Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2022 05 20

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Cityof ECONOMIC VITALITY COMMITTEE Louisville COLORADO -SINCE 1878 SUBJECT: DISCUSSION/DIRECTION- STRATEGIC PLAN ACTION #2-6: BUSINESS FORUM OUTCOMES DATE: MAY 20, 2022 PRESENTED BY: AUSTIN BROWN, ECONOMIC VITALITY SPECIALIST SUMMARY: The Economic Vitality Strategic Plan contains Action #2-6: "Host annual (or semi- annual) Business Forum to gather all stakeholders, review City priorities, and gather feedback." This memo serves as follow-up to the Business Forum event that was held on April 21, 2022. DISCUSSION: The City of Louisville previously hosted two Business Forums in 2018 and one in 2019. The Forum had not been held since June 2019, with the intended 2020 and 2021 events being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Economic Vitality Committee (EVC) began discussing the business forum in 2021 with the goal of hosting a forum in March 2022. This timeline was briefly delayed by the Marshall Fire. The April 2022 Business Forum was held at the Allen Company (609 South 104tn Street) in the Colorado Technology Center. The event was attended by 41 guests, including six members of City Council. The Forum consisted of networking, a catered breakfast, and a guest speaker. Mayor Ashley Stolzmann and Councilmember Caleb Dickinson also gave brief remarks to kick-off the Forum. Sharon King of the Boulder Small Business Development Center (SBDC) spoke about resiliency and recovery in the face of both the COVID-19 pandemic and the Marshall Fire. Ms. King's presentation has been posted online for those who were not able to attend the forum and is also included as Attachment #2. Following her presentation, Sharon interacted with the audience and asked a few questions regarding businesses demographics, challenges, and personal experiences over the last two years. Staff prepared brief surveys that allowed attendees to provide feedback on the event. The requested feedback included a rating of the event, general comments, suggestions on topics or speakers for future events, and also an opportunity to request a business retention visit with staff. Staff received seven survey responses which are included as Attachment #3. Of the seven responses, five rated the forum as "Good", while one rated the forum as "Excellent". Some of the comments received include: • Shorter than expected • Contextual and superficial • More discussion — was nice to hear from businesses • Less time networking • Have attendees introduce themselves Agenda Packet P. 6