IDC & EDA Agenda 11-05-2008•
AGENDA
MONTICELLO INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
7:00 a.m., Bridge Room
IEDC Mission Statement:
To increase the taa base and the number of liveable wage-level jobs in Monticello by promoting
industrial and economic growth and working to maintain a desirable business environment.
MEMBERS: Chair Mike Benedetto, Vice Chair Bill Tapper, Dick Van Allen, Don Roberts, Dan
Olson, Bazb Schwientek, Lynne Dahl-Fleming, Don Tomann, Jim Johnson, Zona
Gutzwiller, Patrick Thompson, Rich Harris, Wayne Elam, and Marshall Smith.
1. Call to Order
2. Vote to approve the October 7, 2008 IEDC minutes
3. Reports:
a. City Update
b. Fiber Optic
c. Chamber
• 4. Economic Development Director Update:
a. General
b. Planning Commission
c. Marketing Committee
d. Higher Education Committee
e. Business Communication efforts
f. Related Newsletter/Articles
g. Next Meeting Schedule/Agenda
1. Meeting dates for joint EDA/IEDC meeting
2. Potluck breakfast in December?
5. Acceptance of Resignation from Chair Mike Benedetto
a. Discussion of officers for 2009
6. lEDC Planning Session Recap & Establishing of Objectives
a. IEDC Visioning Breakout Session (15 minutes)
i. Further define who serves on committees
7. Adjournment. (8:30am}
•
MINUTES
MONTICELLO INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, October 7, 2008 - 7:00 a.m.
Bridge Room, 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mike Benedetto, Vice Chair Bill Tapper, Secretary Lynne
Dahl- Fleming, Barb Schwientek, Rich Harris, Zona Gutzweiler,
Don Roberts, Wayne Elam.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dick VanAllen, Jim Johnson, Don Tomann, Patrick Thompson,
Marshall Smith, Dan Olson.
LIASONS PRESENT: City Council, Wayne Mayer; Chamber Director, Sandy Suchy
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director, Megan Barnett
City Administrator, Jeff O'Neill
IEDC MISSION: To increase the industrial tax base, to create jobs at livable wage
levels, and to maintain a favorable and desirable industrial
and economic environment in the City of Monticello
1.
2.
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Call to Order.
IEDC Chair Mike Benedetto called the meeting to order at 7:07 a.m. declaring a quorum.
Vote to approve the September 2, 2008 IEDC minutes.
BILL TAPPER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SEPT. 2, 2008 IEDC
MINUTES. SECONDED BY DON ROBERS, THE MINUTES WERE APPROVED.
Reports:
A. City Update
City Administrator, Jeff O'Neill reported that the City's Transportation Plan is currently
being updated. A public workshop related to the transportation study was held on
September 22. Topics reported on included the potential interchange locations for County
Road 39 West and Orchard Roadasnd the Riverstreet Closing Study. Another public
meeting as follow-up will be held in October. Comment was also made regarding an
additional river bridge crossing and although we realize this will be a long process
something needs to be started now. O'Neill reported that currently a committee has
formed with participants from the City of Monticello, Big Lake City and Big Lake
Township as a work group to discuss transportation issues as they relate to the area just
across the Mississippi River Bridge from Monticello at County Road 11. As this area
develops transportation issues will continue arise.
B. City Fiber Optics
City Council Member, Wayne Mayer stated that 3-1/2 years ago he came to the IDC for
their opinion on what they thought about the possibility of the city owning their own fiber
optic network in order to promote economic development and he was looking for
comment from the group today as well. He asked if they were still supportive of the
project even if there was a possibility of a second fiber optic network being built in
Monticello? Comments from the group included looking at all of the options, keeping
emotion out of the decision making process but to continue moving forward. The city
should continue to evaluate the financials of the project as it progresses. Lynne Dahl-
Fleming provided a short update on the current 11 mile fiber loop which the Council
voted to construct this year which would include data only (Internet) services to the
businesses and industrial areas of the city and would also connect the important
government and public buildings such as the public library, Community Center, fire
department, City Hall and Public Works. This fiber loop build out is anticipated to be
finished by the end of the year 2008.
C. Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Director, Sandy Suchy reported that the Business Expo was held on October 5 including
85 vendors and will be held again next year. The Annual Chamber Banquet is scheduled
for December 1St and a possible joint Chamber and IEDC Banquet is being considered for
early 2009.
