2026 Business Appreciation Day Wrap Up and Selection of 2027 Date and Location

The purpose of this case is to provide the EDA with a summary of the 2026 Business Appreciation Day. The event was held on August 18, 2026, at the Links at Northfork. Participation was strong, with 144 registered golfers and approximately 160 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. RM Golf Carts was recognized as the 2026 Business of the Year, with an award and plaque presented to its management team.
In the golf tournament:

• 1st Place: Anderson Dahlen (-14)
• 2nd Place: Team Packaging (-13)
• Random Team: WEBCO Security
• Last Place Team: Connexus Energy (+4)
• Best Dressed Team: Bertolas & Olson with "American Sparkle” theme
• Best Hole Sponsor: Acapulco Mexican Restaurant

Hole sponsor activity: 10 out of 18 hole sponsors were present this year with activities, up over previous years. Best Dressed had good participation again. Door prizes were pre-drawn again, allowing participants to collect them after golf, streamlining the dinner and awards program.

Feedback from the 17 returned surveys was highly positive, 76% rated the event as "Excellent". Overall, the 2026 Business Appreciation Day was again a very successful and well-received event in the opinion of Staff and the feedback we have received..

None required

Staff believes that this is a great networking event for businesses and city staff and supports holding it in 2027.  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 or continued based on previous year's participant or staff feedback include:

1. Best Hole Sponsor and Best Dressed Team contests with awards.
2. Door prizes were pre-drawn.
3. Signage was added to front of clubhouse to direct players and sponsors where to go upon arrival.
4. Ordered less desserts.
5. Priced out different options for photographer.
6. Acapulco was back this year!
7. Freeze pops and snacks at city tent (not just candy).

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

Motion to select event date of Tuesday, August 17, 2027 and the Links at Northfork as the venue for the 2027 Business Appreciation Day Event.

and;

Motion to approve $6000 EDA contribution and budget for 2027 Business Appreciation Day Event.