Approve Program Outline, Speakers and Emcee for 2018 EDA Business Networking Event

The purpose of this case is to provide an update on the 2018 Business Networking Event.  Staff is looking for approval from the EDA on the program outline, speakers, date and emcee for the event.
 

 

Notification not required.

Annually, the Ramsey EDA hosts a 'Fall Networking Event.'  Typically, this event includes a keynote speaker(s), and a free breakfast for attendees. Historically, this event has taken place at the Ramsey Municipal Center in the AR room and has averaged 60-85 attendees. This year the event is taking place at The Fountains of Ramsey.  The Ramsey EDA allocated $3,000 to this event.  EDA Fall Networking Event attendees are typically manufacturers and representatives from the services industry (banking, insurance, financial, etc.).

The purpose of the EDA Fall Networking Event is for the City to develop and maintain positive relationships with Ramsey Businesses. Additionally, this event provides an opportunity for Ramsey businesses to network, provide self-help/best-practices solutions and identify opportunities for Ramsey businesses to buy/sell goods locally.

Chair Steffen has recently been in contact with Mr. Ron Schara.  Discussions with him have been very productive and there is a fair level of confidence that he can be secured as the Keynote Speaker for this event.  The November 15, 2018 date is not out of the question but he is asking for some flexibility to include the last week of November or first week of December as potential options.  Staff has checked with the Fountains of Ramsey for availability for the alternative timetable and all of thoses are available as of now.  Staff feels strongly that we will need a minumum of 3 to 4 weeks lead time to assure we can properly market the event and to make sure that businesses have time to work this into their schedules. If we are to secure Mr. Schara for the November 15th date, Staff would like to have a firm commitment from him no later than October 19, 2018.  If it is decided to move the date to later in November or early December that commmitment date could be adjusted accordingly.

If Mr. Ron Schara cannot commit to the event staff could reach out to Chuck Delaney from Game Fair to see if he is available to speak on the Effect of Outdoor Recreation on Economic Development and specifically to Game Fair and its success in the City of Ramsey.  Staff is open to other Keynote Speaker options that may be suggested by the EDA membership.

Staff would like to make sure all alternative dates for the last week of November and first Week of December work for EDA membership and if they would support the movement of the meeting to those dates for Mr. Ron Schara or other speakers that the EDA Staff may secure.
 
Program Outline 

• Welcome by EDA Chair
• City Updates - Hwy 10 / Development Updates
• Anoka County Economic Development Initiative (3-5 minutes - Video/Brand roll-out; video available at www.anokacounty.us/business)
• Ron Schara, Keynote Speaker (Subject to Change)

Date: Thursday, November 15th, 2018, 8:00- 9:30 am (Subject to Change)
Location: The Fountains of Ramsey
Food/Drinks: Kitchen Table, $1,500 or less.
Theme/Topic: Effect of  Outdoor Recreation on Economic Development (Subject to Change)
Keynote Speaker : Ron Schara (Subject to Change)
Emcee: Jim Steffen, EDA Chair
RVSPs: 77(2017) 87 (2016), 83 (2015), 84 (2014), 68 (2013), 60 (2012)

This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. The EDA has a budget of $3,000 for the event. There is no registration fee for attendees.

Staff recommends approval of the draft format for the event and flexibility to move date to accommodate Keynote Speaker.

Motion to approve the draft format of the event and flexibility to move date to accommodate Keynote Speaker for the 2018 EDA Business Networking Event.