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BRAINERD L A K S A R E A DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEMORANDUM To: BLADC Supporters From: Sheila Haverkamp, Executive Director Date: November 2, 2009 Re: SWOT Analysis and Economic Development Planning As you may know, the Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation (BLADC) is leading efforts for Crow Wing County communities to be strategically positioned to continue growing. Several projects have recently been launched including the following: 1. BLADC is in'the process of recreating our website to be a central component of the 2020 marketing program for our area. Many of BLADC's materials point back to the website and as we begin rolling out some of the major aspects of the 2020 program we want to showcase the areas amenities and economic development opportunities. We are holding 6 planning meetings to develop an RFP. We are planning to launch the new site in Spring /Summer 2010. 2. The newest phase of Brainerd's Industrial Park obtained Shovel Ready Site Certification (SRSC) by Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). BLADC is hopeful that DEED's Positively Minnesota marketing efforts will result in attracting industry to the community. (BLADC is recommending that we take time to evaluate this new program before going forward with additional applications.) 3. A site selector and economic development consultant was hired to analyze and compare our community, lead the area through an analysis of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT), and identify new economic development strategies. Attached is the report submitted by John Rhodes. BLADC will be reviewing the details to determine how best to proceed. Priorities will be determined for each suggested industry /economic segment, work groups and committees will be formed, and action plans around the high priority segments will be reviewed, modified and implemented. All of these projects are possible because of your support and many others in the area who believe together we can change the future for the better in the Crow Wing County area. John, Rhodes stated "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 day may actually be coming." A sincere thank you to everyone who participated so far, and please let me, Elissa Rogers, or Josh Northey know if you are interested in participating in the individual work groups, Sincerely, Sheila Haverkamp Executive Director 124 North Sixth Street Brainerd, MN 56401 2 18-828-0096