D. Economic Development Director
Megan Barnett provided a report along with updates on her progress as the new
Economic Development Director for the City.
I-94 corridor expansion: On September 22 City Council was presented with a
resolution supporting I-94 corridor expansion funding which would include
lobbying for widening of the I-94 freeway area between Maple Grove and
Monticello. The Council denied the request 4-1 stating that at the current time
there was no money available to contribute.
EDA report: With approval of the hiring of a new Economic Development
Director, City Council requested aone-year probationary period with a clear
workplan put in place. A draft workplan has been developed by Barnett's
supervisors, Angela Schumann, Community Development Director and Jeff
O'Neill, City Administrator. Input from IEDC is welcome.
Monticello Marketing Committee: This group met on October 2 and
determined that its mission would be to focus on promoting industrial land in
the City of Monticello primarily location of the city-owned Monticello
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Business Park on Chelsea Road West. A larger effort to market Monticello as
a community is being explored as a cooperative effort between the city,
schools, hospital and other entities within Monticello as a joint effort. Pooling
finances and work efforts to accomplish an overall vision and theme for
promotion of our community as a whole will be explored separately from the
promotion of Monticello industrial land for sale. Director, Barnett will be
following up on this and providing a report back to the committee. A plan is in
place to interview 3-4 land development companies to discover what kind of
partnerships could exist for marketing industrial land. Companies that were to
be contacted are Nelson Builders, Pfeiffer Company, CB Richard Ellis, Welsh
and United Properties. The 8-month contract for the I-94 billboard will end in
December 2008. The message on the billboard will be changed in October to
promote the city's fiber optic network and economic development. The
current website www.MonticelloLand.com is in the process of being
integrated into the city's website located at www.ci.monticello.mn.us.
Advertising rates are being evaluated for the MN Real Estate Journal
publication for a possible print ad which will include an editorial piece.
Barnett is also working on a city brochure so she has a professional print piece
which can be distributed for the promotion of Monticello and its land.
Higher Education Committee: No report was provided as Barnett was unable
to attend the last meeting. Dahl-Fleming commented that this committee
originated out of the IEDC. The Higher Education Committee currently has
representation from IEDC with member Patrick Thompson.
IEDC Feedback: Director, Barnett asked members to provide her with any
comment they have regarding the distribution of monthly IEDC packets. She
was seeking feedback for whether or not members were receiving too much or
too little information from her. Because she is new in the position as Director
she would appreciate input. Members seemed to be satisfied with the packets
with no additional comment being made.
4. Other Business.
A. New Member Request: Charlotte Gabler contacted staff requesting to serve on the
IEDC. Gabler is currently serving on the City's Planning Commission. The IEDC
guidelines state that membership can include 16 to 18 members and currently there are 14
members. The group discussion included the obvious advantages of having a Planning
Commissioner serve on the IEDC as a touch point position.
MIKE BENEDETTO MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT GABLER'S REQUEST FOR
MEMBERSHIP. SECONDED BY LYNNE DAHL-FLEMING.
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B. Resignation notice for IEDC Chair osp ition: Mike Benedetto announced that he
had given some serious consideration to his position with the IEDC in relationship to how
he could be enjoying more time in his retirement years. He respectfully asked the
membership to accept his resignation effective December 30, 2008. He stated that he has
served on the IEDC for 8 years and now has a new grandchild located in Mexico City
which requires more family travel time. He also stated that he has been hanging on to his
Chair position for the last few months to get through the transition of Ollie's retirement
and the hiring of the new Economic Development Director, Megan and he was now ready
to resign. Benedetto said that Lynne Dahl-Fleming was willing to step up as Chair in his
absence during the year 2009 for which his term as chair would end. Bill Tapper is
currently the Vice-Chair but stated that he has no desire to ever serve as chairperson.
5. Break-out workgroups for IEDC sub-committees: Chair Benedetto asked for individual
members to commit to one of the established workgroups for future IEDC workplans. Members
committed to the following groups -
LAND/INFRASTRUCTURE: Don Roberts, Zona Gutzweiller, Marshall Smith.
TRANSPORTATION: Barb Schweintek, Bill Tapper, Rich Harris, Wayne Elam.
