HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.b. Business Appreciation Event
E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y
Port Authority Meeting Date: February 19, 2019
AGENDA ITEM: Business Appreciation Lunch AGENDA SECTION:
Old Business
PREPARED BY: Kim Lindquist, Deputy Director AGENDA NO. 4.b.
ATTACHMENTS: None APPROVED BY: LJM
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Information Item
ISSUE
On February 7, the City hosted the 2019 Business Appreciation lunch. The event had 116 individuals that
RSVP’d for the event, unfortunately the weather reduced the gathering by approximately 25. David
Newman from Newland Communities spoke at the event, along with Mayor Droste and Chair Weisensel.
The presentation about Vermillion Crossing seemed well received and that might have helped drive some
of the affirmative attendance responses.
However, we continue to have difficulty attracting more businesses to the event. To notify businesses,
staff uses a combination of the business email and direct mailing to businesses, first with a save the date
card and then the formal invitation. We will continue to improve the mailing list by adding specific names
to the list so that the invitation is directed to a specific person at the organization. In the last few years,
particularly this year, staff spent time emailing various business people we work with inviting them to
attend the lunch.
Given the relationships that the Port Authority members cultivate in the community, there may be an
opportunity for members to email various business connections reinforcing the City’s invitation. The
personal touch seems to lead to better attendance.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff doesn’t have any specific information to discuss on this topic although welcomes any comments
from the Commission.