This case was originally brought forward to the EDA on July 12.  At the July EDA meeting, Karen Skepper from Anoka County briefed the EDA on the concept of a business retention and expansion strategy known as Economic Gardening.  Furthermore, staff introduced a number of common business retention and expansion strategies.  The purpose of this case it to provide answers to questions the EDA had for Mr. Skepper and to begin developing a strategy for the City of Ramsey's business retention and expansion program.
 

Regarding the questions raised by EDA members about the County HRA/EDA/Economic Gardening at the July EDA meeting, please review the attached Q&A from Anoka County.

Regarding the development of a business and retention program in the City of Ramsey, below is a list of common strategies used by other communities:

• Surveys
• Meetings with local businesses
• Community events (fostering pride/networking within local economy)
• Publications (promoting businesses/fostering pride in local economy)
• Removing local obstacles (i.e. legal/physical/social)
• Reduce the cost of doing business
• Enhance infrastructure used by businesses
• Economic gardening

Will be determined in subsequent discussions.