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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-09 ACE MINUTES• • • ALLIANCE FOR COMMERCE IN ENGLEWOOD May 9, 2002 I. Call to Order The Alliance for Commerce in Englewood meeting was called to order at 11 :40 a.m. in the City Council Conference Room of Englewood Civic Center. Chair Van Der Zwaag presiding. Members Present: Members Absent: Alternate Members Absent: Liaison Members Present: Staff: Guests: II. Approval OF Minutes Ashenfelter, Guinther, Panetta, Schalk, Taylor, Van Der Zwaag, and Young None Rees Brenengen, Yurchick Jan Johnson, Business and Redevelopment Coordinator Darren Hollingsworth, Business Development Specialist Bob Simpson, Director of Community Development Lance Smith, Chief Building Official Councilperson Olga Wolosyn Anne Ricker, Leland Consulting Group Chair Van Der Zwaag asked that the Minutes of April 11, 2002 be considered for approval. Mr. Panetta moved; Ms. Guinther seconded: THATTHE MINUTES OF APRIL 11, 2002 BE APPROVED. Motion carried. Ill. Business Forums Ms. Ricker distributed information detailing the highlights from the four Business Forums to date. She stated the attendance is reflective of people being on vacation or out of town rather than lack of interest. The forums have been identifyi ng and discussing perceptions of Englewood and the barriers to investments in Englewood. The business forums are developing benchmarks and are concerned with the timeliness of implementation, accountability, and communication. In addition to perceptions and barriers, the memo also details issues to be addressed by staff. Ms. Johnson distributed information on the shuttle feasibility study, as well as a summary of the Gart Sports relocation. Ms. Ricker continued by stating that one the largest obstacle identified so far are the "disconnects." Ms. Ricker also stated it is important to involve businesses within the community and community events, to build partnerships. Mr. Schalk suggested scheduling City events, such as the FunFest, closer to the business community which would draw people to the area. He stated it would draw more people to Englewood if individual events such as the Taste of Englewood, sidewalk sales, various City events, etc., were combined in some fashion to create more of an "event." This would promote business and could potentially draw people from outside of Englewood. Mr. Panetta suggested perhaps a week-long event similar to Littleton's Western Days. Discussion ensued. Mr. Schalk moved; Mr. Panetta seconded: THAT MARILYN BRENENGEN AND OLGA WOLOSYN ASK THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL TO MOVE THE FUNFEST EVENT CLOSER TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY. Motion carried. • Ms. Ricker stated there were four distinct opportunities identified: • • Most retail businesses are "destination businesses." • There are 100 ethnic restaurants in Englewood • Incentives for businesses • The medical base Discussion ensued. IV. Business Survey Ms. Johnson stated that over 400 business surveys were returned and that data is being tallied. Only three surveys were completed online. Representatives from the National Research Center will be at the June 13 ACE meeting and the June 24 City Council Study Session. Ms. Brenengen asked how the information received from the business forums and business surveys would be tied together. Ms. Johnson responded that Ms. Ricker would assist in that effort. Ms. Johnson distributed a draft form for a potential Business Expansion and Retention program. Ms. Johnson stated it was ACE's one year anniversary and congratulated the members on a successful first year. Mr. Panetta suggested drafting a document highlighting accomplishments during the past year. 2 • • • V. Other Business Chair Van Der Zwaag reminded the members that the Business Appreciation Breakfast is scheduled for June 6 at Hudson Gardens, commencing at 7 a.m. Mr. Taylor asked if the event could be moved to Englewood since Hudson Gardens is located in Littleton. Discussion ensued. Mr. Schalk offered to host the event at the Gothic Theatre. Ms. Brenengen reminded the members that the Taste of Englewood is scheduled for Thursday, May 16 and ticket s are still available. VI. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1 :05 p.m. Nancy Fe ton, Recording Secretary 3