°ta Extere�on is an equal opportunity educator and employer. l� accordance with the Americans withDisaaband e�l bMle paipemvitfh at1least'10 percent postconlable in alternathie sumer waste materfal. rmats upon request. Direct requests to the Extension Store ffi go-876-8636.01,rinted on recy HELPING BUSINESS COMMUNITIES KNOW AND GROW THEIR CUSTOMER BASE Market Area Profiles WHY MARKET AREA PROFILES? Business communities can work together to attract and grow a customer base for their entire community. Individual businesses make better decisions when they consider the consumer environment in which their business is operating. Market Area Profiles (MAP) can help businesses and business communities understand their customer base better, and consider together how to preserve and grow that base. MAP reports organize data from multiple sources into a comprehensive description of those who visit and shop there - their demographics, purchasing power, lifestyles, information sources and values. Extension organizes this data into easy -to -understand reports, and then leads community discussions to bring local knowledge to the analysis of this data, and to provoke new questions. Ultimately, our goal is for communities to use the report and the related discussions to inform business plans, as well as community -based strategies to grow the local economy. USEFUL DATA FOR COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES The MAP includes a breadth of information of interest to local retailers, tourism businesses and community leaders, including. - The geographic reach of the community's trade area • Spending potential of local residents Demographics of households • Income levels of households • 'Types of media households in the trade area use Chambers, economic development professionals, tourism organizations and business associations might use the information to consider questions such as: • What new businesses might succeed in our town? • How can we effectively use media to market our community and its businesses? • What community events or festivals would attract the audience in our trade area? • What main street or tourism development strategies would work for this market? • Individual businesses in the community can use the information to consider questions such as: o How can I better reach my customers? o Do I have a viable business plan for this market? o How can we change our inventory or expand our product lines to increase profits? CHOOSE A MAP REPORT- SIMPLE OR CUSTOMIZED Your Community Economics educator will help you determine whether a simple or a customized report of is right for your community. The Simple Report. • Describes the customers in your local trade area (zip code(s) or other specified area). • Engages the community in a two-hour discussion about results and future plans • Works well for traditional, main street communities Cost: S750 The Customized Report: • Is customized from addresses of customers on local business lists • Includes consultations with a local study group to guide the analysis • Works well for a larger community or to profile a seasonal/tourism market Cost: $1,500 CONTACT YOUR EXTENSION EDUCATOR IN COMMUNITY ECONOMICS: See map of service areas and contact information: extension.umn.edu/community/staffmap OTHER OFFERINGS FOR YOUR BUSINESS COMMUNITIES • '\ Retail Trade Analysis report describes a town or county's retail strengths, weaknesses and patterns. • Business Retention and E: Mansion Strategies programs get community members involved in the meeting the needs of local businesses. • Economic Impact Analysis - workshops and research reports using MLANm data help decision -makers respond to changes in economies. • Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities - helping businesses work together to use the Internet for marketing, sales, customer communication, and customer support. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA I EXTENSION O 2011 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with DlsabHRies Act, this material is available in altemative formats upon request Direct requests to the Extension Store at $00-876-8636.40rtnted on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA I EXTENSION MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MINNESOTA: EK, RONMENT + FOOD 4 AGRICULTURE + CCMMUNIT!ES + FAMILIES + `. OUTH DRIVEN TO DISCOVER... How can the Internet revitalize local businesses and rural communities? The Internet can bring new visitors, residents, workers and entrepreneurs to town. It can give new life to existing businesses by expanding markets. It can put your community on the map and create new connections in and among communities. When business, government, nonprofits and community residents take advantage of the possibilities the Internet offers, a town can compete or collaborate with anyone, anywhere. Residents can work together to unlock local opportunities, build new skills and markets, and create a more vibrant local economy. That's why Extension's Center for Community Vitality fosters e-marketing education as part of its community economics programs. By exploring the potential of the Internet, communities make things happen. WHAT WE OFFER: • Hands-on workshops in community settings that bring users together to learn - what others are doing online, what does and doesn't work, and how to get started. (Workshops are described on the backside of this flyer.) • Community -based programming that integrates information about e-marketing into research and education about retail development, tourism development, and business retention and expansion. Pre-recorded Webinars available on-line about some how-to technology basics. These can be downloaded at no cost at ;r.��v.es�cllstun.