HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-07-93 Joint EDC/Chamber Board MEETING NOTES
JOINT MEETING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION /CHAMBER BOARD
DECEMBER 7, 1993
In attendance: EDC members Dale Detjen, Jerry Erickson, Barry Pogatchnik, Bob
Brantly, Jim Morrow, Bob Vogel, Jack Matasosky, Gary Tushie, Joan Krejci, Jim
Emond.
Robert Erickson, City Administrator; Michael Sobota, Community and Economic
Development Director.
Cindi Johnson, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce; Mike Watters, Pat
Carlberg, Bob Johnson, Patti McDonald.
Economic Development Commission Chair Tushie opened the meeting stating that the
joint meeting was to open dialogue between the EDC and Chamber Board and he hoped
for a strengthened relationship.
Jerry Erickson ppresented the mission statement of the Economic Development
Commission. He indicated that the EDC was becoming more pro-active and the newly
developed mission statement led to the development of strategies for Economic
Development. Mr. Tushie asked Chamber representatives to present their mission
statement. Mr. Watters indicated the Chamber was not formally prepared to present
their strategies and indicated the Chamber's interest in business development and
• representing their members. Jerry Erickson indicated there are areas where the
Chamber and the EDC should be able to work together.
Next, Mr. Tushie called on Bob Vogel to present the strategies drafted by the
Economic Development Commission. He indicated that the EDC had been working on a
strategic plan and would be developing specific work tasks for each of the
strategies. Mr. Vogel noted that the first strategy is in regard to communication
and interaction. The Chamber members indicated that the Chamber Governmental
Affairs Committee could be a structure for the rapport between business and
government. It was noted that at least one member of the EDC currently must be a
Chamber Board member. However, all agreed that better communications between the
EDC and the business community is important.
The next strategy presented was business retention and enhancement. Patti McDonald
noted that existing businesses need to be stroked. Mr. Sobota noted that there is a
natural tension between City programs for new businesses and the expansion of
existing businesses that may have to compete with the in place businesses. This
tension needs to be recognized by parties involved. Ms. McDonald noted that perhaps
some kind of survey of satisfaction for City services could be developed as an
indicator for current business satisfaction with City services.
The next strategy presented was retail/commercial. There was discussion about the
realistic target for Lakeville given the shadow of the Burnsville Center and Mall of
America.
• The next strategy discussed was commercial/industrial. Mr. Matasosky noted that
Chamber members maybe able to identify prospects for locating new businesses from
supplier or customer networks. The group discussed the need that labor force must
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• MEETING NOTES
JOINT MEETING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION /CHAMBER BOARD
PAGE TWO
be available for any industry expansion or location. There was discussion regarding
the need For affordable housing for employees versus affordable
transportation/public transportation to bring employees to Airlake Park. Robert
Erickson discussed the possibility of a reverse commute fast bus program that is
being discussed currently.
Mr. Vogel next presented transportation and infrastructure strategies and marketing
plan strategies. There was general agreement that marketing plans should drive the
other activities in the strategic plan. Mr. Watters indicated that the Chamber
needs to know where they fit in to the process. Mr. Tushie indicated that the EDC
will solicit the help of the Chamber on specific work activities when they are
refined. Mr. Watters indicated that it is important for the EDC to show the Council
and the public that the EDC has standing in the community and apro-active program
of work. He also indicated that the Chamber will be supportive of projects that fit
into the Chambers mission. Joan Krejci in response to discussion stated it was her
opinion that the Chamber should identify specific services being provided to
members' businesses. Mr. Tushie indicated that the EDC would be identifying
particular members of the EDC to "chair" each of the strategies.
Mr. Tushie thanked the members of the Chamber Board for attending and for their
• frank discussion. All agreed it was a good start for opening communications between
the EDC and the Chamber Board.
Respectively submitted:
-
ichael obota, Recor rng Secretary
•