HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-24-02 MEMORANDUM
TO: Economic Development Commission
CC: Robert Erickson, City Administrator
Ann Flad, Economic Development Coordinator
FROM: David L. Olson, Community & Economic Development Director
DATE: September 20, 2002
RE: September Director's Report
The September 24th, 2002 Economic Development Commission has been cancelled. The
next regularly scheduled meeting will be October 22, 2002.
The following is the Director's Report for September that provides information on a number of
issues of interest to EDC members.
Manufacturing & Technology Week
Staff has begun planning for the ninth annual Manufacturer's and Technology Week in
Lakeville that will be held October 21-25, 2002. The Mayor will officially designate that week
as Manufacturing and Technology Week as a part of a state-wide initiative to recognize the
contributions of industrial businesses. This year's events will include a luncheon to be held
on Thursday, October 24t" at Progressive Rail in Airlake Industrial Park. The .keynote
speaker will be Dr. Ron Thomas, President of Dakota County Technical College who will
speak about training opportunities for manufacturing careers, including a Machining and
Tooling program the college offers. Progressive Rail will also give those in attendance a tour
through Airlake Industrial Park on one of their train engines! Businesses will receive a copy
of the Mayor's Proclamation and a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Ventura. Efforts
to inform the public about manufacturers in Lakeville will include atwo-page feature in the
ThisWeek Life & Times newspaper which will feature photos of several businesses, a copy of
the proclamation, and congratulatory adds from local businesses. Dakota. Electric will be
contributing $1,500 to fund Lakeville's Manufacturing and Technology Week activities.
E-Commerce Certification Presentation to DCEDP
The Dakota County Economic Development Partnership (DCEDP) held a seminar on
Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at Dakota County Technical College's Technology Center in
Eagan. The purpose of the seminar was to .encourage other cities in Dakota County to
pursue E-Commerce Certification as Lakeville has done. Brad Strelow of DCTC talked about
the importance of e-commerce in today's economy. Margaret Olsan of DTED explained the
E-Commerce Certification process, and Ann Flad highlighted Lakeville's reasons for pursuing
the Certification and gave city representatives tips on completing the application.
Approximately 40 people from cities and Chambers of Commerce from throughout the
County attended the seminar. Preliminary feedback from participants indicates the seminar
was helpful and informative.
Dakota County Technical College
I have been requested to participate in a Dakota County Technical College project called
"Designing the Future." The purpose of the Designing the Future Project will be to define
what the college intends to be in the future and determine how it will get there. This process
will provide strategic direction for the Dakota County Technical College into the year 2005.
This Strategic design and planning process will involve a variety of stakeholders both from
within the College and external community members. The first meeting to begin this process
will be held on September 26, 2002. Given the stated interest of President, Dr. Ron Thomas
to increase the presence of the Technical College in Lakeville, .participating in this strategic
planning process keep the City involved in these discussions.
Interchange Financing Study
A public informational meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at
5:00 p.m. at the Water .Treatment Facility at the Ipava and 185th Street to present the
Interchange Financing Study to property and business owners in the vicinity of the I-35 and
Co. Rd. 50 Interchange. Dave MacGillivray of Springsted will be present to provide an
overview of the Study. A copy of the invitation letter sent to property and business owners is
attached.
Advanced Wireless Communications and Ben Franklin Projects
Consistent with the recommendations of the EDC, the City Council recently approved the
most recent amendment to the Contract for Private Redevelopment with Coons Family LLC
for the Advanced Wireless Project. The closing on the sale of the property is scheduled for
Tuesday, September 24, 2002.
The City Council also approved the Grant Agreement with John and. Jerry Enggren for the
renovation of the facade of the Ben Franklin building. Work is scheduled to begin sometime
around October 1St with substantial completion by December 31St, 2002.