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BUSINESS RETENTION& EXPANSION WORKSHOP Staples, MN Thursday, November 16,2008 This workshop was put on by the University of Minnesota Extension Service. The program is designed to encourage the growth of local businesses through visits,the completion of a survey, and then analyzing the results. It also provides information on "warning flags"that would offer a pattern or raise concerns about an individual business or a group of businesses. The survey might also provide information on new businesses that might be needed to support existing businesses(example: a can factory might be needed if there were lots of local businesses using cans in their manufacturing process). As part of the workshop,we watched a video on how to conduct interviews, what to be careful of, and how to write careful responses. We then went to business sites in groups of four to conduct and interview. After returning to the workshop site,we completed the warning flag follow-up form. While the workshop was interesting, it seemed to be a very serious sales pitch for the Extension Service's program. Prices ranged from$35 for the video on conducting interviews to $12,000 - $15,000 for a complete study done by the Extension Service. While the study could be done by the Extension Service, it could also be done locally after careful development of a survey,training of visitors, and serious compilation of information. This type of survey could provide information as to how to help existing businesses, but, as the presenters pointed out,we would need to have a planned response to any warning flags—these flags require some type of immediate response. ***The one item I did take away from the workshop is that the Lakewood Health System .. is growing rapidly and is opening new clinics throughout the area. While St. Joseph's Medical Group seemed to feel they were not interested in expanding to Pequot Lakes, it might be a smart move if a group of our EDC members were to make an appointment with the head of Lakewood Health System for a visit and conversation about the possibility of a clinic in Pequot Lakes. It certainly wouldn't hurt to try.