07-26-2006 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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515 Little Canada Road, Little Canada, MN 55117 -1600 1651) 766 -4029 / FAX: (651) 766 -4048 www.ci.little-canada.mn.us MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Blesener & Members of the City Council FROM: Joel Hanson, City Administrator DATE: July 21, 2006 RE: Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce Membership MAYOR Bill Blesener COUNCIL Jim LaValle Rick Montour Barbara Allan John Keis ADMINISTRATOR Joel R. Hanson As you may recall, we discontinued membership in the Local Chamber of Commerce during the 2003/2004 budget crisis. Many other suburban cities make similar cuts. We have not rejoined that group (St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce). In 2005, Mr. Gaylord Johnson of the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce approached us. This is a new chamber that is geared towards the cities in the north suburban area. Membership dues were quoted at $500. This past week, Mr. Johnson stopped by the office and indicated that local businesses have been joining their group. He also stated that dues for cities have been reduced to $235 per year. Arden Hills and Shoreview have already joined. It also sounds like other area communities may as well. I happened to be at a meeting with Terry Schwerm of Shoreview. He indicated they have been very satisfied with their membership. He noted that they received a donation for the Slice of Shoreview event virtually equal to the amount they paid in dues. (Mr Johnson said contributions to Local festivals are reasonable to expect, but not guaranteed.) Another benefit Shoreview felt it receives is that TCNCC handles ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies thereby allowing the City to attend versus organize. I am attaching some of the promotional material for your review and consideration. If you feel we should be more active in this arena, then I would recommend we seek membership. If you feel things are going ok as is, then I would recommend we save the $235.