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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-88 CITY OF LAKEVILLE • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 24, 1988 The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall conference room. Members present were Meledandri, Emond, Halbach, Macklin, Leslie and Erickson. Mr. Robinette, Community Development Director handed out business cards for the commissioners. 88.09 Motion was made by Emond, seconded by Meledandri to approve the minutes of the April 26, 1988 meeting. Passed unanimously. It was noted that there was an error in the invitation that was sent to Mr. Sorenson in that the meeting date had been shown as May 26 instead of May 24. Mr. Meledandri and Mr. Emond had both recently talked to Mr. Sorenson and the Commission will hold a meeting on May 26 specifically to talk to him. The Commission discussed various ways to increase business in the industrial park and decided that Steve Hoyt, President of the National Association of Office and Industrial Park Developers . would be invited to the June 28th meeting. Mr. Meledandri will contact Mr. Hoyt. A short discussion of development in the 35- 70 area was held. Mr. Robinette informed the Commission that a building permit has been issued for the small shopping and convenience center to be built in conjunction with the McStop Center. The Commission held a discussion of formulating a solid business retention program so as to encourage expansion. The Jackson's have recently purchased the Lakeville Lodge, formerly the La Corte Inn. The Commission felt they should certainly have a formal introduction and show their desire to aid this enterprise in any way possible. It was noted that Mr. Meledandri can offer overflow business. Mr. Emond will contact them and extend an invitation to the next meeting. The Commission noted that they would like a copy of the recently completed citizen's survey. Mr. Robinette indicated that he would furnish them with a copy. The Commission discussed the need to pin point the desires of the community as to the specific type of industrial or commercial development it desires. It was noted that although we are a Star City and slot of data is available, it appears there is a need for a guide book that would bring financial data, growth data, • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 24, 1988 • profile data, etc, into one book which would be available for Commissioners to have at their disposal. Mr. Robinette will work on that. The Commission discussed networking as a way to get leads and to meet people who are moving, expanding or creating businesses. It was indicated that many times in the business world, accountants and/or attorneys know of people who are involved in expanding or creating a business and contacting as many of them as possible, showing what is available, would help the community marketing effort. The Commission will pursue these contacts on an individ- ual basis. It was further noted that these types of firms should certainly be invited to the commercial tour to be held in September and that item will be implemented into the planning of the tour. The Commission recognizes that success breads success and there is a further relationship between core businesses and their suppliers. This goes hack to a solid business reten- tion program and being able to expand. The Commission also recognizes that from an industrial aspect, the focus certainly should be on Airlake and their existing businesses. The Commission discussed the current problem with the empty Shaffer building and the image problems that develop when buildings are left empty for extended periods of time. . Commissioners will attempt to contact the current owner of the building to show interest in procurring a permanent tennant and possibly helping with any problems. The Commission will also make an effort to find out what land and/or buildings are specifically available in Airlake Industrial Park. The Commission will meet at a special meeting at 7:00 p.m. on May 26 to discuss the current status of Airlake Industrial Park and marketing plans for the area with Mr. Jim Sorenson. 88.10 Motion was made by Emond, seconded by Meledandri to adjourn the meeting. Passed unanimously. Time: 8:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted: James A. Robinette, Community Development Director • 2