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37 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />infrastructure. If we want to change the formula, then also should be talking about our small <br />business loan program, which is not as active as I had thought it would be. Let’s put all this in <br />the context of a larger economic development strategy. <br /> <br />3:45 Retreat Wrap Up <br />Last thoughts from each person at the table reflecting on the retreat, including what worked well, <br />what to consider doing differently in future retreats? <br />Each person at the table had the opportunity to share their last thoughts: <br /> <br />Commissioner Rich – I always get something good from our retreats. It is helpful to talk freely <br />and to learn. The room does not have good acoustics, so I don’t think I would want to return to <br />this location. Otherwise a good day. <br /> <br />Commissioner Dorosin – I appreciate everyone’s candor. I think it would be better to have more <br />engagement from staff, at least to have staff sitting closer so that it would be more conducive for <br />staff to participate. There was more presentation today than I would have wanted. I value the <br />back and fourth among us. I wonder if next year the presentations could be provided at a Board <br />meeting prior to the retreat or as material to review in advance. Resource people could be <br />available for questions, but not to present. I liked having the focus today on a single or two <br />related topics; these were the right topics to take up now. Finally, I think we need to consider <br />our messaging: how what we talk about gets talked about. The facilitator did a good job. <br /> <br />Commissioner Burroughs – The “appreciation” ice breaker at the start helped us to disagree <br />comfortably later in the day. I liked the presentations here, in real time. They focused my mind <br />and kept the material fresh for our conversations. I wish you all luck next year! <br /> <br />Commissioner Marcoplos – I find it valuable and satisfying to have these kinds of discussions, <br />to have ancillary ideas arise from our back and forth. I think we should have a conversation <br />about our communications: how we communicate, how our ideas get communicated, how our <br />policies get explained, how we operate in this new media environment. Thanks to all in <br />attendance. This was a great event. <br /> <br />Mr. Myren – It was a great discussion. We got sufficient direction. I look forward to putting <br />together the budget. <br /> <br />Ms. Hammersley – This was very helpful to us, and for the team that is here today. We do not <br />see the challenges as a negative. It is always the case that there are not enough resources to <br />do everything we want. This meeting today was beneficial because the Board’s input to us is <br />very important. We heard from you today, before we enter the budget process, and that will <br />make the coming process even better than the ones we have had before – which you have told <br />me you have appreciated. It is scary when you see gaps, but we’re going to balance the budget. <br />It does not have to be painful as long as we are honest about what we can do and what we <br />cannot do. Thank you for today. <br /> <br />Commissioner Price – Today has been informative. I appreciate the Chair’s focus on “where we <br />are going.” That’s what retreats are for: talking about the future. Not doom and gloom. There is <br />a horizon ahead, and as long as we are moving toward it then we will make progress. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jacobs – I always enjoy the conversation. I don’t think we have ever figured out <br />how to involve the staff in such a way that it is worth their time to be here. I appreciate that so <br />many members of the staff came and listened. The more you can hear our conversations the