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MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JULY 11,2011 <br /> Miron called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. <br /> PRESENT: Arcand, Bever, Graff, Klein, Puleo, and Miron <br /> ABSENT: Denaway <br /> STAFF: Mike Ericson, City Administrator <br /> Bryan Bear, Community Development Director <br /> Rachel Juba, Planner <br /> APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2011 <br /> Klein made motion, Puleo seconded, to approve minutes for the EDA meeting of June 13, <br /> 2011. <br /> All aye. Motion carried. <br /> CHRISTY WEFLEN—ST. CROIX SADDLERY <br /> Christy Weflen, owner of St. Croix Saddlery, was present at the meeting and discussed her <br /> business with the EDA. St. Croix Saddlery is moving into the old daycare building located at <br /> 5525 141" Street. Ms. Weflen provided the background of her business to the EDA. She <br /> stated that they specialize in English style riding and there is only one other English retailer <br /> in the State. She stated that they have four full time employees and ten part time employees. <br /> The EDA welcomed St. Croix Saddlery as a new business in the City of Hugo. <br /> GRETCHEN BOYD - BNI PRESIDENT <br /> Gretchen Boyd, President of Business Network International (BNI), was present at the <br /> meeting to give the EDA background on BNI and how it benefits businesses. She stated that <br /> BNI compliments the Hugo Business Association (HBA). BNI is a group of business owners <br /> that support each other through networking and referrals. The Hugo BNI group, called Hugo <br /> Preferred Partners, started in May 2009. They have 23 members and had $400,000 in <br /> referrals since January 2011. <br /> She also talked to the EDA about educational seminars that the BNI group may offer to small <br /> businesses and entrepreneurs. It would be like an entrepreneurial boot camp that would <br /> provide information on how to start and grow a business. The information would include tips <br /> on financing, banking, legal, and business resources. <br /> Miron added that staff may want to include a presentation on home occupations and under <br /> what conditions they are allowed in Hugo. Bryan Bear stated there are several home <br /> occupations and also several patents in Hugo. This seminar could offer people with the <br /> proper connections to get their business started or to grow their business. <br /> UPDATE ON FLEXIBLE OFFICE SPACE <br /> Staff and Commissioner Graff met with Grant Barrette, a property owner in the Bald Eagle <br /> Industrial Park that has office space available. Flexible office space was discussed with the <br />