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EDC Minutes March 21, 2003 Page 3 brings the average down. The “Growth Engine” insert that went into the Twin Cities Business Monthly has been received well. Each community member of the I-35W Corridor Coalition had two pages of narrative (inc. photographs). Backman had more editorially impact over the Mounds View section, entitled “A New View”. The insert was published at no cost to City due to corporate sponsors. 5. Renaissance Exteriors—Expansion Activities: The last week of February, Councilmember Gunn alerted me to the potential of Renaissance Exteriors moving out of Mounds View due to a need for more space. On February 25th Backman spoke with Jeff Pattison, its COO, to discuss the company’s need for more office and warehouse space. Founded in 2000, the home improvement company (windows, siding, doors & sunrooms) has expanded quickly. Last year sales reached $4.5 million. Currently it operates out of 4,000 sq. ft. (two bays) in Silver View Plaza. Ideally they would like to have 10,000 sq. ft. of space. On March 3rd Backman showed Pattison several potential locations in Mounds View. He particularly showed interest in the Hwy 10 Business Center facility. John Kopas felt that such a business would be a good fit next to his carpet business. Later in the month Rob Carlson Builders provided Renaissance with a lease proposal. 6. Pam’s Furniture—Prospect Activities: For the past 15 years Pam’s Furniture has been operating in Spring Lake Park. The business also operates in a building near Northtown Shopping Center. In early March Backman was informed by Paster Enterprises that this furniture business needed warehouse space. On March 6th he met with Pam Soebbing, President of Pam’s Furniture, to discuss her business and space needs, etc. She felt that recent road changes (i.e. new service road) negatively impacted her business. She collaborates a lot with Jerry’s Floor Store, a floor covering business in SLP. Backman discussed options and later Ms. Soebbing met with John Kopas regarding the Hwy 10 Business Center space. Kopas expressed his view that Pam’s would be another good fit next to his business. 7. Developer Activities—Long Lake & Hwy 10 Medical Office: Backman now has the names of the developer (LandCor, Inc. of Osseo, MN) and the architect (ATA-Beilharz Architects of Cincinnati, OH) who are working on this project. Backman showed the members a drawing of what the medical office building would look like on Parcel A. The retail building on Parcel B could include a Starbucks or perhaps a Dunn Brothers Coffee shop. LandCor would develop both parcels. 8. I-35W Coalition ED&M Committee Meeting—3/18/03: Backman is chair this year of the Economic Development & Marketing Committee of the I-35W Coalition. We held our first meeting at Mounds View City Hall on March 18th. The members will be considering the committee’s work plan (economic development and marketing) activities for 2003. 9. Moundsview Square Developments: Culver’s Restaurant—As encouraged by Backman, Paster Enterprises submitted a proposal to Steve Sparks regarding the former Hardee’s building. Mr. Sparks left Backman a message indicating that the price was still too high and that Paster needed to “sharpen its pencils”. Sparks still thinks a Mounds View location is doable for him. Dance Moves—This Circle Pines business has over 100 students and needs additional studio space. One of the principals has viewed the Moundsview Square. The owners appear interested in leasing about 4,000 sq. ft. of space. Pawnshop—Backman indicated that there has been discussion regarding a proposed pawnshop that would locate in the shopping center. He noted changes in the industry—automated tracking systems and franchise chains. There are concerns regarding how this business may function in the community.