MINUTES EDA 06.21.22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF JUNE 21, 2022 Vice Chair Klein called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. PRESENT: Gallivan, Denaway, Klein, and Puleo ABSENT: Arcand, Chrun, Roberts, and Weidt STAFF: Bryan Bear, City Administrator APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE EDA MEETING OF MAY 17, 2022 Commissioner Puleo made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gallivan, to approve the May 17, 2022 EDA meeting minutes. Ayes: All. Nay: None. Motion carried. UPDATE ON WASHINGTON COUNTY CDA AND OPEN TO BUSINESS PROGRAM Commissioner Klein invited Washington County Economic Development Director Chris Eng to provide an update on Economic Development activities. Eng highlighted the two main challenges impacting businesses at this time as supply chain issues, and lack of available talent. Businesses are not in the need of grant programs as of now. Eng stressed the importance of small businesses to the county, as there are 18,000 of them located in Washington County. 95% of businesses have less than 50 employees. Eng outlined a new program called the “What’s Next CEO Program,” which is a networking service among area CEO’s, facilitating a way for peer to peer assistance among CEO’s to help each other solve problems and to advise each other. The County will support the program with needed services. Eng discussed the lack of talent as a concern. The County is marketing its amenities to both businesses and workers. Eng talked about programs being offered by various school districts to train students for the work force, highlighting a successful program in Forest Lake. The County is also marketing and promoting land and is cooperating with the MN Technology Corridor. Eng encouraged the City to apply for available predevelopment grant funds and noted the availability of EPA funding for contamination testing and related environmental studies. Eng said that over 6 million square feet of industrial warehousing space is under development in the County, but retail, office and manufacturing development has been slow. Eng thanked Rachel Juba and staff for participation in the Economic Development Summits, the EDA advisory working group and for providing ongoing support. Tyler Hilsabeck with the Open to Business Program said the program has been in place for 5 years. The two main roles for the program include business coaching and lending to small businesses. Tyler discussed how each program functions, and supplied the EDA with examples and statistics concerning work that has occurred in Hugo. Clients of the program can either be Hugo-based businesses or Hugo residents. Eng and Hilabeck answered questions about the business environment and how to get the word out to area businesses about the open to business program. Hisabeck appreciated the relationship with Hugo, mentioning his office hours at City Hall, and city staff’s referral of clients to him. Hilsabeck also receives referrals from area bankers.