Approval of 2023 Business Network Meeting

The purpose of this case is to allocate a budget, approve the program, and to select a date for the 2023 Business Network Meeting.

Staff has been planning for the 2023 Business Network Event.  In past events, the City has had Keynote speakers on various topics. Two of the biggest items that come up during business visits are the Hwy 10 project and problems in with hiring workers in all sectors.  Staff is proposing having Tim O'Neill, DEED Regional Market Analyst for the Metro Area provide information on Labor Market data and trends for Ramsey and the region. Staff has also reached out to County Engineer Joe MacPherson and his team to provide an update on the Hwy 10 project.  The City would also provide a development / city update as part of this meeting.    Historically, the Business Network event has been well attended in January and doesn't have the holiday/vacation conflicts that we have in November and December.   Staff is proposing the above format of the event been considered for 2023 and that the timing of the Event remain in January for the foreseeable future. Traditionally, the event has been held at the Fountains of Ramsey and this venue has served the event well.  A hot breakfast has been part of the event in the past and staff suggests continuing.  The Kitchen Table is no longer the exclusive caterer for the Fountains.  As such, Staff has obtained two quotes for the breakfast which are attached to this case and are highlighted below in Observations.

N/A

The main cost for this event is the food as we have been fortunate to have speakers that have not required a speaking fee.  Business pricing/service has changed during and coming out of Covid.  Staff obtained quotes (including the Room Rental and associated charges) from the Kitchen Table ($5,026.09) and Lyndes/Wells Catering Service ($2,448.36).  Staff always looks at local vendors/caterers first and gives some preference if costs are close. However, this year there is a large difference in cost for the food and catering and staff  believes that the EDA should consider using Lyndes/Wells Catering service in 2023 due to the significant cost savings. 

The only city costs for this event is the venue, signage and breakfast as outlined in the attached budget.  Staff has provided the historic cost for this event for review and believes that with the new quote the EDA will be able to reduce its contribution for the 2023 breakfast to $3,500.  This amount would provide flexibility in the event that registration exceed 100 people.   

The Business Network Event has traditionally had a start time of 8 AM and usually runs for just over an hour.  Staff has consulted with Tim O'Neill, DEED Analysis, County Engineer and Joe MacPherson (Hwy 10) and they are both available on January 31, 2023.   Mr. O'Neill would present on local and regional workforce trends and data and be available to answer questions.  The Hwy 10 presentation would include timing for all aspects of the project in Anoka and Ramsey as well an opportunity to ask questions. 

City Staff (Sullivan, Hagen, Others) would also put together a City presentation and be available for some questions on relevant topics.  

Staff is proposing the following agenda:
1. Networking & Breakfast - Will have displays set up with Hwy 10 intersections and alignments
2. Welcome & Introductions
3. City Update – City of Ramsey - City Staff
4. Highway 10 Presentation and Q & A: - Joe MacPherson – Anoka County Highway Engineer and Team
5. Labor Market Trends and Data and Q & A: - Tim O'Neill, DEED Regional Analyst 
6. Closing Remarks

EDA allocation of $3,500-6,000 from 9230-6249 (Operating) and 9230-6246 (Marketing)

Based on Discussion.

Motion to:
1) Allocate (select one) $3,500 or $6,000 for the 2023 Business Network Meeting and (select one) Lyndes/Wells Catering or Kitchen Table
2) Approve the proposed Agenda
3) Select Business Network Meeting date of January 31, 2023