2021 Business Appreciation Day Event

Purpose:

Provide update to the EDA of the status of 2021 event and to receive feedback.

Background: 

The City of Ramsey has a rich history in hosting a Business Appreciation Day and Business of the Year Awards Dinner to celebrate the great businesses in our community. Historically, the City has had up to 144 participants in the event and staff will work to achieve maximum attendance this year, dependent on Executive Orders. 

Wells Catering has been the caterer for the event in past years and has agreed to do so again in 2021.  Staff is satisfied with the service provided by Wells Catering in the past. However, Staff does acknowledge that Wells Catering has recently been sold and is no longer a business that is headquartered in Ramsey. Wells Catering is technically part of Lynde's Catering based in Osseo, Minnesota. Depending on the contract with The Links at Northfork, Staff is open to looking at Ramsey Based Caterers such as Lisa's Catering or Kitchen Table.  

The Links of Northfork has been the host of this event for many years and have agreed to host again.  The facility size and layout are conducive to a great event.  All aspects relating to the format, golf, meal and 2021 Business of the Year ceremony will remain consistent with non-Covid 19 years aside from the current capacity limit of 140 people. The EDA has always provided a City of Ramsey item for each of the participating golfers. Staff proposes that this marketing "giveaway" continue and is asking for staff to have the discretion to select and item.

On May 6, Governor Walz announced additional rollbacks of Covid-19 restrictions that is of benefit to a move towards the traditional format of this event. Staff will adjust as we better understand these parameters. 

N/A

The City of Ramsey Economic Development Team has been working with Ace Sales, Wells Catering, The Links at Northfork and other local vendors to get pricing for event related activities and items.  Based on information we have received at this time, a $5,000 allocation by the EDA  for this event should be sufficient to maintain a balanced budget with some flexibility. This event focuses on networking and celebration for all Ramsey Businesses. Staff is looking for authorization to move forward in event planning and to select vendors and items.

Budget:
Staff has put together a preliminary budget that includes a $5,000 EDA allocation.  Last year, the EDA allocated $6,000 for the event due to special circumstances.  The remaining balance is funded through sponsorships, dinner tickets and event registrations.  The preliminary budget for the event is $19,268.00.  The 2021 budget includes some of these key highlights.

Key Line Item Costs per Attendee

$99.00  - Cost for Golf $99.00 and Dinner (same as previous non-Covid 19 years)
$40.00  - Cost for Dinner Only 
$20.00  - Promo Item - TBD 
$150.00 - Hole Sponsor

Once EDA has approved $5,000 budget allocation, Staff would like to send out the email invite to Ramsey Businesses and past attendees on or before June 4, 2021.  

Key Dates (tentative):
March 26 - Save the Date flyers emailed and posted on website.
June 4 - Event invites sent out via email.
June 4- Online registration opens.
August 9 - Online registration closes.
August 17 - Business Appreciation Day / 2021 Business of the Year Recognition (Armstrong Kennels)

Venue Capacity:
Currently 140 people. Staff is proposing 128 golfers and 12 dinner only format unless capacity can be increased. Based on the May 6 Governor Walz Announcement, this can likely be expanded. Staff will be prepared for a more detailed update at the EDA Meeting. As time allows, Staff may update this case prior to the meeting. The event will still need to adhere to any parameters set by The Links at Northfork. 

Event: (tentative)
9:00 Driving Range Opens
10-10:45 Registration
11-4:00 - Golf Tourney
4:30 - Dinner and Awards

EDA Marketing Budget 9230-6246- $5,000 and Event Revenue.

Staff recommends that the EDA authorize a budget allocation of $5,000, select a preferred caterer and select Tuesday, August 17 at The Links at Northfork for the 2021 Business Appreciation Day Event.

Motion to authorize EDA budget allocation of $5,000, select ______ as the preferred caterer and select Tuesday, August 17 at The Links at Northfork for the 2021 Business Appreciation Day Event.