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16 VI. Community Planning and Economic Development <br />2013 Annual Report · Administration · St. Anthony Village, Minnesota <br />VI. Community Planning and VI. Community Planning and <br />Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development <br />In 2012, the City of St. Anthony Village elected to hire a professional <br />consulting planner in an effort to be more effi cient with the services provided <br />to the residents, and to be conscious of expenditures associated with planning. <br />WSB & Associates, Inc. planner Kelsey Johnson was contracted as the City <br />Planner approximately 8 hours a week. In making this transition, Staff was <br />able to streamline the application process and “vet” ideas out prior to reaching <br />the Planning Commission and City Council. As part of this new process, staff <br />worked closely with the City Council to facilitate a “cost reimbursement plan/ <br />fee escrow” policy that was implemented in 2013. <br />The City planner is responsible for conducting long-range planning for future <br />growth as well as coordinating and assisting the Planning Commission in <br />reviewing zoning and site design of current development projects. <br />OPEN TO BUSINESS <br />Open to Business provides one on one business counseling to current and prospective <br />entrepreneurs. Consultants work with resident to develop a strong business plan, <br />identify challenges and opportunities, and to tailor solutions. In addition to direct <br />consulting, Open to Business program staff can link entrepreneurs with additional <br />resources to help them succeed, including training programs, community or <br />governmental services, and industry and business professionals. <br />In 2013 there were three clients served by Open to Business (OTB) in St. Anthony <br />Village; one new entrepreneurs/start-up and two existing businesses. These businesses <br />heard about OTB through the City’s newsletter as well as a referral from a bank. <br />Financing facilitated through OTB included one loan in the amount of $10,000. Other <br />program assistance provided in St. Anthony Village included business plan development, <br />lease review/negotiation, real estate analysis, strategic planning, marketing and cash <br />fl ow analysis and projections. <br />The types of businesses given assistance through OTB in 2013 included a graphic <br />design/marketing fi rm, a furniture manufacturer, and a travel agency. <br />The bank referral as mentioned above was for a St. Anthony business that does large <br />formatting printing jobs and custom design work. Open to Business helped the owner in <br />a variety of ways including helping him access a $10,000 line of credit, reviewing lease <br />proposals, strategic planning and a number of referrals. Also, OTB assisted the owner <br />with evaluating the purchase of the property that he is currently leasing. <br />Comments from an Open to Business client participating in an Open to Business Client <br />Survey (Dec 2013): <br />“Open to Business provided me an invaluable forum to bounce my thinking off of <br />someone and obtain honest, unbiased feedback. The perspective and help I received was <br />important. Rob’s input allowed me to explore and think through issues that will impact my <br />business and its entire future. There is no price tag or value that can be attached to that. <br />I thank you all for having this service available.”