Laserfiche WebLink
Economic Development Advisory Committee <br />May 6, 2021 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br /> <br />APPROVED MINUTES <br />Mr. Vojtech mentioned several developments along the 35E corridor that will hopefully <br />lead to future development of that area. <br /> <br />Mr. Cravero commented that he thinks the City hasn’t been as successful at attracting <br />new business especially those in the tech industry. <br /> <br />Chair Schueller commented that some of these projects haven’t been completed yet and <br />therefore once they are established will hopefully lead to more development. <br /> <br />Mr. Gromberg concurred and then asked the board what strategies the board would like <br />to implement for attracting and expanding existing businesses. <br /> <br />Chair Schueller stated that prior to the pandemic the board did a couple of business <br />retention and expansion visits. He commented that he thought the board would still be <br />interested in doing that. He suggested targeting a certain number of businesses to visit a <br />year. <br /> <br />Mr. Cravero commented that by talking directly with the businesses we learn better <br />what they want and need. He added that he liked the idea of engaging with the business <br />community directly. Mr. Cravero also mentioned that the City should consider working <br />with the local schools to offer job skill trainings to employees and then connect them <br />with local businesses. <br /> <br />Mr. Grochala stated that the City is connected with Anoka County’s CareerForce that <br />focuses on career development and talent matching. They are also connected with the <br />local technical colleges providing specific training for business needs. This is a <br />program that the City is interested in trying to grow. <br /> <br />Mr. Gromberg suggested inviting the job skills training program staff and some <br />business owners to an EDAC meeting to discuss some of the services they provide. <br /> <br />Mr. Vojtech asked Mr. Grochala about any City programs that assist businesses and <br />whether or not that is still an option. <br /> <br />Mr. Grochala stated that the City offers a business assistance program called Open to <br />Business through Anoka County that is ongoing. <br /> <br />Mr. Vojtech commented that this is another great resource to be able to offer <br />businesses. <br /> <br />Mr. Cravero also suggested that the City reach out to the Metropolitan Economic <br />Development Association as another resource to offer to business owners. <br /> <br />Mr. Gromberg agreed. He then asked the board how Lino Lakes can do a better job of <br />marketing itself.