Approve Program Outline, Speakers and Emcee for 2019 EDA Business Networking Event

The purpose of this case is to provide an update on the 2019 Business Networking Event.  Staff is looking for approval from the EDA on the program outline, speaker options 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 past year the event was at The Fountains of Ramsey (125 attendees) and staff is recommending that it remain here in 2019. The Ramsey EDA allocated $3,000 to this event last year and costs were just over $2,000.  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. Staff has not locked in a keynote speaker and would like some input from the EDA as to the topic and organization.  Both Greater MSP and DEED have new CEO (Peter Frosch) and Commissioner (Steve Grove)  and these might be good alternatives for this years event. Staff is welcome to other speakers
 
Program Outline 

• Welcome by EDA Chair (Jim Steffen)
• Hwy 10 - Transportation Updates
• City Updates / Development / Events
• TBD, Keynote Speaker

Date: Thursday, November _____, 2019, 8:00- 9:30 am
Location: The Fountains of Ramsey
Food/Drinks: Kitchen Table.
Theme/Topic: Dependent of Speaker
Keynote Speaker : TBD
Emcee: Jim Steffen, EDA Chair
History of RVSPs: 125 (2018) 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.

Motion to approve the preliminary event schedule as outlined in this case.