07-08-2025 EDC Agenda PacketA.5:30 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER - LOCATION CHANGE: CHANHASSEN DINNER
THEATRES 501 West 78th Street
B.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioners may add or delete items at this time.
C.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
C.1 Approve Economic Development Commission Minutes of June 10, 2025.
D.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
D.1 Tamara Kangas Erickson, President and Artistic Director, and Joel Rainville, Director of
Marketing and Sales - Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.
E.DISCUSSION / GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS
F.DIRECTOR'S REPORT
G.ADJOURNMENT
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025
CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES 501 WEST 78TH STREET
1
Economic Development Commission Item
July 8, 2025
Subject Approve Economic Development Commission Minutes of June 10, 2025.
Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES Item No: C.1
Prepared By Jenny Potter, City Clerk File No:
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Economic Development Commission approve the June 10, 2025
Commission minutes.
ATTACHMENTS
June 10, 2025 EDC Minutes
2
CHANHASSEN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 10, 2025
Samantha DiMaggio called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Eric Anderson, David Benedict, Luke Bame, Nick Gardino, John Kroll, Cohen
Lee
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Samantha DiMaggio, Economic Development Manager
PUBLIC PRESENT: Erik Hansen, Chief Executive Officer, SouthWest Transit.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA DATED JUNE 10, 2025
Commissioner Bame moved, and Commissioner Kroll seconded to approve the Agenda of the Economic
Development Commission meeting dated June 10, 2025, as presented. All voted in favor, and the motion
was carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
APPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES DATED APRIL 8, 2025
Commissioner Gardino moved, and Commissioner Kroll seconded to approve the Minutes of the
Economic Development Commission meeting dated April 8, 2025, as presented. All voted in favor, and
the motion was carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
Erik Hansen – Chief Executive Officer, SouthWest Transit (SWT)
DISCUSSION/GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Bame moved, and Commissioner Lee seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor
and the motion was carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. The Economic Development Commission
meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
Submitted by Samantha DiMaggio
Economic Development Manager
3
Economic Development Commission Item
July 8, 2025
Subject Tamara Kangas Erickson, President and Artistic Director, and Joel Rainville,
Director of Marketing and Sales - Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.
Section VISITOR PRESENTATIONS Item No: D.1
Prepared By Sam DiMaggio, Economic Development Manager File No:
SUMMARY
Tamara Kangas Erickson, President and Artistic Director, and Joel Rainville, Director of Marketing and
Sales - Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT), will give a presentation on the CDT, which is one of the
oldest and largest employers in Chanhassen, and will then give a tour of the facility.
BACKGROUND
Tamara Kangas Erickson - President and Artistic Director
Tamara Kangas Erickson is the newly named President and Artistic Director of Chanhassen Dinner
Theatres. She has served as Resident Choreographer since 2004 and has proudly choreographed over 40
Main Stage productions. Tamara became part of the CDT family in 1981 when she appeared as Marta
Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Also at CDT - Fireside: Respect (Director/Choreographer), Altar
Boyz (Choreographer); Playhouse: The Musical of Musicals: The Musical (Director/Choreographer).
Off-Broadway: This One’s for the Girls(Director/Choreographer); Artistry: Little Women, The
Broadway Musical (Director/Choreographer); National Tour: Sesame Street Live Can’t Stop Singing
(Choreographer). Tamara was named “Outstanding Choreographer” (2005, 2006 and 2008) by the Star
Tribune for Singin’ in the Rain, West Side Story and 42nd Street and received an Ivey Award in 2008
for her choreography in 42nd Street.
Joel Rainville - Director of Marketing and Sales
Joel Rainville is the Director of Marketing and Sales at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT), a position
he has held since January 2013. He was promoted to this leadership role after joining CDT as
Marketing Manager in May 2012. With over two decades of experience in strategic marketing, brand
development, and audience engagement, Joel has played a key role in driving ticket sales and expanding
community outreach for one of the nation’s premier dinner theatre destinations. Prior to his time at
CDT, he held progressive marketing roles at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul,
MN. Joel is passionate about connecting audiences with unforgettable live entertainment experiences
and continues to shape CDT’s public presence and patron relationships. He is also active in the National
4
Dinner Theatre Association and the National Independent Venue Association, and serves on the boards
of two Twin Cities nonprofit organizations.
Background – Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) is one of the City of Chanhassen’s most significant cultural and
economic assets. Founded in 1968 by Herbert and Carolyn Bloomberg, CDT was born from the
couple’s vision to bring “a little bit of Broadway to the Midwest.” What began as a 90,000-square-foot
entertainment complex in a rural town of fewer than 500 residents has since become the largest
professional dinner theatre in the United States.
Today, CDT is a cornerstone of Chanhassen’s identity and economy. The theatre draws approximately
300,000 annual visitors, making it a key driver of tourism and a major contributor to local commerce.
CDT consistently ranks among the city’s top employers and plays a vital role in supporting the
hospitality, retail, and service sectors throughout the community. Its performances attract patrons from
across the region, elevating Chanhassen’s profile as a cultural destination and enhancing the overall
quality of life for residents.
Beyond its economic contributions, CDT has a longstanding commitment to artistic excellence and
community engagement. The theatre provides steady employment for performers, technicians, and
hospitality professionals, and it supports a broad ecosystem of local businesses. CDT also serves as a
hub for live entertainment, hosting not only Broadway-style musicals but also concerts, comedy shows,
and private events.
For more than five decades, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has embodied the spirit of its founders,
offering world-class entertainment, fostering community pride, and helping shape Chanhassen into the
vibrant city it is today.
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
As this is a visitor presentation, no formal action is required.
ATTACHMENTS
5