HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-08 PACKET 06.FROM: Danette Parr, Economic Development Director
DATE: November 1, 2011
RE: Retention Efforts
As the EDA is likely aware, the most successful retention programs often involve multiple
components. In the case of Cottage Grove, there are three components staff believes would be
most beneficial at this time: 1) Recognition Programs, 2) Industrial Meet and Greet Tours and
3)Retail Marketing Efforts. The three components are briefly described below (additional
information will be shared at the meeting). Some aspects of the three components require City
funding. For that reason, staff would appreciate feedback from the EDA in relation to the level of
support the EDA has for the initiatives, particularly financial support for the "Shop Local
Campaign" and the Recognition Program.
Recognition Program
Staff proposes that the recognition program acknowledge the contributions of the following:
1. Longstanding businesses that have been located in Cottage Grove for a lengthy period of
time. A working list of longstanding businesses is being created and researched (draft list
attached).
Businesses that have contributed to the City in a very significant way. It's noteworthy that
all our businesses contribute in a significant way by locating in Cottage Grove. However,
this recognition would be for a business that has consistently been exemplary in relation to
giving back to Cottage Grove.
In the case of both recognition categories listed above, very specific parameters would need to be
established and followed. For those businesses that are deemed appropriate for recognition, the
Council and EDA representatives would recognize the business and award them a plaque at one
of the Council meetings. Plaques are estimated to cost between $30 -40, depending on the
design. It would seem appropriate to recognize businesses over time versus all at one time.
Industrial Meet and Greet Tours
On a monthly basis, one or two industrial sites (depending on the size of business) will be visited
by members of the Cottage Grove City Council and Economic Development Authority, as well as
a limited number of City staff. The purpose of the visit is to reinforce to the industrial business
that we are glad they have chosen Cottage Grove as the home of their business. The visits will
undoubtedly strengthen our relationships with our industrial users, while also offering us an
opportunity to learn what other possible companion users we could be targeting to bring to our
Economic Development Authority
Retention Efforts
Page 2 of 2
business park to support their business. This synergy is often very important to industrial users
and helps establish a long -term commitment to a specific geographic location.
The tours are anticipated to start in November, 2011.
Retail Marketing Efforts
• Cottage Grove Crazy Days
• Themed events throughout the year in each individual commercial node in Cottage Grove
• Shop Local Campaigns — This could be exclusively for Cottage Grove or with partners
such as the Chamber of Commerce (in this case would also likely involve Newport and
Saint Paul Park). Specific Shop Local Campaigns have been contemplated and will be
shared with the EDA at your meeting.
• Continuation of retailers marketing meetings
• Cottage Grove coupon book
• Specials focused on local tournaments and events
• New Resident Packets
• Market with pet licenses
• Market the Shop QA site aggressively
• Dog park listings /advertisements
• Build on Cottage Grove as a "unique destination"
• Women's Health Expo
• Food Expo (Taste of Cottage Grove)
• Senior Day
• Workshops to teach our retailers how to utilize social media to a greater extent to
advertise their business
• Hotel book (profiling the City and having in each room with coupons and map
• Recognize locally owned businesses
Bailey Nurseries
61 Marine 8' Sports (ownership has changed over the years)
Erickson Marine (hefnre198X}
Berryland Nursery (in existence before 1988 — ownership has changed over the years)
V6Dankboiidinghasa|vvoyoheenabmnk(MW/\noericaNadona|&ank-1976,K1innesntaSkate8onk'
1982,Minnesntu8anknfCot1age6nove'1985,First8ank'1994,USGank'1998)
Merchant's Bank building has always been a bank (Midwest Federal Savings and Loan-1975, First
&1innesuta-1976, Minnesota Fmdera|'19D2,NumvestBank'1976,MainstreetDank-ZDU4\
Sherwin Williams l98S
McDona|ds197]
Arby's (mid 1D8O's)
Noccu'sPizza
VFW
Cub Foods (original location 1981?)
Dairy Queen 19O57
Pat O'Gorman (Attorney' late 7(Yso, early 80's)
Hallmark Cards (started as Clayton's Hallmark sometime before 198J>
Honest One (has been a car repair before 1988 Ownership has changed over the years)
Muffler Doctor- 1984
Park Grove Pet Hospital (existed before 1988)
Perkins Restaurant (19867)
Pizza Hut
State Farm Insurance (both offices existed sometime before 1988)
Sunbelt Auto (nnid-l98O'sl.ohgina8y started next tn6er|ach's)
Super Ano«ricu(l982)
Transmission Shop (Linn gas stadon-l976?TransnoisoionShop-1987?)
Forrest Anderson and Joe Taylor (Attorneys ln town before 1988?)
Tires Plus (mid 19O[/s)
Jamaica OP (late 197O'sor early l98D's?)
YVeiogariner& Partners Dental (l983)
AUina Medical Clinic — former River Valley Clinic (before 1988)
Cedarhuet
6er|achsin old C5
The Boondocks
The Bulletin License Center
Jamaica RP (Linn Co. in general in town one form ur another since 1964)
Sa|'sPizza
VVa{green's Pharmacy — approximately 1968
Need to determine the following:
1) What dnvve want torecognize?
a. Length of time in the community? What length of time constitutes recognition?
b. Contributions to the community?
c Others?