Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.b. Review Draft Talking Points 4 ROSEMOUNT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PORT AUTHORITY Port Authority Regular Meeting: February 6, 2012 AGENDA ITEM: Review Draft Talking Points AGENDA SECTION: Old Business PREPARED BY: Kim Lindquist, Deputy Director AGENDA NO. 4.b. ATTACHMENTS: Draft Talking Points /Elevator Speech APPROVED BY: 010 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion Item BACKGROUND As part of the Port Authority's implementation of adopted goals, staff has developed a series of talking points which is the basis for an elevator speech about the community. The listing is attached. Under the heading of Why Rosemount, the listing serves to highlight attributes of the community which are attractive to Business and Retail decision makers. While there are other qualities within the community which are also important, the document should be succinct and business- focused. Staff is asking for members to review the items and debate whether this is sufficient. We would intend as part of the city's website update to lead with the answers to the question, Why Choose Rosemount. RECOMMENDATION Provide input on document WHY ROSEMOUNT? Rosemount grew by 50% in the last decade and still is only at one -third of our ultimate population. Rosemount is one of 15 communities in Minnesota with an officially designated "shovel ready" business park. Rosemount is home to the University of Minnesota's UMore Park with 3000 acres being readied for up to 30,000 new residents and new 21 century businesses, all built to the highest standards of sustainability. Rosemount schools are well above the county, state, and national averages on test scores and are producing outstanding talent for the local work force. Rosemount has the second highest median family income and the third highest median home values in Dakota County and is well above state and national averages in both categories, but still has a good stock of affordable housing. Rosemount is home to Dakota County Technical College which provides custom training opportunities for almost any business need from nanotechnology and nuclear reactors to truck driving and woodworking. Rosemount has some of the lowest utility rates in the area and the City has lowered its tax levy for three straight years to help keep taxes affordable for residents and businesses. Rosemount occupies a strategic location along U.S. Highway 52 which is emerging as a major new jobs corridor linking Rochester to the Twin Cities. U.S. 52 is being rebuilt to freeway standards. Rosemount is well connected with other transportation modes including the MSP airport only 20 minutes away, several rail lines, and a proposed high speed passenger rail corridor. A few of our businesses even have access to the Mississippi River. Finally, although Rosemount is fully integrated into the greater Twin Cities region, we are also a community with over 150 years of history with our own downtown, local festivals and arts programs, and neighborhoods where people know each other.