The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About5.a. Business Appreciation LuncheonEXECUTIVE SUMMARY Port Authority Meeting: January 19th, 2021 AGENDA ITEM: Business Appreciation Luncheon AGENDA SECTION: New Business PREPARED BY: Eric Van Oss, Economic Development Coordinator AGENDA NO. 5.a. ATTACHMENTS: Lunch Invite APPROVED BY: LJM RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion Item BACKGROUND In the past, the City has sponsored a Business Appreciation Luncheon in mid-February. It is an opportunity to thank our local businesses and we typically have a speaker that provides business information for attendees. Given the current COVID-19 capacity restrictions, this year’s Business Appreciation Luncheon cannot be held in person. Staff had thought about postponing the event but to be safe would want to schedule the lunch in the fall; too close to the future 2022 February event. In lieu of an in-person event, staff is recommending an “opt in alternative luncheon”, as part of our Rosemount CARES initiative. Staff is recommending sending an invite to all the businesses on our invite list noting the opportunity to receive two $15 gift cards; lunch on us! Rather than allow participants to select a favorite local restaurant, we are suggesting they pick a number between 1 and 12. Each local, non-chain, restaurant will be assigned an individual number. The number picked will correspond to a local restaurant and the participant will receive two gift cards from that location. The outcome will benefit our local restaurants while thanking our local businesses. A potential benefit is that it may introduce new customers to a restaurant they have not gone to previously. Enclosed is a copy of the business invite we are suggesting sending out to our business community. From a budget standpoint, the Business Appreciation Lunch cost is approximately $3,500 all in. This endeavor may cost more if there are more participants. However, if the numbers were similar to attendance at the luncheon, expenditures would be approximately $3000. RECOMMENDATION Staff is intending to send out the Business Lunch invite after discussion with the Port Authority.