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BRAINERD <br /> LAKES <br /> ARE A <br /> DEVELOPMENT <br /> CORPORATION <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> To: BLADC Supporters <br /> From: Sheila Haverkamp, Executive Director <br /> Date: November 2, 2009 <br /> Re: SWOT Analysis and Economic Development Planning <br /> As you may know, the Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation (BLADC) is leading efforts for Crow Wing <br /> County communities to be strategically positioned to continue growing. Several projects have recently been <br /> launched including the following: <br /> 1. BLADC is in the process of recreating our website to be a central component of the 2020 marketing <br /> program for our area. Many of BLADC's materials point back to the website and as we begin rolling out <br /> some of the major aspects of the 2020 program we want to showcase the areas amenities and <br /> economic development opportunities. We are holding 6 planning meetings to develop an RFP. We are <br /> planning to launch the new site in Spring/Summer 2010. <br /> �-- 2. The newest phase of Brainerd's Industrial Park obtained Shovel Ready Site Certification (SRSC) by <br /> Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development(DEED). BLADC is hopeful that <br /> DEED's Positively Minnesota marketing efforts will result in attracting industry to the community. (BLADC <br /> is recommending that we take time to evaluate this new program before going forward with additional applications.) <br /> 3. A site selector and economic development consultant was hired to analyze and compare our <br /> community, lead the area through an analysis of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats <br /> (SWOT), and identify new economic development strategies. Attached is the report submitted by John <br /> Rhodes. BLADC will be reviewing the details to determine how best to proceed. Priorities will be <br /> determined for each suggested industry/economic segment, work groups and committees will be <br /> formed, and action plans around the high priority segments will be reviewed, modified and implemented. <br /> All of these projects are possible because of your support and many others in the area who believe together we <br /> can change the future for the better in the Crow Wing County area. John Rhodes stated"From a distant <br /> perspective, Crow Wing County could be perceived as a remote location that saw its economic peek 100 years <br /> ago when the railroad was headquartered here and there was much activity from mining and logging. But when <br /> one spends a few days in the community and talks with educators,local manufacturers, and other stakeholders, <br /> there begins a thought process that concludes that the county's best day may actually be coming." <br /> A sincere thank you to everyone who participated so far, and please let me, Elissa Rogers, or Josh Northey <br /> know if you are interested in participating in the individual work groups. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> 1 <br /> Sheila Haverkamp <br /> Executive Director <br /> 124 North Sixth Street <br /> Brainerd,MN 56401 <br /> 218-828-0096 <br />