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o e �r, , .weare o e � <br /> The Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC) has an overall <br /> mission to Expand Business, Build Community, and Grow Jobs in Crow Wing County. <br /> From the Cuyuna Area to our Lake Country,to Ba�er and Brainerd,we have had significant economic <br /> growth this past year and can celebrate working together to make each of our communities stronger. <br /> BLAEDC has helped lead --or been a strategic partner-- in multiple economic development efforts. We <br /> encouraged and supported private sector investments,assisted with gap financing,were instrumental in <br /> filling key positions to help companies grow,and supported multiple community development initiatives. <br /> We would like to highlight three of our growing economic development strategies this year. <br /> A nearly $3 million dollar pool of funds is now available to support <br /> business growth in our communities. The numbers are astounding <br />� � � with loans totaling more than half-a-million dollars with an average <br /> loan of$88,500, and 66 jobs created or retained in only one year! <br /> UNIFIED FUND Due to our success, BLAEDC has received inquiries from communities <br /> all across the state to help them implement similar programs. We are <br /> proud to be a partner in making our communities stronger together! <br />� We are receiving national recognition for our creativity in helping to <br /> solve the workforce issues of our local companies. Our program has <br /> developed into a multi-prong approach to meet hiring needs including: <br /> � K E Y • Key Recruitment-We develop and implement attraction strategies <br /> RECKL1I�jiVIIIVr to bring your company certain skill sets and management expertise <br /> PROGRlIM <br /> � Talent Marketing and Spousal Placement-We connect and network <br /> individual talent <br /> • Consulting Expertise-We join hiring teams to help select talent <br /> • Educational Presentations-We provide workforce insights to help <br /> plan for the future <br /> BLAEDC EXEC Bruce Buxton is weaving together the numerous initiatives occurring <br /> �� � in downtown Brainerd and building upon them. This past year has been exciting for <br /> energizing downtown. The City of Brainerd started a farmer's market in downtown, <br /> HRA secured additional grant funds to invest in downtown properties, art organizations <br /> located in town, a new mural was painted, riverfront planning and projects continued, <br /> new businesses started, property owners reinvested, and so much more. It's exciting! <br /> � � ' i i i ii Ii� �• � � i :,�. � f• i <br /> . <br /> > � � <br /> ._ <br /> ' � v - <br /> � � t �,_, <br /> t , _.�, `�ry-w,.' �»: <br /> � <br /> �;_�'y � �r F� '�'� � �+ �l t <br /> rt. : .,� , <br /> ' .1 1 �'� ' � ' .,, <br />