BUSINESS RETENTION/COMMUNICATIONS: Lynne Dahl-Fleming, Patrick
Thompson, Sandy Suchy.
Members not present today would be asked to commit to a specific group at a subsequent
meeting. To be determined was how often the sub-committees should meet and if the
meetings should occur as a part of the regular monthly IEDC meetings or outside of
IEDC. The discussion led to the conclusion that it would need to be a combination of
both on an as needed basis.
Questions were asked about the relationship between the Monticello Marketing
Committee, Higher Education and IEDC. It was noted that currently representation from
the IEDC exists on the Marketing Committee with members Chair, Mike Benedetto and
Lynne Dahl-Fleming. In addition, some of the Business Retention/Communications tasks
as asub-committee may also relate to marketing. Knowing what each committee is doing
will prevent duplication of efforts and allow for complimenting goals and objectives.
Wayne Elam expressed a desire to represent IEDC on the Higher Education Committee.
Bill Tapper asked if any additional information was available related to transportation
and the MnDot work being done on the I-94 bridge in Monticello which use to be the first
exit (located near Hawk's Bar & Grill) and is currently closed. Director Barnett said she
would follow up on this and provide a report at the next meeting.
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Business Newsletter: The task of communicating with the business and industrial
community was one of the tasks related to the Business Retention/Communications sub-
committee and Director Barnett requested direction on proceeding with this printed piece.
She offered to provide a sample newsletter as a mock-up at the next meeting so it could
be decided how best to finalize the content of the news piece and what contribution IEDC
would have in the efforts. This newsletter would include business related articles and
updates from the city as well as other departments such as EDA and/or Planning
Commission and rotating business spotlight features. The content would focus on
business and industry and would be different than the current city newsletter which is
primarily for residential readers. Barnett would like the first issue to appear in print
starting in January 2009 with issues produced every three months (quarterly).
The question was asked where the budget was coming from for this newsletter. It was
explained that there is both an Economic Development budget for promotional efforts
and a budget set aside by the EDA for marketing as well during 2009.
Annual Social and Networking Event for IEDC: Barnett initiated discussion regarding
whether or not IEDC was interested in having its own social and networking event each
year as a way to bring the business and industrial community together. This was another
task that fell under the sub-committee of Business Retention/Communications. Bill
Tapper provided a short history of how the original IDC use to function as a group and its
fundraising efforts of an annual banquet which was eventually turned over to the
Chamber of Commerce but kept the name as the Annual IDC Banquet. The question was
where does the current IEDC see this event going? Lynne Dahl-Fleming suggested there
would be value in the IEDC doing its own separate annual event making it different from
what the Chamber is currently doing. The purpose would be to provide an after hours or
evening event including a social hour followed by dinner with the goal of a more casual
atmosphere that would allow attendees to engage in conversation and networking
between the business community, industry, the city and elected officials. It was
determined that more discussion by the sub-committee would be needed to determine the
time of year for such an event and to finalize the details. A good time for this event to
occur may be during the first quarter of 2009. Director, Sandy Suchy asked whether or
not the IEDC wanted Chamber to continue with the Annual Industrial Banquet they have
been doing. Membership agreed that the Chamber should do whatever they see fit in the
area of annual banquets separate from what IEDC does. Each event will have its own
unique value to those interested in attending.
6. Adjournment.
DON ROBERTS MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. SECONDED
BY BILL TAPPER. THE IEDC MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:47 A.M.
Next IEDC meeting -Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Lynne Dahl-Fleming, IEDC Secretary
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•
IEDC 11.5.08
4. Economic Development Director Undates•
a. General:
1. I-94 Corridor: Mn/DOT plans on removing and reconstructing the twin bridges on
I-94 over CSAH 75 starting in July of 2009 and ending in the fall of 2010. The
EB bridge will be reconstructed in approximately its current location, while the
WB bridge will be shifted a little to the west. The new bridges will be designed to
accommodate a third Iane in each direction, and a deceleration lane will be
provided for the WB off-ramp to CSAH 18 so vehicles can decelerate before they
reach the off ramp. It is staffs understanding that access will be maintained at all
times to CSAH 75, and that the old ramps will be reopened to provide this access
during a good portion of the construction.
