Estacada city staff and members of the Estacada Economic Development Committee agreed to convene a business outreach panel to gather input for the committee's emerging strategic plan, tentatively scheduling the event for Thursday, Dec. 12 at City Hall.

The meeting will invite businesses across Estacada and the nearby perimeter, with staff asking the committee whether the event should be a breakfast, lunch or evening gathering and what organizations should join a speaker panel. Beau, city staff, told the committee the aim is to "get some input" from local business owners as the strategic plan is developed and suggested panelists including representatives for industrial businesses and downtown stakeholders.

Why it matters: committee members said direct input from business owners will shape priorities for the next five to 10 years, particularly around workforce, permit processes, downtown redevelopment and awareness of funding opportunities.

Details discussed: staff proposed hosting the event at City Hall, inviting businesses held on the city business-license list and the Estacada Area Chamber of Commerce to help distribute flyers. Staff estimated turnout of about 50 to 70 attendees if invitations are distributed promptly. Committee members discussed timing tradeoffs: morning events can conflict with operations, while evening events after business hours often draw higher turnout; Beau said Thursdays have worked well for outreach in other communities.

Panel content and outreach: suggested panelists included representatives from Business Oregon (industrial resources), the Small Business Administration or similar business- support organizations, and a state legislator or other state-level resource to explain programs such as industrial bonds and enterprise-zone incentives. The committee also discussed including short presentations from panelists followed by extended time to hear needs from business owners.

Logistics and promotion: the committee agreed staff would draft a flyer and send invitations; Beau said staff would check with the city calendar to avoid conflicts and would coordinate with Melanie on scheduling. The committee identified the Estacada Area Chamber of Commerce as a primary distribution partner. At the meeting the group agreed to "tentatively pick Thursday the twelfth" and to proceed with outreach and confirmation of the date and time.

Next steps: staff will finalize a date, confirm venue availability and circulate a proposed panel and invitation list to the committee. Committee members were asked to propose panelists and questions in advance so staff can compile materials for publication and the city website.