11-17-2009 EDC Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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• PROJECT BACKGROUND The Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation (BLADC) filed an application to become one of the initial locations with a certified Shovel Ready site within the State of Minnesota. As part of the certification process, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) retained Moran, Stahl & Boyer— a nationally known site selection and economic development firm — to review the application as well as the site. As part of the on-site review,MS&B visited the area in July 2009 and provided a brief overview on economic development strategy to a group of local community stake- holders. BLADC then retained MS&B to return to the region in late September 2009 and facilitate a SWOT analysis and develop a plan for economic development growth within the region. The process included the following steps: 1. Gather background information on the area that is incorporated into a PowerPoint presentation. 2. Benchmark the area against several other similar communities 3. Interview a cross-section of local stakeholders (employers, educators, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) 4. Facilitate a presentation on background information and benchmarking (from steps 1 & 2) along with a Strengths,Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. 5. Facilitate a planning session that targets specific industries and then develops an action plan. 6. Provide supplementary research and prepare written report. • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY From a distant perspective, Crow Wing County could be perceived as a remote location that saw its economic peek 100 years ago when the railroad was headquartered here and there was much activity from mining and logging. But when one spends a few days in the community and talks with educators, local manufacturers, and other stakeholders, there begins a thought process that concludes that the county's best days may actually be coming. Based on the SWOT analysis, the community is blessed with many good attributes — a progressive community college and a new career awareness initiative for high school students (Bridges Career Acad- emies and Workplace Connection);good telecom in much of the area;a new generation of places to shop and enjoy a meal; miles of trails; an abundance of water; banks that will still do business with you; a unique quality of life;and a general feeling of wanting to work together. There were challenges noted too. A rapid influx of age 55+ Baby Boomers that will require a variety of services while trying to block certain growth; not enough jobs for the next-generation knowledge workers; limitation of cultural venues; and community governments that need to work together to reduce costs and embrace the "big picture"related to economic development. A follow-up session on the next day focused on defining target industry opportunities for economic growth and in developing a plan to achieve results. The following industries were identified: / Back Office and Shared Service Centers ► Manufacturing:Beverages, Specialty Components and Sports Equipment/Accessories / Renewable Energy/Fuels Details on each opportunity are provided on pages 19- 24. Overall, the plan provides some direction and details on how to go about preparing for and attracting new business and in helping existing businesses with new opportunities. �r Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation• SWOT Analysis and Action Plan 1