12 - Clerk's Monthly Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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OR ■ DEVELOPMENT OF ACTION PLAN BY INDUSTRY /ECONOMIC SEGMENT Outlined below are economic development options that were identified based on the following criteria: • Represent an expansion of what is already successful in the area (back office /shared services operations and components manufacturing) and could leverage business presence in M -SP area. • Leverages area resources and /or branding (renewable energy production, beverage manufacturing and sports equipment /accessory product competition. Note that the Priority Level was identified in a meeting of community stakeholders held on 9/30/09 are listed on page 26 of this report. BACK OFFICE /SHARED SERVICES OPERATIONS :) PRIORITY: 10 (HIGH) Description Typical operations may include accounting, human resources, corporate benefits, high level customer service or inside sales, IT /computer support, and other operations. Most employees within the operation will have a four -year degree or working toward a four -year degree. Jobs are mid -level to high paying and provide a good employment base for knowledge workers. Opportunity for Crow Employers with operations requiring 25 to 50 employees (short term) that may grow over time to Wing County 250 to 300 or more employees would be ideal for the area. Resource Requirements Resource Requirement Evaluation of Resource and Evaluation ► Sites /Buildings: Companies typically seek out available buildings rather that sites. Over the next 18 -24 months, there will be 34,000+ sq ft of office space available in the Brainerd /Baxter area. ► Qualified Labor. Will need to increase graduation rates for accounting, general business and computer /IT at the four -year level. ► High Speed Telecom: Telecom service in the core area of Brainerd /Baxter is sufficient. ► Air Access: Commuter air access through county airport as well as shuttle service to MSP International Airport is sufficient. Marketing Strategy Market the area through MN -DEED and go directly to major employers in M —SP that are familiar with the area. Action Plan/Timing Action Item Proposed Responsibility 1. Meet with Central Lakes College to define BLADC and workforce- related organizations strategy to expand graduates in business, accounting, IT /computer, etc. 2. Determine the actual timing on availability of BLADC to gather details from local brokers and office space within the area. building managers 3. Develop a Marketing Profile for the area that BLADC prepare profile with support from MS &B presents the available resources to support this segment. 4. Submit profile to MN -DEED and post on BLADC to maintain dialog BLADC web site 5. Schedule meeting with major employers in the greater M —SP area. BLADC and local educators and utilities Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation ■ SWOT Analysis and Action Plan 19