Business Retention and Development Committee Agenda and Packet 2020 08 03

Home Browse Search

CXtY°.f BUSINESS RETENTION AND Louisville DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE COLORADO -SINCE 1.878 SUBJECT: DISCUSSION/DIRECTION- BUSINESS RETENTION VISITS DATE: AUGUST 3, 2020 PRESENTED BY: MEGAN E. PIERCE, ECONOMIC VITALITY DIRECTOR SUMMARY: In July, the BRaD Committee reviewed some of its 2020 planned initiatives that have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including regular business retention visits. This will be a follow-up to that discussion. DISCUSSION: The City of Louisville is still under a policy for all our board and commission meetings to be conducted virtually. Additionally, City Hall is not yet re -open for drop -in services. Based on BRaD's last conversation, as well as the public health guidance, City policy, and people's comfort level, it is likely we will start retention visits virtually and perhaps be able to evolve to in -person visits later this year. When City Hall establishes a re- opening plan, BRaD can use that as a marker for starting in -person retention visits. In late 2019, BRaD visits were held with Fresca Foods and Solid Power. In 2020, BRaD has conducted retention visits with Crystal Springs Brewing Company and Moxie Bread Company. So far in 2020, Staff has conducted retention visits with Lucky Pie Pizza, Pitter Patter, Brock Media, Mother Tucker Brewery, JumpCloud Inc., Wildwood Guitars, and Louisville Cyclery. No official retention visits have been conducted since the pandemic shutdown. Staff plans to pursue mostly virtual visits, unless specifically otherwise requested by the business, in the near future. Last month, the Committee suggested it may make sense to focus on some of the larger companies and primary employers located in Louisville, since they may have more capacity than the small businesses during the current circumstances. Committee members were asked to brainstorm and submit potential businesses to consider for scheduling upcoming retention visits. Staff received two suggestions from the Committee in July: • Jules Gourmet Catering (CTC) • Alem International (CTC) Staff also compiled a list of potential businesses the Committee may wish to consider, including: • Babolat VS North America (CTC) • Bixbi Pet (CTC) • Havana Manor (McCaslin Corridor) • Izzio Artisan Bakery (CTC) • Koru Chiropractic (McCaslin Corridor)