Annual Fall Networking Event

Annually, the Ramsey EDA hosts a 'Fall Networking Event.' Typically, this event includes a keynote speaker(s) and a free breakfast. Historically, this event has taken place at the Ramsey Municipal Center in the AR room and has averaged 45 attendees. The Ramsey EDA allocates $1,500 to this event annually. The demographic that typically attends the EDA Fall Networking Event is manufacturers/large employers. However, the Ramsey EDA has kept the door open to allow other types of business. Typically, there are a few non-manufacturing type businesses that attend the EDA Fall Networking event.

The purpose of the EDA Fall Networking Event is for the City to develop and maintain positive relationships with Ramsey Businesses. Additionally, this event provides an opportunity for Ramsey businesses to network, provide self-help/best-practices solutions and identify opportunities for Ramsey businesses to buy/sell goods locally.

Purpose of Case: discuss planning/coordination of the 2013 Ramsey EDA Fall Networking Event. Staff is presenting to general alternatives to the EDA: (1) status quo: what we have done for the past several years (2) utilize the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce Manufacturer's Cohort Program.

Alternative 1: Traditional EDA Fall Networking Event
As mentioned in the case background--Historically, the EDA Fall Networking Event includes a free breakfast from Wells Catering, 1-3 Keynote Speakers, takes place at the Ramsey Municipal Center and targets Ramsey manufacturers/large employers. Typically, this event draws about 45 attendees. The Ramsey EDA allocates $1,500 to this event.

The first alternative is a proven process. Although the City doesn't receive 'raving' reviews and overwhelming attendance; it is typical to receive positive feedback from attendees. Overall, the traditional Fall Networking Event format is a strong alternative for EDA consideration.

Alternative 2: Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce Manufacturers’ Cohort Sponsorship
Staff would like to propose/identify an opportunity for the Ramsey EDA to sponsor an Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce: Manufacturers’ Cohort Networking Event.

Background: In early 2010, the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce began a regional bi-monthly manufacturers' networking group known as a “Manufacturers’ Cohort.” This program is a catalyst for strengthening community manufacturing (with a focus on business retention and expansion).

This bi-monthly Manufacturer Cohort group has several similarities/overlaps to the existing Ramsey EDA Fall Networking Event:
   • Format (i.e. free meal, keynote speaker, provide relevant/interesting information)
   • Goals (i.e. business retention and expansion, business-to-business networking)
   • Target Audiences (i.e. manufacturers, large employers)

NOTES: many Ramsey manufacturers/large employers attend the Chamber Manufacturers’ Cohort group regularly. In many respects, this group provides the same service as the Ramsey EDA Fall Networking Event. However, one could argue, the Chamber group provides a higher quality product.

What differences exist between the Chamber Manufacturers’ Cohort and the Traditional EDA Fall Networking Event?
   • Demographic Reach (i.e. other City’s manufacturers are also invited)
   • Limited Target Audience (i.e. manufacturers and large employers only)
   • Economical Food Vendor (i.e. Jimmy Johns/Coborn's not Wells)
   • Time (i.e. lunch versus breakfast)

Why should the EDA consider sponsoring the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce Manufacturer’s Cohort networking event versus Traditional EDA Fall Networking Event?
   • Similarities (i.e. both groups are delivering very similar services)
   • Efficiencies (i.e. partnering will reduce redundancies)
   • Customer Experience (i.e. avoid confusion and improve quality)
   • Big Picture/Value (i.e. year-round/regional program versus one-time Ramsey program)
   • Catalyst for other Cities (i.e. provide an example for other Cities to follow)

With the above information in mind, Staff would recommend/support EDA adoption of alternative number two; specifically including:
   • Sponsorship cost of $800-1,000 to the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce (for planning, marketing, keynote speaker, coordination, etc.). The City would utilize $500-$700 to pay for food and required event supplies.
   • Utilization of the Ramsey Municipal Center
   • Event Date: December 10, 11:30am-1:00pm
   • Keynote Speaker TBD
   • Topic: Addressing Leadership (example details attached). 
   • Ramsey EDA Member to make a short address to group (TBD)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Staff would like to identify that Ramsey Councilmember and EDA Member John LeTourneau is the director of the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce Manufacturers’ Cohort program. Mr. LeTourneau will not be a part of this discussion. Mr. LeTourneau will not be a lead speaker--he will help facilitate, and he does not receive any additional compensation for Ramsey's participation in this event.  He is employed by the Anoka Chamber as an independant contractor. The Anonka Chamber did not approach Staff regarding this opportunity—Staff approached the Anoka Chamber.

EDA Account 9230.6249 -- $1,500 allocated 

Alternative Two (as explained in the 'Observations' section).

Alternative 1: Traditional EDA Fall Networking Event
--or-- 
Alternative 2: Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce Manufacturers’ Cohort Sponsorship