9.d Scandia EDA Business visitation and survey programSCANDIA
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: July 16, 2019
To: Scandia City Council
From: Brenda Eklund, Deputy Clerk
Re: EDA Business Visitation and Survey Program
Background: At its July 8th meeting, the EDA discussed beginning an outreach program to local
businesses. Each EDA member selected one Scandia business to visit within the next month
and will collect survey information using the attached short questionnaire as suggested by Chris
Eng, Economic Development Director for the Washington County Community Development
Agency. Chris described the purpose of the program as:
1. To demonstrate support and appreciation for existing businesses (an opportunity
to connect the city with the businesses),
2. To identify and potentially assist in addressing any immediate business
opportunities or concerns (identify any red flag warnings),
3. To establish and implement future EDA work plan action steps (identify priority
projects), and
4. Identify potential opportunities for new businesses that can complement the
existing businesses in the city (vendors, suppliers and customers).
The survey results would be summarized at future EDA -hosted business breakfast meetings.
The EDA Board thought it would be a good idea to invite Council members to participate in the
informal visits and possible tours, either on their own or with an EDA Board member.
The EDA Board has selected their initial visits with the Scandia Mercantile and Cafe, The Scandia
Creamery, Scandia Auto, Big Marine Lake Store, Meister's Bar & Grill, and Abrahamson's
Nursery.
If a Council member would like to participate, please contact staff to make arrangements with
the EDA Board members.
Scandia EDA Business Visit Survey
1. Please tell us about your primary products and/or services?
2. How many employees currently work at this location? FT PT
3. Do you see any changes to your business in the next three years?
4. Are you currently experiencing any challenges with? (circle all that apply)
a. Attracting or retaining talent
b. Employee education or training
c. Transportation for products
d. Transportation for employees
e. Housing for employees
f. Financing
g. Municipal utilities, code enforcement or other regulation
h. Private utilities (electric, gas, highspeed broadband)
i. Other
5. Are there any customers, vendors, service providers or suppliers the city may
want to consider visiting with about possibly relocating to Scandia that could
compliment your business?
6. Is there anything the City or EDA can do to help your business grow and expand?
7. Are there any priorities you would like to help identify for the City of Scandia or
the Scandia EDA to consider as strategic planning action steps?