HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.b. Exec Summ_business appreciation_12152015
E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y
Port Authority Date: December 15, 2015
AGENDA ITEM: Business Appreciation Luncheon Discussion AGENDA SECTION:
New Business
PREPARED BY: Kim Lindquist, Deputy Director AGENDA NO. 5.b.
ATTACHMENTS: None
APPROVED BY:
ddj
RECOMMENDATION: Provide Staff Direction
SUMMARY
We have often held a Business Appreciation Lunch for all the businesses in town. Last year we
highlighted School District 196 and had Jane Berenz as the main speaker. This year we have reserved
February 10th, at the Steeple Center for the event. The date has been moved to the beginning of
2016 to show off the new addition at the Steeple Center as well as try to fit the lunch into the busy
December calendar.
The Port Authority has held the event in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. It seems to be
well-received and we typically have approximately 100 attendees. We’ve had the Mayor, a
representative from UMore, the Port Authority Chair, a “clicker” survey, Laurie Crow, and Jane
Berenz as the main presentation during the previous six lunches. The following are a few ideas for
the luncheon: someone from Greater MSP to discuss their talent attraction initiative, a panel with a
residential, commercial and industrial brokers or developers who could give the group a sense of
what they are seeing in the market place, or Mark Jacobs from the Workforce Investment Board to
discuss programs that would be applicable to our businesses. We would like to provide the
opportunity for a tour of the Activity Center after the lunch is over for those who can find the time.
Last month, Laurie Crow spoke about the Open to Business program and there was some interest in
providing a small business symposium for the community. That event could be scheduled for a
different time and include local bankers and perhaps someone who could discuss some business
regulations too.
CONCLUSION
Staff is looking for direction regarding the program for the Business Appreciation Lunch and
confirmation that the date, Wednesday February 10th would be a good date for many of the Port
Authority Commissioners.