�tnri.c�lu; rctail!c-Inarkctin��'. COMMUNITIES CHOOSE EXTENSION FOR &MARKETING EDUCATION WHEN: • The community has access to high-speed broadband and wants to take better advantage of it. • Small businesses and local entrepreneurs want to strengthen their Internet presence and compete in the global and mobile marketplace. • Businesses and communities as a whole are thinldng strategically about how to use broadband and digital technologies. WHO HAS SPONSORED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAMS? • Economic development organizations • Internet service providers and local utilities • Government and community groups • The Blandin Foundation LEARN MORE: See program descriptions on the back side of this flyer. Program Resources FACE-TO-FACE WORKSHOPS Community -based three-hour workshops are arrauged with local sponsors to help businesses and community members look at Internet options, get hands-on experience, and discuss ideas and problems. eJ Using Social Media in Business Businesses are using social media to enhance traditional websites. These methods reach new and hard -to -reach audiences. This workshop helps groups explore social networking, examples of successful use, and benefits to businesses and communities. •-ioadside Advertising in a Digital World About 50 million people use GPS units. Even more use online maps on smart phones to find goods or services. These maps get people where they are going, and alert users to goods and services. Are you accurately represented on these maps? This workshop helps businesses and communities maximize their presence on these maps. 0 Mobile e-Marketing Mobile devices like smart phones and tablets now generate the bulk of Internet traffic. At this workshop, learn strategies that connect with the mobile crowd via mobile websites, apps, QR codes and digital coupons. ��• Getting High on Google How easy is your business to find on Google Search? This workshop helps groups learn straight -forward ways to get high on a Google search. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Extension's community economics programs help groups work proactively and work together to strengthen their local economy, considering how broadband and digital technologies are an imperative to healthy economic development. Read about these programs and more by visiting ww-iv.extension.umn.edu/comtnuniti . Business Retention and Expansion Programs help Iocal leaders build economic development plans based on careful examination of the needs of local businesses. • Retail Analysis and Development programs use research about the local economy and its customers to create local discussion about retaining and expanding retail businesses. Tourism Development Programs use research and education to help communities know and grow their tourism economy, and to maintain quality tourism experiences. ON-LINE WEBINARS WORKSHOPS Doing Business Online is an educational series available on-line to teach small business owners the basic tools that strengthen their online presence. The pre-recorded introductory webinaurs are available at ww,Nr'.extension.umn.edu/retail/e-marketin . Topics include: Mobile eMarketing — the Basics Getting Found on Maps • Facebook for Business Using Pinterest for Market Research m Getting High on Google THE EXTENSION CENTER FOR COMMUNITY VITALITY makes a difference by engaging Minnesotans to strengthen the social, civic, economic and technological capacity of their communities. To read more about the Center, visit: www.extension.umn.edu/community MW UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA I EXTENSION 0 2011 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is avallable in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to the Extension Store at 800-876-M6. ®Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postwnsumerwaste material. University of Minnesota Extension http://www.exterision.umn.edLd 612-624-1222 Retail Analysis and Development Doing Business Online — Webinar Series University of Minnesota Exdension is offering an updated series of online webinars to Go HIV maps i �.30 no teach managers, owners, and social media staff of small businesses and organizations about using online tools strategically to create an effective online presence. The registration fee of $40.00 allows you to attend as many live webinars as you like from the schedule below. The webinars will be recorded to view later if you miss a live session. Please register online at http://www.regonline.com/doingbusinesswebinars . Webinar Topics 1. Managing online reviews — Wednesday, Nov 6, 1lam —12pm Managing an online presence is now an essential business practice. This includes monitoring and responding to reviews posted on social media sites such as Yelp and Trip Advisor. Attend this webinar to learn about the impact of online reviews on consumers and businesses, and how to manage your reviews to enhance customer loyalty and attract new customers. 2. Mobile eMarketing — Wednesday, Nov. 20, 11am to 12pm Mobile devices like iPhones and Androids generate the bulk of internet traffic now. Attend this webinar to learn strategies for connecting with the mobile crowd with such tools as mobile websites, mobile apps, QR codes, and mobile payments. 3. Location based services —Wednesday, Dec.18, 11 am to 12pm From Google Maps to Yelp, people now rely on location based services to find goods and services. This webinar will look into the different ways people find places to go, and how to make your business a destination. 4. Social media for business -- Wednesday, Jan. 29, 11arn to 12pm Many who have Facebook business pages or a Twitter account struggle to make good use of them. In this session we will explore strategies and tactics small businesses are using to engage with customers using social media 5. etting high on Google (Basics of SEQ) — Wednesday, Feb. 26, 1lam to 12pm How easy is your business to find on the Google Search engine? Attend this workshop to learn some straight -forward ways to place higher on Google searches. 