2. River Street Closing: On October 13dz the Monticello City Council directed staff to
work with Mn/DOT to institute a new 60-day access closure pilot project at TH 25
and River Street. See the attached drawing, The intent of this revised project is to
increase accessibility to businesses west of TH 25 by allowing aright-in /right-out
at West River Street, as well as a left-in to West River Street from IVB TH 25.
Access to /from East River Street at TH 25 will remain closed in all directions.
Mn/DOT has granted the City approval to complete this work and it is anticipated
that these revisions will be put into effect on the morning of Monday, October 27,
2008. It should be noted that one revision was made to the attached drawing, that
being the replacement of the portable concrete barrier across the River Street
intersection with orange plastic barrels. During this project the City will again
gather traffic data for the purpose of evaluating the effects on traffic. Then soon
after the end of the pilot project on December 27, 2008, the City Council will once
again review the effects of the closure and determine if the intersection should
remain as is, be returned to a full-access signalized intersection, or if another pilot
project is warranted.
3. International Motorsports Entertainment Development Co (IMEDC}:
Representatives from the IMEDC contacted staff in an effort to present general
information related to the potential location of a motorsports track in close
proximity to Monticello.
1MEDC is proposing to locate the matorsports track along 172nd Lane between
County Road 14 and Highway 10 in Big Lake. The IMEDC also identified a
second location, in Monticello, in the event the Big Lake site is determined not to
be a viable option. A public meeting was held in Big Lake the week of October 20,
2008. A general power point presentation was given, See Attachment to those in
attendance. The City Council did not take any action, the basis of the meeting was
to hopefull enerate su ort and ravide eneral information with details to
Y g pp p g
follow.
4. EDA: Subsequent, to the October 8, 2008 Business Subsidy Criteria public
hearing, it came to staff s attention the revised TIF and GMEF documents included
in the EDA packet did not accurately reflect discussion and action taken by the
EDA. Staff is working with the EDA to revise the documents. The EDA will hold
another public hearing at their November 12, 2008 meeting.
b. Planning Commission: The Planning Commission will be reviewing revisions to the
City's sign ordinance at their November meeting. They will also be reviewing a request to
approve a Conditional Use Permit to allow an Auto Repair with outdoor storage in the I-2
district (heavy industrial district}.
c. Marketing Committee:
1. The Center for Community Stewardship (CCS) is a consulting organization that
helps empower community leaders through a longer term collective visioning
process. They focus on helping communities identify, grow, and support strong
leaders. The desire to obtain proposals from the CCS derived from the Higher Ed
and the Chamber in an attempt to work on a City wide process to help Monticello
tie together the many different committees, leaders, residents, business community
and determine a collaborative mission statement. Representatives from committees
including, Higher Ed, Chamber, and Marketing, along with City staff meet to
discuss the proposals. The group in attendance discussed the importance of
bringing all groups and leadet+s within the community together to establish a
cohesive mission and direction for Monticello. The results could help marketing
efforts for the hospital, schools, business community, and the City. The group
requested a meeting with Dave Hengel from the CCS along with references. The
cost is approximately $35,000 to complete a year Long community building
process. It should be noted, a couple options may be available to assist in raising
funds. As an example, the City could obtain community grants and obtain local
business contribution.
2. The marketing committee is meeting on Thursday, October 30, 2008. A verbal
report will be provided at the meeting.
d. Higher Education Committee: Economic Director Barnett and Ollie meet with Anoka
Ramsey Community College (ARCC} on Tuesday, Oetaber 28, 2008. Productive
discussion ensued regarding future action and steps to be taken by the Higher Education
Committee. Staff is in the process of contacting the Dean of Business, Barry Kirchoff, at
St. Cloud State to discuss the possibility of a student completing a needs assessment of the
community. Upon obtaining information from Mr. Kirchoff, both options (ARCC pilot
project or college student research project) will be presented to t he Committee for further
recommendation.
The main message that resulted from the meeting with ARCC is that the establishment of
a Higher Education Center will need to be put on a faster track in order to be successful.
•
Several communities ancUor private investors are establishing these centers which will
result in more competition and in the near future Higher Education Facilities will be
regulated by the State.
The Higher Education Committee will be presenting its mission and vision and goals to
the City Council in either November or December.
e. Business Communications:
1. IEDC/Chamber luncheon: Director Barnett and Sandy Suchy discussed an
appropriate time to hold an IEDC/Chamber luncheon. The idea was to dedicate a
month in late winter or early Spring. The event would include allowing businesses
to set up booths and City staff could provide a quick update on the "happenings" in
the City. City Staff the Chamber Director Suchy will continue to pin point an exact
month for this event to occur.
