Consider Waiver of Registration Fees for 2020 Ramsey Business Expo and Discuss Future Planning and Dates

In light of the impacts of COVID-19 and "social distancing" have had on restaurant, retail and service industries, Staff is asking the EDA to consider waiving the registration fee for Ramsey Businesses for the 2020 Business Expo.  The cost of this waiver would be up to $2,700.  Staff believes that supporting our local businesses in this way will strengthen our bond and help them recover more quickly.

The event scheduled for April 4, 2020 has officially been postponed until at least the end of July. Staff will continue to monitor the current pandemic and make more detailed recommendations as we get closer to that date. In light of these uncertain times, Staff is not comfortable setting an official date, but wants to know if the EDA would be to continue to plan for the end of July.

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If a Registration Waiver is recommended, Staff could contact all of the businesses that have already signed up and have paid for the event and see if they are still interested in participating at a later date.  If vendors are not interested in the new date, the registration fee will be refunded. Those that remain committed to the event will be eligible for a waiver or the registration fee. If the waiver is approved, Staff would simply contact business and let them know that their fee will be refunded after they attend the event. In the event that a Ramsey Business retains their registration for the new date and fails to attend (assuming the event is still held), the fee would not be refunded. This helps to ensure that the vendor remains committed to the event and does not unduly tie up a space.

EDA General Fund Item 9230-6249 (Operating)

Staff recommends that the EDA waive Registration Fees for Ramsey Businesses and to continue to plan for a late-July event, unless the current pandemic requires continued social distancing.

Motion to waive Registration Fees for 2020 Business Expo for Ramsey Businesses and continue to plan for a late July date, pending the status of the current COVID-19 Pandemic.