Consider Creation of an Economic Development Facebook Page

The purpose of this case is to consider the creation and operation of an Economic Development Facebook page

Businesses obtain information and news utilizing different media sources.  Cities also utilize various sources of media and technology to get information out to residents and businesses.  Staff believes that by adding a Facebook presence the city can provide meaningful information to businesses in a different, targeted way.  Unlike an email, businesses can voluntarily choose to follow a Facebook page and the information can be reviewed at the decision of the business. This method would be less intrusive but very effective for those who want to keep current on Economic Development items in the City.  Staff understand that the City of Ramsey has its own Facebook Page and uses it often.  That Facebook page is geared for all target audiences of the City including visitors, businesses and residents. The focus on the new Facebook page would be on businesses and EDA events.

Information on upcoming EDA Events and the ability to market them on Facebook using a targeted audience would be a good use of this media source.  Stories on local business expansions, new business to Ramsey and other opportunities for businesses could also be highlighted on this page.  Staff has recently started posting Economic Development News on the City Webpage. The Facebook page could also direct people there.

Staff is proposing that comments be turned off on this page.  The purpose of this page is to provide information to businesses and about businesses in our community.  By having the comment option turned off, the time commitment to the page is manageable. Posts can be made by City staff when needed and the monitoring of posts by the public is not necessary.

N/A

Staff believes that adding an Economic Development Facebook page will enhance the relationship with businesses and improve on attendance of EDA Events. The financial investment is minimal (cost of doing targeted marketing) and the time commitment for economic development staff is manageable.

Alternatives:
1)  EDA Recommendation to City Council to create Economic Development Facebook Page without the ability for Public Comment (Staff Recommendation)
2) EDA Recommendation to City Council to create Economic Development Facebook Page with the ability for Public Comment (Staff Recommendation)
3) Direct staff to conduct more research and bring this items back to the EDA for future consideration
4) Something Else

Staff expects this expense to be minimal but for targeted marketing the EDA 9230-6246 - Marketing would be used.

Recommendation the EDA support the creation Economic Development Facebook Page without the ability for Public Comment 

Motion to to take a position of support for the creation Economic Development Facebook Page without the ability for Public Comment