The meeting prominently featured a discussion on the city’s advertising strategy, with particular attention paid to the potential benefits of leveraging social media to boost Zumbrota’s visibility. Members expressed concerns about the effectiveness of traditional advertising methods, such as billboard and television campaigns, in the face of evolving consumer behavior. A television advertising proposal from WEAU TV, aimed at targeting smaller cities for a two-month campaign at a cost of approximately $5,000, was met with skepticism. Some members questioned the return on investment from television advertising, given the changing habits in media consumption. The idea of hiring a dedicated social media marketing professional was floated, emphasizing the need for Zumbrota to improve its ranking in Google searches compared to neighboring communities like Pine Island and Cannon Falls.

The dialogue underscored the consensus that social media could offer a more strategic and cost-effective approach to engage potential visitors, particularly those traveling to Zumbrota from nearby Rochester for medical purposes. A member noted that while the city received high reviews online, its overall visibility remained limited. This led to discussions about forming a collaborative marketing effort among local businesses to maximize the impact of their promotional efforts. The idea of hiring a social media firm capable of providing analytics on reach and effectiveness was further explored, with plans to invite a marketing expert to present potential advertising strategies.

In addition to advertising concerns, the meeting addressed the possibility of conducting a housing study, funded through a credit with the Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). The proposed study aims to assess Zumbrota’s housing needs, offering insights that could enhance the city’s competitiveness in securing grants. Although Good County currently possesses a housing study, it does not specifically address Zumbrota, prompting calls for a localized analysis. However, financial considerations were a topic of debate, with the study projected to cost $13,500, though discounts and grants could lower Zumbrota’s share to around $5,612.44. Some members questioned the necessity of the study at this time.

The housing discussion underscored the importance of understanding post-pandemic shifts in housing demand, with particular interest in accommodating diverse demographics, including young families and retirees. One member shared a personal anecdote about a friend who was impressed by Zumbrota’s vibrant downtown and thriving shops, highlighting the area’s appeal to visitors.

In matters of urban development, the board received an update on the Katie Apartments project. Progress remains stalled as the development awaits a site plan from Keller Bartman, which is important for finalizing the development agreement. This delay has caused frustration among board members, who are eager to see the project advance.

The meeting also highlighted community engagement through art, with the announcement of a local grant awarded to Sarah Sheepert of Flowers on Maine. This “paint the town grant” will fund the creation of a mural on the back of her store, contributing to the beautification of the area and promoting local art initiatives. The grant has sparked interest among other business owners, who inquired about opportunities to access similar funding for mural projects, although such opportunities are typically limited and arise annually.

Concluding the session, logistical challenges in scheduling future meetings were discussed, with the next gathering confirmed for June 11th. Members debated the merits of morning meetings to accommodate various schedules.