HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.18.25November 18th, 2025
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority met on
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
Members Present: Board Members Kelly Beniek, Larry Hosch, Joe Bye, Kevin Kluesner
Members Absent: Ross Huls
City Representatives Present: Nate Keller Community Development Director
Hosch called the St. Joseph Economic Development Authority meeting to order at 12:00 PM
Public Comments: None
Agenda Approval: Kluesner made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Bye and passed
unanimously by those present.
Consent Agenda:
Kluesner made a motion to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Bye and passed
unanimously by those present.
a. Minutes —October 21s', 2025
b. Financial Report October
EDA Focus Areas — Status Update
Updates were provided to the Board on the 4 focus areas for 2025 which are:
• Downtown Redevelopment
o Updates on new businesses, development along with businesses that have consolidated,
moved, or closed.
o Overall progress and redevelopment have been strong in 2025 with highlights being: The
House I Food and Tap, Blushed Salon, Well and Company, Crafted Skin clinic, and
Pierce Insurance
• Boutique hotel
o Two investor groups are working towards property acquisition and site development. Both
have hired architects, and staff has seen some plans/layouts
• Funds to support Small Cities Development Program (housing initiative)
o Grant was awarded in the amount of $287,500
o Program is expected to launch in March or April and will fund 10-12 owner occupied
homes in the priority areas as recommended by EDA Board
• Industrial Park Phase 2
o Bonding request has been submitted
o To -date two legislative groups from the State have heard the Bonding presentation
2018 Comprehensive Plan — Implementation
Discussion centered around Public Arts. The Board was supportive of allocating staff time to this for 2026.
Board stressed the importance of art in St. Joseph specifically in the Downtown, Highway, and Parks
areas of town.
Downtown Business Owner — Potential Roundtable
Keller updated Board with comments he has heard from a few Downtown businesses specifically how
events impact their operations/staffing/foot traffic. City could put Special Event permit information on the
city calendar and social media. Interest was expressed to potentially look at hosting an appreciation
meeting with downtown businesses in 2026.
Joetown Tourism update
Updates were provided by Keller on memberships to -date (38 total businesses) and activities to -date of
the Tourism group. The next Tourism meeting is Jan. 121h from 6-7:30PM at The House.
Shop Small Crawl is coming up on Nov. 291h as well.
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference update
November 18th, 2025
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The Local Planning Team met on Nov. 12th to brainstorm potential Tracks for the conference. The idea is
to have 4 main tracks with 4 breakout sessions under each track. Keller led facilitation of the group who
decided the four main tracks are going to be:
• Entrepreneur Resources (writing a business plan, scaling a business, succession, etc.)
• Place Based Storytelling (Identity and Regional Edge)
• Future Builders (youth and future entrepreneurship, preventing brain drain, CSB/SJU)
• Innovation in Business models/Arts and the Creative Economv
General Business updates
Updates provided on: EDAM Award ceremony, tenant for the old Pine and Fiber location (Avon Hills Folk
School).
Board member announcements
Kluesner asked about signage and landscaping at roundabouts. Keller will follow-up with County on what
regulations and allowances would exist.
Adjourn: Beniek made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:48PM, seconded by Kluesner and
passed unanimously by those present.
Miqutes b
Nate Keller
Community Development Director