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Economic Development Commission Meeting

The November EDC session focused on near-term holiday promotions, longer-term business-support tools, and keeping the business survey moving while the commission transitions to new membership.

Highlights

  • ✅ Roll call: Chair Eric Lawson, Vice Chair Chris Baron, Lisa Fry, Amy Gibson-Grue, David Amanor, ex-officio Councilor Mandy Hagedorn present; Jacqueline Hunt joined later, Mike (ill) absent. No public attendees, but the commission agreed to revise the public-comment script from “citizens” to “persons” so non‑citizen residents are clearly welcome.
  • 📣 Jingle Parade promotion: Lisa Fry & Jacie Hunt are drafting a December incentive plan (e.g., bingo/punch cards, joint chamber event, customer appreciation ideas). Members will send suggestions individually; goal is to preview the plan at the December 3 meeting for rollout at the Dec 4 Jingle Parade.
  • 📊 Business survey: Eric prepared the email + survey link. Staff will send it via the city’s group email, then create a QR code + blurb for a future newsletter/water-bill insert once responses start coming in.
  • 🛍️ Banks retail market study follow-up: City Manager Bill Reed met with the consultant who prepared Banks’ study. They’re scoping similar work focused on the North Plains Urban Renewal District (opportunities + URA incentive ideas). Bill will review the scope, bring it to the EDC, and staff will re-send the Banks study to commissioners.
  • 🌐 Business resources landing page: Inspired by Forest Grove’s “start a business” portal, Jacie will research comparable examples (Forest Grove, Carlton, etc.) to inform an updated North Plains landing page/one-pager.
  • 💰 Budget items: Consultant will attend the December meeting to discuss scope/cost. The commission also wants to explore marketing collateral funding (deferred to the December agenda).
  • 👥 Membership transitions: Vice Chair Chris Baron is stepping down (this was his final meeting). Jacie Hunt intends to reapply; December 3 agenda will include interviewing applicants so council can appoint replacements before year-end, per city policy.
  • 🙌 Farewell: Chris thanked the group, offered to stay involved as a volunteer, and the commission recognized his service.

Next Steps

  • December 3 meeting: review consultant scope, interview applicants, finalize survey roll-out details, and present the Jingle Parade incentive plan.
  • Staff: re-send Banks study, finalize email blast, generate QR code + newsletter blurb once survey is live.
  • Commissioners: send holiday-promotion ideas to Lisa/Jacie; continue gathering examples of business-resource landing pages.