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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. Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation ■ SWOT Analysis and Action Plan