IEDCMinutes - 11/01/2022Minutes
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, November 01, 2022 - 7:00 a.m.
Monticello Community Center, North Mississippi Room
Participants who chose to attend remotely joined via Microsoft Teams.
Members: Vice Chairperson Sarah Kortmansky, Joni Pawelk, Darek Vetsch, Kevin Steffensmeier, Steve
Johnson, Wayne Elam, Andrew Tapper, Randy Skarphol, Eric Olson, Kathleen Massmann
Liaisons: Jim Thares, Marcy Anderson
1. Call to Order
Vice Chairperson Sarah Kortmansky called the meeting to order at 7:01 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes:
DEREK VETSCH MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 27, 2022, MINUTES. MOTION SECONDED
BY ANDREW TAPPER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
No additional items were added.
4. 2022 Manufacturing Appreciation Breakfast — Follow Up Critique -Discussion
Jim Thares provided an overview of the Manufacturer's Appreciation Breakfast on October 13,
2022. Eric Olson praised the speaker, Dr King Banaian. Joni Pawelk inquired how many
manufacturers were represented at the event. The objective for next year is to have more
manufacturers attend.
S. Table Tonic — 2022 Regional CEDS Uodate and Discussion
Jim Thares provided an overview and walk through of the Region 7W 2022 Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report. Region 7W includes Benton, Sherburne, Stearns,
and Wright County. Please forward comments to Mr. Thares.
The report highlights that the four economic cornerstones of the study are human capital,
economic competitiveness, community resources, and foundational assets.
In 7W over the next 10 year there is a projected 117,904 job openings that will occur. Retired
people leaving the workforce is a part of that calculation.
Through 2021 7W housed 11,500 businesses providing 172,903 jobs. This makes up 6.1% of jobs
in the state. But the annual wage is $13,780 less than the state average.
In 7W has seen a decrease in the number of small businesses that employ 500 or more people.
Non -employer Establishments (self-employed) with a single owner has increased in 7W. The
number is growing and is keeping up with the state, particularly in Stearns County.
Large employers which have closed or are in the process of closing include the Electrolux Plant in
St. Cloud, Sherco in Becker, Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant (MNGP) and the Sartell Paper
Mill. This has a large impact on the number of jobs and tax bases for the various cities.
The strategic direction and/or action plan includes specific statements pertaining to each of the
four economic cornerstones consisting of Economic Competitiveness, Community Resources,
Human Capital, & Economic Assets.
6. Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
• Prospects List
Mr. Thares highlighted the Suburban Mfg. expansion project. Construction of the
21,400 square foot building, located in Otter Creek Business Park, is underway.
Wiha Tools a German manufacturer. They received State funding, MIF and JCF grant
dollars, and the and City created it a TIF district. Wiha Tools will create 41 new jobs of
various skill positions and pay ranges. Construction on the 75,000 square foot
building is set to begin in the spring of 2023
Project Wafer is a large MN -DEED prospect. It would create 1500 new jobs.
• Next Meeting Reminder— Date: December 6, 2022
b. Planning Commission -Mr. Thares provided an overview of the upcoming Planning
Commission meeting to the IEDC.
c. City Council — No report available.
d. Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP); Mr. Thares highlighted the
WCEDP information due to Jolene Foss's absence. Derek Vetsch gave a quick update
about the Wright County 2023 budget a brief overview of the marketing plan and
approval steps, highlights from the WCEDP website, and the greater WCEDP is looking for
shovel ready large parcels.
e. Chamber of Commerce - Marcy Anderson highlighted the Candidate Forum which
received praises. She also reviewed the Trick or Treat event. It was greatly attended, and
f. they will be looking for a solution to traffic on Broadway and Walnut for next year. Ms.
Anderson shared information about the Annual Chamber Banquet which will be
December 2, 2022.
Adjournment
KATHLEEN MASSMANN MOVED TO ADJOURN. RANDY SKARPHOL SECONDED THE
MOTION, MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:59 A.M.
Recorder: Vicki Leerhoff 0
Approved: D 2022
Attest:
Ja es Th es, