08-19-2014 EDC Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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CLC's robotics, tool and die, and welding programs are valued by manufacturers, `-' giving them more reasons to locate here. "The last few years have been relatively stable for the business community in Crow Wing County," BLAEDC Executive Director Sheila Haverkamp said. "There's been a lot of change,some good and healthy for the local economy.We're trying to diversify and expand the business climate with more jobs and higher wages.We're starting to make great strides in that regard,and we hope the community joins us in sharing the positive aspects of this area to get the attention of even more companies." Haverkamp's staff was busy last year, fielding more than 120 inquiries from businesses interested in information on the area or assistance with starting, locating, or expanding in our area. That number serves as a pretty good indicator of the health of the business community. BLAEDC also was involved in$7.6 million in capital investment projects and worked with businesses that anticipated adding 46 new jobs in the near future. Paul Means, president of the BLAEDC Board of Directors, said that in the world of economic development, significant help is needed from the public and private sectors,which has been a key to BLAEDC's success since its inception more than 25 years ago and,more recently, during the recession. "BLAEDC couldn't be as successful as it has been without many local individuals and `-' businesses stepping up and taking ownership of the health and vitality of the local economy,"he said. "The public sector has played a significant role as well,both locally and statewide. The Brainerd Lakes Area is really starting to reap the benefits of a tremendous effort to make this area an even better place to work and play."