Business Retention and Development Committee Minutes 2008 05 05

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City Council Business Retention & Development Committee Meeting Minutes May 5, 2008 Page 2 of 3 Mark Skinner, ZVC, added that the program has engendered a lot of good will from merchants on McCaslin Boulevard. He added that Shop Louisville will have a booth at each Street Faire as well as the Taste of Louisville. Lathrop stated that when he speaks to business owners they are happy to find out that all businesses are included on the site, not just those who have registered. Krueger stated that she thought that the comments from the SL web site were very informative and it would be helpful to get those out to the business owners. Fleming reminded that Committee that one goal of the SL program is to have the business community take over the program in the long-term. BUSINESS ASSISTANCE IDEAS Hogan reported that the retention visits have shown that small businesses need certain, basic help such as marketing, business training, educational opportunities, and some “business reality checks.” Michael Menaker, 1127 Choke Cherry Drive, asked if the City could provide a venue for some business to business discussions. Pritchard asked if BRaD could help connect smaller businesses with locals or students willing to help. Lathrop noted that small business people tend to want to talk to other small business people with whom they can relate. Yarnell asked what role the City could play in facilitating this. Hogan said she would think about how BRaD might be able to facilitate something. USE TAX DISCUSSION RECAP Hogan asked if any members had any questions about the April presentation on Use Tax. Seeing none, she noted that it appears this would be a 2009 ballot question if the City Council chooses to move forward. INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF SHOPPING CENTERS CONFERENCE UPDATE Hogan reported that she, Fleming, and Mayor Sisk will attend the conference May 18-20. They have 11 appointments scheduled with a mix of developers and existing retailers. RETENTION VISIT REPORTS AND FOLLOW UP Members gave brief reports on the following retention visits. All were in agreement that the retention visits are very worthwhile and educational for both the BRaD members and the business owners. ? 844 Main Street, LLC, March 4 - Hogan ? BC Properties, April 7 – Hogan ? Amterre Property Group (Pine Street Plaza), April 14 – Fleming ? Huckleberry, April 14 – Sackett/Fleming ? Envysion, April 17 – Lathrop/Kreuger