2025 Business Appreciation Day Wrap Up and Selection of 2026 Date and Location

The purpose of this case is to provide the EDA with a summary of the 2025 Business Appreciation Day. The event was held on August 19, 2025, at the Links at Northfork. Participation was strong, with 144 registered golfers and 166 attendees at the prime rib dinner and awards ceremony. The event remained within budget ($6,000 EDA contribution), and Chair Wiyninger served as emcee for the awards program.

SA Group was recognized as the 2025 Business of the Year, with an award and plaque presented to its management team.

In the golf tournament:

• 1st Place: Links at Northfork team (-13)

• 2nd Place: Riversbend Bar & Grill (-12)

• Random Team Winner: All Season Garage Door

• Best Dressed Team: BFirst Industrial (formerly B&F Fastener) with an “Incredibles” theme

• Best Hole Sponsor: Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce

Hole sponsor activity was minimal, but participation in the Best Dressed contest increased. Door prizes were pre-drawn, allowing participants to collect them after golf, streamlining the dinner and awards program.

Feedback from the 22 returned surveys was highly positive, with 74% rating the event as “Excellent.” Overall, the 2025 Business Appreciation Day was a very successful and well-received event.

None required

Staff believes that this is a great networking event for businesses and city staff and supports holding it in 2026.  Staff is always looking at ways to improve the event to ensure that it is worthwhile for the City and its business community.  Attached to this case is a summary that includes comments and suggestions for future events.

Items that were incorporated into this year's event based on previous year's feedback include:
1) Continue Best Hole Sponsor and Best Dressed Team contests
2) A note was added to each golf cart to incorporate a lunch option at the clubhouse.
3) Continue Pre-draw of prizes
4) Awarded Prizes to the Top 2 teams + a random team
5) Added signage in front of clubhouse to direct players and sponsors where to go upon arrival

Staff appreciates continuous feedback from attendees, sponsors and EDA members on how we can improve the event.

Motion to select event date of Tuesday, August 18, 2026 and the Links at Northfork as the venue for the 2026 Business Appreciation Day Event.

and;

Motion to approve $6000 EDA contribution for 2026 Business Appreciation Day Event.