Small business center may open office here
January 22nd, 2009More help may be available locally for area businesses this year.
Troy Bonkowske, Gaylord Economic Development Authority’s executive director, reported that there is a proposal to have a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) satellite office in Gaylord this year.
Satellite offices are being considered in Sleepy Eye, Gaylord, and Waseca, with plans to have an employee spend eight hours/week in each office. The office would provide such services as counseling for existing businesses and entrepreneurs, along with outreach.
Bonkowske thought that the service could be billed to Gaylord EDA for actual time spent here.
City Council and EDA member Brenda Pautsch suggested that this service could be shared by all of the cities in Sibley County. The EDA also suggested meeting with Tim Dolan, Sibley County’s Economic Development Director, to make sure that there would not be a duplication of services.
In addition, Bonkowske reported that plans are to hire an intern at Region 9 to serve as economic development coordinator and help establish a Gaylord Main Street Program. Region 9 has hired a “Main Street Program coach,” and Bonkowske would help with industrial and other issues.
In other business, the EDA:
• Tabled action on a report from Phil Keithahn about the Minnesota Community Foundation, which is affiliated with the St. Paul Foundation. The foundation works with communities, individuals and businesses on charitable giving.
• Learned that Bonkowske and City Administrator Kevin McCann recently gave a tour of the Entegris building to a growing business within the region.
• Appointed Shirley Meger and Carl Wetzel to serve on a committee to meet with Pro Landscape Maintenance about a possible development.
• Was informed that Bonkowske plans to complete a draft of the mobile home park ordinance within the next two months. It will then be reviewed by the City attorney’s office and Planning and Zoning.
