06/07/2018 EDAC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM 3A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director EDAC MEETING DATE: June 7, 2018 REQUEST: Anoka County Economic Development Initiative Background In December of 2017 Anoka County, in partnership with Connexus Energy and the North Metro Chamber of Commerce, completed the "Economic Development Business Recruitment Roadmap". The study was prepared by Ady Advantage, a national economic development and site selection consultant. The study included a broad range of research and survey information across Anoka County leading to compilation of a county wide action plan. The EDAC reviewed the Executive Summary in February of 2018. The overall purpose of the project is to provide a cohesive, unified economic development strategy within Anoka County. As a result of the project, three areas of focus and goals were identified to be achieved: • Marketing and Differentiation: Address and work to change the perception of Anoka County, among stakeholders, partners, developers, and potential talent, etc. • Readiness: Ensure Anoka County is ready for development from both a talent and product (sites and buildings) perspective, etc. • Alignment/Regionalism: Clearly define roles within the county, as well as with regional partners, as it relates to marketing, incentives, business retention, and expansion, etc. Based on the recommendations of the plan a steering committee, executive team and subgroups, (comprised of representatives from cities, Anoka County, and Metro North Chamber and Connexus) have been created to implement the plan. Ady Advantage has been retained to assist with the Marketing and Differentiation component of the project. The objectives of this phase are to: Create a county -wide economic development brand/logo Create regional and target industries profiles Create/develop an economic development website Funding for the project is proposed to be shared by cities and partner organizations. Lino Lakes share is approximately $1,200. Staff s perspective is that the program is an opportunity to draw upon a larger resource for economic development assistance. Any marketing efforts that increase visibility of Anoka County to prospective businesses aids our local efforts and increases our opportunities.