Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation News
 
Economic Development Projects: JOBS!

Magnum Machining
Magnum Machining is exploring a 15,000 square foot expansion to their manufacturing facility in Deerwood. This represents an approximate 35% increase over Magnum’s current capacity. As part of this expansion, Magnum is projecting to add a minimum of 30 new employees as the expanded facility becomes fully utilized. Magnum is working with BLAEDC and the City of Deerwood to secure additional financial assistance for the project using Deerwood Revolving Loan Funds, Tax Increment Financing and State of Minnesota Investment Fund dollars.

Crow Wing Recycling
Crow Wing Recycling recently invested in a new machine that crushes and processes scrap metal in Brainerd’s Industrial Park. As a result of this enhanced capacity, Crow Wing Recycling has gained many new Minnesota-based clients and needs a new rail transfer location for the material to be shipped out of our community. Various rail spur options are being explored in our community to accommodate this local company’s growth opportunity. This additional processing and shipping of product will trigger the hiring of an additional 10-14 new employees over the next two years.

WW Thompson Concrete
WW Thompson is seeking to invest in a major piece of equipment that would allow them to locally produce landscape concrete products and expand their concrete block production. This added capacity will secure the retention of 20 local jobs, and provide the potential to add additional jobs over the next few years. WW Thompson Concrete is located near Brainerd’s Industrial Park and has been in the community for more than 100 years meeting the needs of our construction companies and homeowners.

ED Strategies, Initiatives & Efforts

Positively Minnesota Partnership
The interest by communities nationwide to attract business startups, expansions and locations (and the jobs and tax base they bring with them) has never been more competitive. BLAEDC is a partner in Positively Minnesota and attends their quarterly meetings to assure the Brainerd Lakes Area is represented and comes to mind when prospects are looking to locate in the State of MN. Download the 2010 Positively Minnesota Annual Report

Targeting Industries Spotlight: Tech Services
BLAEDC has identified “Tech Services” as one of five industry sectors to proactively attract and grow in our region. We have completed several strategies to position Crow Wing County to grow this industry sector including:
   • Identified “Tech Services” Industry Sector
   • Studied and Explored Infrastructure Capacity
   • Became Familiar with Sites and Properties
   • Obtained Shovel Ready Site Certification
   • Established State and Regional Partnerships
   • Networked with Existing Tech Service Companies
   • Surveyed Local Companies to Understand Technology Needs
   • Held a Tech Services Awareness Event

Going forward the following strategies will be completed:
   1. Finalize Professional Presentation and Marketing Materials
   2. Develop Marketing List of Potential Growth Companies in the Tech Service Industry Sector
   3. Develop Marketing Strategies and a Campaign to Promote the Brainerd Lakes Area

Business Leaders Profiled Online
With more than 2,100 businesses in Crow Wing County, the region has a wide variety of business owners and managers. Read interviews from area business leaders

Recent Business Retention and Expansion Visit: Pequot Tool and Manufacturing 


















(Left to right):
Karlo Goerges, President, Pequot Tool & Manufacturing
Nancy Norr, Manager of Regional Development, Minnesota Power
John Gunstad, Economic Development Specialist, BLAEDC
Mark Shervey, Vice President, Pequot Tool & Manufacturing
 

Community Development

Downtown Redevelopment Funds

Downtown redevelopment funds are currently available in Brainerd, Crosby, Ironton, Deerwood and Emily. BLAEDC has been instrumental in helping local units of government secure grant funds to assist with their downtown redevelopment goals. If you are interested in learning more, contact John Gunstad, BLAEDC’s Economic Development Specialist.

Renewable Energy Training by CLC
Ongoing workforce development is required in our ever changing business environment. Central Lakes College, working with Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program, Inc., is offering free training in renewable energy and energy efficiency and other important business skills training to help your employees be more productive on the job!

Shovel Ready Sites in Brainerd
We are fortunate in the Brainerd Lakes Area to have several unique properties. One site we are pleased to announce is Brainerd’s Industrial Park Phase IV. This unique property is “Shovel Ready Site Certified” by the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development and is one of only six properties in the State of MN with this designation. Shovel Ready sites are growing in demand among companies and site selection consultants, and are an increasingly popular tool for communities to attract new business and industry. BLAEDC provided the leadership to obtain this designation.
 

BLAEDC News

New Staff Hired
BLAEDC is excited to announce the addition of Erika O'Brien to our team as our new Administrative and Marketing Coordinator. Erika comes to us with 13 years of experience in accounting, non-profit management, government grants and programs, and grant administration. Erika has been visiting our area for the past 25 years and moved to the area 3 years ago to enjoy everything the Brainerd Lakes Area has to offer and “live where she plays”.

Member Gatherings Returning
Member gatherings are back by popular demand. Starting this spring, BLAEDC will again hold meetings to discuss various topics and bring expert panels together. Upcoming meeting ideas include:
   • MNDEED’s Proactive Plan to Attract Business – Positioning Minnesota for Future Business Growth
   • Industry Sector Attraction Strategy for the Energy Sector in Crow Wing County
   • Panel of Local Bank President’s and Managers
Please share ideas on meeting themes you would be interested in attending and watch for details.

Annual Meeting Recap
On Feb. 22, 2011 BLAEDC held their Best Annual Meeting ever according to feedback and comments from those in attendance. The meeting was taped and produced by Lakes Media Collaborative and is being rebroadcast on public access television channel 8.

New Brand Launched
BLAEDC’s New Brand “We’re Ready. Let’s Grow.” is launched and being recognized by business. A recent telephone call to the BLAEDC office by a business owner reiterated their appreciation of immediate data being available to help with their location decision, personal contact by professional economic development staff, and priority response to their project.