The Mandan City Commission this week hired two consultants for $53,500 to be more aggressive in landing retail and restaurant businesses.

The action passed 4-1. Commissioner Dot Frank voted no.

Retail Attractions LLC's contract will be for $48,500 and Crossroads Communications LLC will be paid $5,000. The city may use the services up to three years.

The partner consultants complement one another. Retail Attractions collects the data and helps recruit national retail chains and Crossroads Communications packages the data collected for distribution to businesses Mandan is trying to bring to the city .

Retail Attractions also will pitch Mandan's assets at the 2011 International Council of Shopping Central Global retail estate convention in Las Vegas May 22-25.

The city will pay for the services from its sales tax revenue through Growth Funds.

"I think it's time for this commission to take a bold step and think outside the box... I believe in Mandan. I think there is some really good money to be made in Mandan," said Mayor Tim Helbling. He said the firms could bring retail and restaurant businesses to the city and help offset property taxes.

Frank said she opposed the the contracts because the city already is working with other economic development groups that have been directed to be more aggressive in seeking retail for Mandan, including the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association. Frank doubts the city is prepared to offer incentive packages and land access for big retail outlets as Williston did to draw Menards.

City business development director Ellen Huber told commissioners the consultants would strengthen Mandan's national connections by getting responses to phone calls, emails, letters and being able to schedule personal visits with the companies' representatives.

Surveys show lack of retail is considered Mandan's biggest weakness, she said.