6. Using analytics to inform business decisions — Wednesday, March 26, 11 am to 12pm How marry small business owners and managers understand the data their website is collecting about their customers, This webinar will provide insights on what website analytic data is revealing, or concealing, and how to use this data to make better informed business decisions. Please Register at: http://www.regonfine.com/doingbusinesswebinars The website address / URL to attend the webinars will be provided after registration is completed. What others have to say about ourwebinars: "Wonderful series. Educational and extremely affordable. I really like the additional resources to help learn things more in-depth. The recordings and handouts made great references." "Great content... learned something new with each session!" "Well planned, concise and yet very informative presentations, making them an excellent use of my often stretched -too -thin time." "These classes were very useful and Adeel Ahmed is one of the best instructors I have had in many years. His online teaching skills are excellent --he not only develops great support materials, but has an engaging way of presenting that builds a strong personal rapport with the adult learners he is teaching." About the Instructor Adeel Ahmed has been teaching, writing, and researching about effective internet use for small business since beginning his career in Extension in 2006. Prior to that he was helping large businesses make effective use of the internet in a number of highly technical positions at Northwest Airlines, Koch Industries, and Emerson Process Management. his specialty is in crowd sourcing, and in location based services (e.g. getting found on Google Maps and Mapquest). You can find his work on hftp://blog.lib. umn. edu/vitalky/emarketing-guides/. For More Information Adeel Ahmed ahme0004@umn.edu 320-203-6109 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION . ' � I'` ♦ . Jam- ' � � SCANDIA Staff Report Date of Meeting: January 13, 2014 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Resolution to Designate Official Depositories Background: As stated in the EDA's bylaws and required by State Statute 469.099, every two years the EDA must name national or state banks as depositories for EDA funds. Issue: Which national or state banks should be names as official depositories of the EDA? Proposal Details: Included in your packet is resolution designating Security State Bank of Marine and Central Bank as official depositories for the EDA for 2014-2015. These two were suggested simply because the City has named both even though most funds are at Security State Bank. I'm not anticipating receiving any funds to deposit until the first payment of taxes in July/August. However, it may be easiest to track, if the EDA just plans to make the designation at the first meeting of every even numbered year. Similarly, the City is required to do so at the first meeting of each year. This also allows time to contact the bank and coordinate the required bond. Options: 1) Approve Resolution 01-13-14-01 2) Amend and then Approve Resolution 01-13-14-01 SCANDIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO.01-13-14-01 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR 2014-2015 WHEREAS, MN Stat. 469.099 requires that the Scandia Economic Development Authority designate depositories every two years for EDA monies; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SCANDIA, WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA, that it should and hereby does designate the following as official depositories for the Scandia Economic Development Authority for 2014-2015: Security State Bank of Marine Central Bank Adopted by the Scandia Economic Development Authority this 13th day of January, 2014. Sally Swanson, President ATTEST: Kristina Handt, Secretary SCANDIA Staff Report Date of Meeting: January 13, 2014 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Projects and Priorities Background: The EDA has been discussing a number of possible projects and tasks over the course of the last few months. A listing of those items is provided below. I attempted to group them in themes mainly related to the SEDA mission statement but also added a tourism category. Some issues may overlap in multiple categories. As we start 2014, the EDA may want to put together a work plan of items to focus on for the coming year. Issue: What should the EDA focus on in 2014? Proposal Details: Retaining and Growing Existing Businesses: ➢ Business Retention and Expansion Survey (BRE) ➢ Compiling a list of businesses in Scandia ➢ Market Area Study ➢ Internet Connectivity Recruit New Businesses: ➢ Ways to address Zoning and Infrastructure Challenges ➢ Promote growth in City Center ➢ Promote mixed use expansion along Hwy 97 ➢ List of businesses to recruit-i.e. office, tourism, etc ➢ Ways to address Zoning and Infrastructure Challenges ➢ Internet Connectivity ➢ Discussion with Developers Life -Cycle Housing: ➢ Senior Housing ➢ Workforce Housing ➢ Discussion with Developers Tourism/Beautification: ➢ Gateway Trail Expansion ➢ Cleaning up Lilleskogen area and signage ➢ Beautification program from Oakhill to Ozark ➢ Preserve America Program/plaques at historically significant locations Options: 1) Add or delete items from those proposed a. Each member vote on top three priorities. Then top 4-6 vote getters become focus for 2014. 2) Do not identify priorities Recommendation: Identify 4-6 items to focus on in 2014. Other items can remain in the long range plan for the EDA but would not necessarily be completed in 2014. Given that most people who responded to the website poll in August wanted the EDA to focus on retaining and growing existing businesses, the EDA may want to focus on items in that category. I � ' t 1 I SCANDIA Staff Report Date of Meeting: January 13, 2014 To: Economic Development Authority From: Kristina Handt, Executive Director Re: Director's Report On December 12" I attended the County Board Workshop where Springsted made a presentation on the research their doing in regards to economic development. An article appeared in the Star Tribune on December 28th summarizing some key points. The article is available online at hqp://www.startribuiie.com/local/east/23782850 l .html The next meeting of the work group comprised of county, city staff and other interested persons throughout the County is tentatively scheduled for January 16th. The Springsted report will be presented at a League of Local Governments meeting in late February. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) launched a new on-line database to promote commercial and industrial land, sites and buildings to companies and site selectors nationwide. I've signed the City up for the Location One Information System (LOIS) and will be participating in a webinar on January 14th. We will be able to add a link to this database on our website. The key to success will be identifying commercial/industrial property for sale or lease and keeping the database updated.