HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.07.2009• s
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
December 7, 2009
3:50 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Getty, Hart, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie Schmitt. Absent: Cole,
Greenwood.
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Steve Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be
approved. Ayes: Five. Absent: Cole, Greenwood. Motion carried.
Maureen Collins -Williams, Director of UNI Business Development and Incubation presented
information regarding MyEntre.Net. Ms. Collins -Williams thanked the city for supporting
entrepreneurial economic development in the Cedar Valley. She stated that since January 2009
much has transpired in the Cedar Valley and that the recession has finally started to pull
economic activity downward. Ms. Collins -Williams stated that the Cedar Valley is seeing an
increase in necessity entrepreneurship at EntreBash! She stated that events and a greater number
of existing business owners have sought assistance with flat or declining sales. Ms. Collins -
Williams stated that to date 1,107 small and mid -sized Cedar Valley companies have been
attracted and engaged online at a local EntreBash! or through the growing listserv. She stated
that between January and June 2009, nearly 300 small firms sought and received services for the
first time at www.myentre.net or in person in the Cedar Valley and the network is still growing.
She stated that a semi-annual survey of these firms offered mixed results.
Councilperson Greenwood now present at 3:58 p.m.
Ms. Collins -Williams stated that the surveys were conducted in September rather than June due
to a shortage of trained students capable of conducting the kind of quantitative and qualitative
interviews that were required. She stated that of all engaged business owners contacted by phone
during the survey process, 176 provided responses. She stated that their experiences were
summarized in the semi-annual report given to council. Ms. Collins -Williams stated that those
that responded to the survey didn't reflect the national economic flux reported elsewhere in the
country. She stated that in the next round of surveys in January they may be. She stated that
until they can capture close to 400 responses during each survey period, the responses will not be
statistically significant but until then they are capturing some excellent trends. Ms. Collins -
Williams thanked the Mayor and Council for continuing to support small business at a time when
all expenditures are difficult. She stated that they are looking forward to 2010 and the
culmination of this work into a diversified and healthy Cedar Valley economy.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by
Steve Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 4:10 p.m. Ayes: Five. Absent: Cole,
Greenwood. Motion carried.
Carol Failor
Deputy City Clerk