Area benefitting from energy initiatives
The Brainerd Lakes Area has a growing interest in supporting renewable energy initiatives and BLAEDC is aggressively pursuing grants and other resources to grow this industry segment.
The area is already home to two unique power initiatives: the Crow Wing County Landfill Gas Recovery Project and Silent Power.
- The Crow Wing County Landfill Gas Recovery Project collects methane gas from the landfill's degrading trash, making it available for commercial use.
- Silent Partner is developing renewable energy storage devices that will provide utility companies with the ability to store green energy and tap into it when needed.
A recent study revealed that the area is a prime candidate for an expansion in renewable energy and fuel-related businesses because of these projects and others, and because of commercial interest locally.
Success in acquiring energy grants
Energy companies and those pursuing energy initiatives have an excellent foundation from which to operate. The Brainerd Lakes Area is working hard to expand this economic segment and has been successful on a number of fronts.
The City of Brainerd received two state energy grants to study using heat from wastewater collection and installing a solar panel at the Brainerd Public Utilities service center. Region 5 recently received a federal grant to include energy in its regional planning. All of these efforts will equate to stability and growth in the energy industries within Crow Wing County.
| Average Weekly Wage by Industry |
| |
Companies |
Emps |
Crow Wing |
MN |
U.S.
|
| All Industries |
2,170 |
27,009 |
$603 |
$871 |
$876 |
| Trade, Transportation, Utilities |
490 |
5,796 |
$489 |
$765 |
|
Public Administration
|
73 |
1,369 |
$881 |
$929 |
|
Natural Resources and Mining
|
20 |
82 |
$320 |
$683 |
|
Source: Minnesota Dept of Employment & Economic Development, 2009 Annual Data
Source: Wage Data, 4Q, 2010 (MN DEED, OES)
Taking advantage of building sites, infrastructure
The Brainerd Lakes Area's three
industrial parks have a variety of sites on which energy companies could build. Plus, the infrastructure is in place to
transport materials and products efficiently and quickly. Access to major highways, railroad lines and air service is a major benefit to locating here.
The area's
workforce is another major consideration for companies considering a move to the Brainerd Lakes Area. The workforce here has an attractive blend of skill, education, and loyalty, and workers live here because of the high quality of life, meaning average wages are significantly lower than the statewide and national averages.
Your first step: Contact BLAEDC today
If you're considering the Brainerd Lakes Area as a location for an energy-related business, or you're thinking of expanding here, your first call should be to the
Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation. Let us help you get started. We're ready. Let's grow!
| Major Energy Employers, Crow Wing County |
| |
Employees |
| Landis + Gyr |
185 |
| Crow Wing Power |
110 |
| Brainerd Public Utilities |
52 |
| Silent Power |
18 |
| Crow Wing County Landfill |
4 |
Source: BLAEDC Research, November 2010