Laserfiche WebLink
BACKGROUND MEMO FOR THE EDA MEETING OF <br /> MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009 <br /> 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES <br /> Staff recommends that the EDA approve the minutes for the February 23, 2009 EDA <br /> meeting. <br /> 4. DISCUSSION ON BR&E U OF M EXTENSIONS PROGRAM <br /> Over the last year the EDA has discussed business retention and expansion program <br /> options for the City. In January of 2008 staff met with Liz Templin, from U of M <br /> extension services, on the Business Retention and Expansion Research Program they <br /> offer to communities. Staff presented the findings to the EDA at their January 2008 <br /> regular meeting. The EDA stated at that time that it is a great program to think about <br /> doing but the funding for the project was not budgeted nor was the staff time that would <br /> be required available. <br /> Over the last few months staff has been contacted by Connexus Energy and they have a <br /> grant program that gives $5,000 to communities that partner with the U of M on a BR&E <br /> program. Also staff just received notice that the City of Hugo was awarded a grant for an <br /> intern to work on administration and economic development projects. With these new <br /> items available, staff has invited Liz Templin to give a presentation on the Business <br /> Retention and Expansion Research Program they offer to communities. Staff would like <br /> the EDA to discuss advertising for an intern that would work on BR&E efforts and to <br /> initiate the U of M on a BR&E program. <br /> 5. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT <br /> Staff will update the EDA on the progress on downtown redevelopment. <br /> 6. DISCUSSION ON KIDZ N' BIZ FEST <br /> Staff would like to discuss volunteering options for Kidz n' Biz Fest on April 4, 2009. <br />