2. IEDC/EDA Event: Discussions will need to continue to regarding hosting a joint
IEDC/EDA annual event for the local business and community leaders. Staff is
proposing sometime in early fall of 2009. Further discussion to ensue in the future.
•
3. Business Newsletter: Attached is a very draft copy of the first quarterly business
newsletter. Staff is still looking for a name to the newsletter! The target date for
distribution is early January. Staff is requesting a volunteer from the IEDC assist
in writing an article for the IEDC section.
f. Related newsletters/articles: None are included.
g. Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 2, 2008.
N~ould anybody be interested in a botduck breakfast?
Dates for a joint IEDGEDA meeting
_. _
OTHER EVENTS
Motorsports related events:
x Car/bike shows
x Monster truck events
x Auctions
X Driving schools and race ex erience
p
services
x Automotive consumer drivin events
xG g
overnment and. prrvate sector testing
x Year-round race use
x Motorsports manufacturers dealer
shows
. _.., ... <, F z_:: ia`~., ~ _ _.~. ;.:ate... _..` .. i~"~ s Y . •-•<~.._ ~. _^.«.. . _ . . "`. ,
OTHER EVENTS
Non-motorsports related events:
x Outdoor concerts
x Corporate and private indoor/outdoor
facilities
~ Trade shows
x Outdoor equipment shows
x Other non-racing sporting events
~ Weddings
ovERVrEw
Years of Groundwork. and Research
Xy Secured 400 acres close to the Twin Cities-{Big Lake)
• Qevelopment'.for speedway as well as commercial sites
• City of Big _Lake.and the State of'Minnesota are very
supportive
x Throughresearch wediscovered:
• An underserved motorsporfsmarket
:~acility~ will.:;be= fully sustained= by~~existng ~ race market
• Facility will.capitalize.on need for oufdoor~~facilit for
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.non-motorsports~ events
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:~ ,.F e.-r _ :,,H` ~~-a~~.r f~a TC x - x > ~ .__`.J+! ~k >`~''~31~dr~ov:..... _ .
RACWG AT ALL LEVELS
Accomm+~date Top Tier Motorsports Venues
Nations! racing.,;sanctioning: bodies-:~and~opportunities:
,.
•
IEDC 11.05.08
•
5. Acceptance of Resignation from Chair Mike Benedetto•
Reference and Background:
Chairperson Mike Benedetto announced his resignation, effective December 31, 2008, to
the IEDC at the October 7, 2008 meeting. Relation letter is attached Mr. Benedetto
served many years on the IEDC committee and will be greatly missed.
Membership size will remain within the established requirements.
The organizational resolution for the IEDC states appointment of officers shall be elected
every year. Due to the recent resignation of Mr. Benedetto, it seems appropriate to elect
officers for 2009. It should be noted that Secretary Lynne Dahl-Fleming stated she would
be willing to serve as the 2009 IEDC Chair.
Alternate Actions:
1.
2.
3.
Motion to elect:
Motion to elect:
Motion to elect:
to serve as the 2009 Chair.
to serve as the 2009 Vice-Chair.
to serve as the 2009 Secretary.
•
•
October 15, 2008
To: IEDC Membership and the City of Monticello
I respectfully submit my resignation as a member of the Industrial and Economic
Development Committee effective December 31, 2008.
The time has come whereby 1 must conclude that there are other paths to follow
concerning family and leisure time availability in ones life. These pursuits will certainly
. conflict with my ability to be a contributing and quality member of the IEDC. Thus my
need to resign.
It is my opinion that the current IEDC is and will continue to be a strong advocate for
industrial and economic growth in Monticello. The instrumental leadership provided by
Ollie Koropchak and the new director Megan Barnett will ensure the continued viability
of the committee.
I would ldce to thank the City of Monticello staff, Jeff Oneill and Angela Schumann for
their expertise and input at our meetings, as well as Wayne Mayer and Mayor Clint
Herbst for their attendance and availability to our membership.
Thank you to the members of the committee for your time and continued commitment to
abetter Monticello.
