HomeMy WebLinkAbout[06b] Business Round TableCITY OF ST. JOSEPH
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Administrator
Date: October 16, 2013
Judy Weyrens
Memo To: Members of the EDA
Mayor
City Administrator Weyrens
Rick Schultz
Memo From: Cynthia Smith - Strack - MDG, Inc.
Councilors
Steve Frank
RE: Event: Real Estate Round Table
Bob Loso
Renee Symanietz
Background:
Dale wick
At the September EDA meeting the Board discussed several potential market outreach
EDA
activities. The Board by consensus agreed to move forward with a round table event with real
Doug Danielson
estate representatives.
Steve Frank
The real estate round table event is set for Wednesday, October 30th at 8 a.m, at the Fire Hall.
Larry Hosch
The goal of the round table discussion is to generate a profile of people moving to St. Joseph
Gary Osberg
and those moving from St. Joseph. The profile would include what drew people here and where
Dale wick
their interests lie. At this time we have 15 persons who have indicated they will attend the round
table. In addition to elected /appointed officials we will have realtors, builders, and loan officers.
In addition, the EDA looked at other activities. Updates on those activities follow:
"Bring your Business Ideas" event where entrepreneurs can visit with business
experts, financial advisors, marketing gurus, and the like regarding potential projects.
The goal of this type of an event is to capitalize on potential project percolating in
entrepreneurial minds. An alternative is to combine this event with advice for existing
business owners as well. Experts could be from Minnesota Business and Finance
Agency, local banks, SCORE, SCSU business, etc. Potential draw backs include low
attendance and concerns regarding privacy and /or sharing of proprietary information.
Update: I've contacted the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation regarding
partnering on this project. We've been referred to the GSCDC's "Innovation Corps"
EDA Chair Wick has been invited to strategize with the Innovation Corps at a future
meeting.
• "Best Neighbor" recognition. Written descriptions of good deeds and a picture of the
'best' neighbor posted on the City website. The goals of this marketing strategy are to
grow community spirit and create a personal web presence (pictures of actual residents
+ good deeds = a very real, personal image of community & visual representation of
high quality of life). Could reinforce by running in newsletter.
Update: I've contacted the News/eader regarding partnering on this project. The
following will be included in the November "In the Know in St. Joe Newsletter". Are you
luck enough to have the best neighbor in town? If so we'd like to hear from you.
Please email or send written descriptions of why your neighbor is the best neighbor in
town. We'd like to recognize good deeds and kind actions of our'best' neighbors.
Include your neighbor's name and address along with your name and contact
information'. Contact information follows.
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CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
vv. v.cityo(stioseph.com
• The Face of Business. Pictures of business owners accompanied by a profile of the
business owner on the website. Goal is to literally put a face on business in St. Joseph.
Could reinforce by running in newsletter.
Update: I've contacted The Record's advertising department regarding partnering on this
project. The Record is currently discussing the project and favorable toward participation. The
following will be included in the November "In the Know in St. Joe Newsletter". The St. Joseph
EDA is interested in putting a face on business (literally) in St. Joseph. It doesn't matter if the
business is an industrial, commercial, or home business establishment; we want to know what
sets them apart. Email us your authorized photos (approved by business) showing the best of
St. Joseph businesses and /or business owners. Tell us what's interesting about them. We'll
feature them on the City website and in the City newsletter'. Contact information follows
Action:
This item is offered for your information and input.
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