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SUBJECT: STRATEGIC PLAN ITEM #2-6 <br />DATE: MAY 20, 2022 PAGE 2 OF 2 <br />Some feedback that the City received regarding suggestions for future topics or <br />speakers included: <br />• Networking <br />• Marketing <br />• Mentor program <br />• Workforce <br />• Plans for the future of business in Louisville <br />Staff also received one request for a business retention visit. <br />Staff is exploring the option of hosting a second business forum in the fall and the EVC <br />provided several suggestions at the last meeting. To provide different schedule options <br />for attendees, staff can evaluate an evening Forum session. However, given the variety <br />of business types, there is no perfect time that best serves the entire community. The <br />suggestion to incorporate a host business tour will likely be easy to accommodate and <br />provides a nice opportunity to showcase our employers. <br />EVC also provided feedback about the incorporation of programming information and <br />interaction with City Council on policy and services. Staff can give a brief overview of <br />current focus, new programs, and core services. This overview might include topics <br />such as the Fagade Improvement Program, Business Retention Visits, key properties <br />and vacancies, and new businesses to welcome to the community. Though staff can <br />incorporate time into the Forum, Council will need to take the lead on how it wants to <br />engage about policies and current Work Plan items that may be of relevance for <br />businesses. <br />For general Forum topics to help recruit an appropriate speaker, staff asked for input <br />from the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association boards. Staff did <br />not receive any guidance to inform the April event. There may be responses in the <br />Business Satisfaction Survey that can help inform items of interest, but as has been <br />mentioned, staff is still finding it difficult to get direct engagement with businesses. Staff <br />can also gather information from regional business -focused organizations, such as the <br />SBDC, Boulder Chamber/Boulder Economic Council, etc. <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Discuss Business Forum outcomes and provide direction to staff regarding future events. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />• Attachment #1: SBDC Presentation <br />• Attachment #2: Business Forum Feedback <br />Agenda Packet P. 7 <br />