HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.1 Economic Development Update/Business Inquiry
Business/ Inquiry
To: Honorable Mayor Bailey and EDA Members
From: Christine Costello, Economic Development Director
Matt Wolf, Economic Development Coordinator
Date: May 7, 2020
Activites that have taken place in the community that may have a potential impact on economic
development activity:
Discussion Staff Action
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 Company interested in starting a hemp processing facility in
meeting with potential Business Park. The business was a start-up and he was
Business Park user looking for a business partner. Suggested possible partners
and discussed concerns related to hemp processing.
Thursday, March 12, 2020, ED Director Costello and ED Coordinator Wolf attend the
th
Retail and Restaurant 14 Annual MN Real Estate Journal summit on retail and
Summit restaurants.
Monday, March 16, 2020 Special City Council Meeting – Emergency Declaration
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Discussed with Met Council application from Newport
conference call with Met Partners for their proposed affordable housing project and
Council applying for LCDA funds.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 ED Coordinator Wolf held a virtual meeting with Renewal by
virtual meeting Andersen for their BR&E interview.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 ED Director Costello and ED Coordinator Wolf met with
virtual meeting Anders Victor with GreaterMSP to touch base on
development as the pandemic began.
Monday, April 20, 2020 In a ED Coordinator Wolf taped the quarterly taping of an In a
Snap taping Snap video providing an update on development in the
community.
Monday, April 27, 2020 Listened to the IEDC webinar on what is happening across
Webinar the globe locally and regionally to support businesses?
While national responses to COVID-19 are ongoing,
economic developers are working to maintain industries,
sustain local businesses, and plan for the future.
Thursday, May 7, 2020 ED Coordinator Wolf attended the virtual Chamber
Ambassador Meeting Ambassador meeting.
At the beginning of that State’s Stay at Home order and the City’s Emergency Declaration, the
City’s Economic Development staff has been attending weekly and bi-weekly meetings
regarding COVID-19 and its impact on businesses. Conference calls have been with
Commissioner Grove, Washington County EDA Work Group, and GreaterMSP.