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Cindy Nelson, Deputy City Manager for Development Services, introduced <br />topic and presented Linda Summers, Economic Development Manager. <br />Ms. Summers provided Council with an update of recent efforts of the <br />Economic Development Division. Highlights of the presentation included: <br />Current Economic Development Objectives: <br />• Promote Business Expansion, Retention, and Attraction <br />• Support Infrastructure for Economic Development <br />• Continued Partnerships with Local Business and Community <br />Associations <br />• Establish Cohesive Citywide Marketing Program <br />• Continue to Promote Linkages with Workforce and Economic <br />Development <br />• Employee and Employer Training — Work Experience Programs <br />• Market new Enterprise Zone (EZ) Expansion Areas <br />• Continue Citywide Branding and Image Campaign through Website <br />Update and "Good News" Portal <br />• Promote Use of International Trade /Foreign Trade Zone <br />• Continue to Utilize American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) <br />Funding <br />• Continue to Support Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses <br />• Enhance Downtown's Economic Vitality with Programs and Services <br />New Business Licenses Issued: <br />Date <br />July, 2009 <br />August, 2009 <br />September, 2009 <br />October, 2009 <br />November, 2009 <br />December, 2009 <br /># of New Business Licenses <br />277 <br />305 <br />246 <br />283 <br />227 <br />227 <br />Business Outreach - Business Attraction Tools: <br />• Marketing <br />• Broker Forums and Tours <br />• Interactive Available Properties Website (Loopnet) <br />• Inventory of Available Properties <br />• Retail Mapping Tools <br />• Site Selection and Permit Assistance <br />Business Outreach - Business Retention Tools: <br />• Rapid Response Site Visits <br />• Business Wellness Surveys <br />• New Business Receptions <br />• 100 Businesses for 100 Days Entrepreneurship Event <br />• Next Event — April 22nd — "Money: Where to Find it and How to Get it- <br />TODAY!" <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES <br />9 <br />■MA <br />MARCH 15, 2010 <br />