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Discussion Regarding a Legacy Business Recognition Certificate Program and New Business Grand Opening Services
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Meeting Date: May 16, 2024
Contact Person/Dept: Luis Gonzalez, Economic and Cultural Development
Elaine Warner, Economic and Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-5767
(310) 253-5777
Fiscal Impact: Yes [x] No [] General Fund: Yes [x] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [x] Attachments: []
Public Notification: GovDelivery (5/13/2024)
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (05/10/2024)
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Business Recognition Program
In February 2024, Mayor McMorrin requested that the City begin to issue certificates to new businesses pursuant to City Council Policy Statement 3402 (the Policy). Staff is currently working to launch this program in the near future. In an effort to promote existing businesses, staff seeks direction as to whether the Economic Development Subcommittee may also wish to consider a legacy recognition program to highlight businesses that have been in the City for an extended duration of 10 years or more.
The current policy stipulates that the City Council may issue certificates of achievement to recognize one-time special events or milestones to celebrate members/organizations within the Culver City community. The Mayor can approve requests unilaterally and nominations for recognition may occur during the course of a City Council meeting. These nominations may be approved by the Mayor or through the support of three City Council members.
If there is desire to consider this program, Staff can identify legacy businesses for the Mayor and City Council’s consideration on a quarterly basis. Both the new businesses and legacy certificates could be issued by the Mayor and/or City Council during the recognition portion of City Council meetings. Staff could also promote the recognized business on the City’s social media platforms, forthcoming newsletters, and website.
New Business Grand Opening Services
As part of the City’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Commerce, The Chamber has agreed to provide coordination services for new businesses wishing to conduct a grand opening or ribbon cutting ceremony. The City can also provide services directly to businesses as part of our Economic Development Work Program and funding has been requested in our Fiscal Year 24-25 budget. These services would include promotion on GovDelivery and social media, provision of City resources including ribbon and scissors as necessary, and coordination with local businesses to support event implementation. This program would work in conjunction with the current Chamber MOU to provide increased awareness and participation. Staff seeks direction on whether there is interest in expanding the City’s current assistance for grand opening services and if there are specific conditions that should be considered for the development of a formal program.