Respectfully,
~/~,~
Mike Benedetto
•
IEDC 11.5.08
6. Break out Working Grouus:
The IEDC held a strategic planning workshop at their September 2008 meeting. The
workshop generated many valuable ideas and potential future IEDC work plan objectives. The
committee will be breaking into visioning sessions to continue to refine issues, challenges,
and objectives. Below are the results of the work session and additional staff comment and
input.
Tr$nsportation:
Staff Comment:
The City Council held a Transportation Workshop on September 22, 2008. The Council
received a lot of good input from the business community regarding the closing of River
Street and a future interchange along County Road 39. A draft copy of the Transportation
Plan is anticipated to be reviewed by the City Council in October. The IEDC will be notified
of that date when set,
IEDC Input
Third Interchange for City of Monticello.
-Provide input to staff and City Council for development of interchange
and its location. An interchange needs to be completed to enhance the
Monticello business community as an interchange is a key driver for
a business location, especially for manufacturing and industry.
• Key transportation routes in the City of Monticello.
It was noted that the City ofMonticedlo is completing its Transportation Study.
The city's plan will be presented at a meeting scheduled for September 22 (S p.m.)
-Second Mississippi River crossing needs to be looked at. Local
jurisdiction will most likely have to initiate this effort and take it
to the next level. Consideration of a way to jointly fund transportation
issues on a more regional level especially since once you cross the
Mississippi River form Monticello City Limits you enter into Big Lake
Township, Becker Township and the City of Big Lake. Perhaps they
should be included in the planning. Currently there is a joint
transportation group that the City of Monticello participates in along
with Big Lake. How can IEDC have input with this? A Capital
Improvement Fund could also be developed by the city for funding
fixture transportation needs in order to establish a community
commitment towards these efforts.
-Take into consideration that Big Lake will soon have train transport
along Highway 10 via the Northstar Commuter Rail. How do we take
advantage of this and facilitate bus/van transport if needed between
Monticello and Big Lake.
. -The Chamber is passing resolution to work with a group of other
Chambers and communities to support expansion of 8 to l O lanes
along I-94 including areas between Maple Grove and Monticello. How
• can the city and IEDC take advantage of this ie. bus/van from
Monticello to Maple Grove?) (
-Market the fact that our community has the advantage of being located
within driving distance to the St. Cloud Airport.
- What is the timeframe for completion of access for Seventh Street?
This route needs consideration as it is becoming a major route within the city because of Interchange
developments.
Land Use:
Staff Comment:
Staff is in the process of researching growing business industries within MN and surrounding
areas. According to DEED (MN Department of Employment and Economic Development),
pockets of growth in MN are still occurring "Medical device manufacturing, Education and
Health Care, and Financial Activities." Another industry to track is the manufacturing of
technology components.
IEDC Input:
Identify industrial land available within the city limits currently and
provide input and planning ideas for what will be needed in the future.
-Identify what types of business are suitable to these areas and will
provide livable wage jobs in Monticello. Evaluation to include
business that is a compliment to industrial (ie. conference center,
• higher end hotels and dining experiences, etc.)
-Determine if the city should purchase additional land for its own
development and/or designate additional areas for industrial zoned
land which could be purchased by developers.
• Define how infrastructure relates to land use
-Identify what types of infrastructure are necessary for successful
economic growth and development (ie. fiber optics, roads, sewer,
water, etc.) and identify funding for infrastructure. Evaluate the
possibility of a joint infrastructure plan on a more regional Level
(ie. sharing wastewater treatment plant or transportation costs.)
Business Retention:
Staff Comment:
The initiation of a "business newsletter" seems to have full support by the IEDC. Staff would
Like to establish a target date of January 1, 2009 for the first newsletter to be published. Due to
budget and staff constraints, it would seem most effective and efficient to have one business
newsletter that incorporates IEDC, EDA, City Council, and staff sections. This will also
provide a cohesive message to the business community.
As a starting point the newsletter could be published every three months. It would be staff s
hope to obtain business emails during the early part of 2009. In the event additional news or
information was desired to be distributed to the business community, it could be emailed
instead of publishing a full newsletter prior to a 2-3 month schedule. It should be mentioned,
that all business publications will be posted on the website.
