gaylordhub.com

Gaylord’s Economic Development Authority is exploring the use of a University of Minnesota Extension Service “toolkit” to assist local businesses.

David Nelson, Regional Extension Educator in community economics, and Tim Dolan, Sibley County economic development director, gave a presentation on the use of the Business Retention & Expansion Toolkit. The toolkit contains a handbook, information about potential meetings, workshops, and facilitations, and a step-by-step guide.

The goals of the toolkit are to demonstrate appreciation of local business, help businesses address local problems, strategically plan for retention and expansion, increase the local competitive advantage, provide a narration of the local economy, and build capacity for economic sustainability.

Nelson said that the toolkit is “very adaptable.” Participation in the program is initially for 24 months. There are 14 steps in the process.

Businesses usually are supportive of the program, Nelson said, because it gives them an opportunity to be heard individually and as a group.

Dolan said that when visiting with local businesses, it is important to address concerns as soon as possible. He indicated that he would be willing to make some of the visits if Gaylord decided to proceed with this.

Participation in the program would initially cost $3,000. This would include up to 24 months of membership services, access to all information and resources available on the Business Retention and Expansion Toolkit member Web site, comprehensive questioned based on 18 years of experience in more than 50 communities, surveys, up to six workshops, facilitations and services.

Renewal membership is $1,500. The renewal membership package is the same as the initial package, except members would receive three workshops instead of six.

The EDA took the information under advisement.

In other business, the EDA:

• Was informed that a presentation from the Minnesota Foundation will be given next month. This is the largest organization that handles community foundations, according to EDA president Chuck Klimmek.

• Was updated by Executive Director Troy Bonkowske that he is continuing to work slowly on a mobile home park ordinance. He has received information from Faribault and Blaine.

• Learned that an out-of-state business was given a tour of the Entegris building. Bonkowske informed the business representatives about possible financial incentives.

• Was informed that Region Nine is contracting with a part-time employee who has experience with the Main Street Program.

• Discussed the possibility of identifying infrastructure needs that are important to economic development in the City of Gaylord. It was also discussed to have a plan in place to “build up” the lot between Entegris and Ibberson in the industrial park as part of the street project, so the lot would be ready for potential development. Bonkowske said that there may be an opportunity to apply for a federal grant for expansion in the industrial park.