[0:00] - This is a plan for Bloomington's economy. [0:02] We wanna make sure that we are engaging those stakeholders [0:05] that are most invested in the economy. [0:07] We've done a lot of community engagement. [0:09] - The city is really here to serve us, [0:11] and so the city can't do its work, can't meet its mission, [0:15] can't solve for some of the issues [0:17] if they don't hear from the people [0:19] who live here and the people who work here. [0:21] - The plan is guided by a 13 member steering committee. [0:23] These are business owners, community members, [0:27] representative of large employers [0:29] and universities that all have an interest in making sure [0:32] that Bloomington's economy is strong and growing. [0:35] - Bloomington is one of our larger cities, [0:39] and they provide a lot to the state and local economy. [0:43] - When people come to tour to decide, shall I move here, [0:47] shall I come and attend this school? [0:49] It matters to them what they arrive at, how it looks, [0:53] how safe and welcoming it feels to them. [0:56] - I had a really good experience [0:58] opening a business in Bloomington. [0:59] I found a lot of the city officials [1:01] were super helpful, very responsive. [1:04] I do think that there are some old procedures and policies, [1:07] or maybe even rules in place in Bloomington [1:09] that really need to be revamped. [1:11] And I think being on this committee, [1:13] I can hopefully help influence that [1:15] so that the next businesses that come to Bloomington [1:17] find it just a little bit easier to navigate. [1:19] - It's probably no surprise that we will continue [1:22] to focus on small business, [1:23] that's been a big priority for the city. [1:25] We're also hoping to really celebrate [1:27] some of our high tech manufacturing here in Bloomington, [1:29] including the semiconductor industry. [1:31] We will, of course, continue to support [1:33] our hospitality industry as well. [1:35] We'll be looking at developing [1:37] more intentional relationships [1:39] with workforce development partners [1:41] to make sure we have the employees who are ready [1:43] and trained to fill the jobs of the future [1:45] here in Bloomington. [1:47] We wanna see our Bloomington residents [1:48] being able to be employed here in industries [1:51] close to their homes. [1:52] And finally, the small business community [1:53] brings so much richness and authenticity to Bloomington.