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•
In order to begin drafting the first newsletter a few pieces of information will need to be
discussed and established:
1. Establishing a name for the news letter (please email me your ideas and I will
tabulate them for the meeting me an.barnett ci.monticello.mn.us }
2. VVho should be the first Business Spotlight? Creating a list of both industrial and
conunercial businesses would be productive. Rotating between an industrial and
conunercial {retail) vendor would allow great diversity and awareness of Monticello's
business community. Site visit events would be part of the business spotlight.
3. Determine an IEDC member to assist in writing the first article for the IEDC section.
4. As part of the newsletter, a business survey could be developed. It is also important to
note that the City's Website could be utilized for this type of transaction and
communication.
Networking Event:
Staff would like to propose establishing an IEDC/EDA annual business networking meeting
event. The idea would be to invite all businesses for an evening of networking and "special
event." A few examples could be a wine/food~ tasting event, silent auction, motivational
speaker, entertaining speaker, etc. In an attempt to separate this event from other organization
events (i.e. golf tournaments, chamber year end banquet, etc.), Staff would propose hosting
• the annual event in early Spring (March, April, May).
Staff would also like to discuss establishing one or two breakfast "City Update" events
throughout the year. The idea of these events would be to invite the whole business
community to a breakfast where they could be updated on various projects and initiatives the
IEDC/EDA & City Council are undertaking. Another idea would be to work in conjunction
with the Chamber of Commerce for one of the "City Update" events. The entire business
community would be invited to a Chamber Lucheon, where the speakers would provide an
update on what is happening in the City. Since the Chamber Lucheon's require a fee to be
paid, it would see appropriate to also offer a free breakfast networking/update experience
hosted by the IEDC/EDA.
IEDC Input:
Identify issues as well as the positives within the business community.
Stay in touch with the business community
-Newsletter from IEDC sent by direct mail to business community
-Business survey with questions developed by IEDC with input firm
City Staff. Survey interviews done face-to-face by non-staff and in
written form with opportunity for anonymity by businesses to allow
freedom to express honest viewpoints. The objective would be to
obtain information from the business community that reflected both
strengths and weaknesses so both could be addressed. The survey
would initially be done first with the manufacturers and industrial
businesses since this is the primary focus of IEDC.
-Personal visits to manufacturing and industrial businesses on a
3
regular basis as a means to stay connected in this order: new
• companies recently located in the community, growing companies and
those who have recently acquired new neighbors.
• Networking event in the form of an annual banquet for socializing
-Evening event with main speaker yet ample time for social hour
and sit-down meal that encourages socializing before and after.
- Event could be a joint planning effort with Chamber but should be
focused on the manufacturing and industrial business segments.
Marketing & Communication:
Staff Continent:
In these econornicalIy challenging times, it will be most important to be budget conscious and
cohesive while marketing Monticello/City owned land. Joint marketing ads and publication
pieces and use of website will continue to be key in marketing efforts. Staff is in the process
of further updating the City's website to be more user friendly to both the existing and future
business community.
Staff participated in a very preliminary discussion regarding initiating a City wide Monticello
identity exercise. The Center for Community Stewardship is a group that helps communities
"jump-start the success of a community by empowering its most powerful asset - i#s leaders."
The idea is this group will help stream line the visioning process to ultimately determine a
common identity message about Monticello.
IEDC Input:
Create an understanding and awareness of IEDC.
-Newsletter developed by IEDC with articles written by IEDC members
and spotlighting various manufacturing and industrial businesses in the
community. Make the business community aware of the IEDC Action
Statement, our Mission along with the results and progress of our subcommittee
work in the areas of. Business Retention, Land Use and
Transportation as they are all interrelated with marketing and
communications.
- Evening social event to encourage business fellowship.
-Provide input, ideas and recommendation to the Monticello Marketing
Committee for development of a strategy for marketing Monticello to
the type of business we wish to attract {especially in the area of
manufacturing and industrial related businesses) by defining what
attributed we have as a community and what type of business we want
to bring to the city. The Monticello Marketing Committee may decide
to include a more comprehensive view of promoting Monticello to
include not only input from the city side but also from Chamber,
schools, hospital district and maj or utilities like Xcel as more of a
group effort. Depending on the funds available, this effort may include
hiring an outside commercial firm for assistance with a strategy and
development of a plan to market Monticello as a whole.
Recommendation:
Staff would like to obtain input and preliminary decisions regarding the business newsletter.
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