12 - Clerk's Monthly Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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■ SWOT ANALYSIS (CONT'D) Weaknesses • Perception of area remoteness (55 miles from interstate) by outside companies. Local companies do not see it as an issue ... particularly in long -haul situations. • Knowledge -based jobs are limited (to retain graduates) and graduates are limited that makes recruiting companies a challenge (chicken vs. egg issue). There will need to be some expansions of four -year college programs at CLC for business- related programs in order to attract additional back office operations. • Spousal jobs are limited ... but expanding, particularly with remote work options becoming more popular. • Seasonality of tourist- related jobs makes worker retention a challenge ... opportunity for additional full-time job options. • Four- season environment but need to recruit individuals /companies that want to be in northern climate. • Cultural diversity a challenge if seeking to recruit a diverse workforce to the area. Opportunities • Education opportunities ... going from 2 to 4 years for business and other selected programs. • Vacation residents are a potential resource for attracting business to the area. • Utilize spousal influence for companies /families relocating to the area. • Seek creative approaches to attract physicians and other top professionals to the area. • Upgrade transportation system as the community growths ... and ages. • White collar (knowledge- based) job growth. • Manganese -based materials (if mining of manganese commences in Crosby area). Threats • Generational shift ... 55+ years old age cohort expanding fast with Baby Boomers aging. This age group may view growth and economic development as a negative. • Brainerd holding still in an evolving world ... not sure what the impact may be. • How will growth impact local environment ?... we do not want to destroy what makes us what we are. • Tourism important but events are a challenge for local government services ... need to build additional on -duty police and others into the overhead cost of an event. • The renewable energy industry options have a small window of opportunity to get funding and create a differentiable situation for attracting incremental businesses. Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation ■ SWOT Analysis and Action Plan 18