2026 Business Network Breakfast Summary and Approval of 2027 Business Network Meeting Budget

Purpose:
Provide EDA with 2026 Business Network Breakfast Summary and Approval of 2027 Business Network Meeting Budget

Background:
Staff has prepared a brief presentation summarizing the 2026 Business Network Breakfast, which was held on January 28, 2026, including the finalized event budget.

EDA events are intended to be informative, provide networking and marketing opportunities, and strengthen relationships between the City and the business community. Overall feedback—both general and from post-event surveys—was extremely positive. Attendees particularly noted the value of Chief Bluml’s presentation and the Public Safety information shared.

The cost for the keynote speaker, Dr. Theresa Glomb, was $2,500 which was a reduced cost.

Staff is requesting EDA feedback on the 2026 event, as well as approval of the proposed 2027 Business Network Meeting budget and event format.

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2026 Business Network Breakfast Summary
The 2026 Business Network Breakfast took place on January 28, 2026 at LaFontaine Event Center. There were 141 RSVP's with an estimated 100 attendees representing 53 businesses and 20 city, county staff and elected officials. A full breakfast buffet was provided for attendees. Police Chief Brad Bluml presented a public safety update and Dr. Theresa Glomb spoke about wellbeing and related performance in the workplace. A follow-up survey was conducted after the event which included 16 respondents. The feedback was overall very positive: 75% rated the overall event as "Excellent" and 94% of respondents (all but 1 person) indicated they would participate again next year. Comments and suggestions for future event topics were solicited and are attached to this case. Budget (2026 Event):
The EDA allocated $6,500.00 for the 2026 Business Network Breakfast based on a headcount of 130 with an allotment of $2,500 for a speaker. Expenses came in at $6,764.17 leaving a deficit of -($264.17). With 141 RSVP's received, food was ordered for 137 people, based on a history of no-shows for the event.  Staff believes that providing a quality Keynote Speaker has advantages to drawing higher participation rates but also understands that the annual cost is something that needs to be explored annually.  The proposed 2027 Budget includes $2,500 for a Keynote Speaker and staff believes that less food can be ordered (reduced to 120) to stay within budget next year.

Suggestions by attendees:

• More time to network
• Shorter time frame for keynote speaker, too long
• Open doors earlier
• More coffee
• Warmer venue

Future event topics by attendees:

• Social media marketing strategies
• Police or Fire updates
• Environmental issues pertaining to businesses
• City signage opportunities
• City Updates

Funding for the 2027 Business Network Meeting will be from EDA budget line items 9230.6249 (Operations) and 9230.6246 (Marketing)

1. Motion to select La Fontaine Event Center as the venue with a date of late January/early February 2027

and 

2.  Motion to Adopt 2027 Business Network Meeting Budget of $6,500 (includes $2,500 for Keynote Speaker) and to have Staff look for a cost-effective Keynote Speaker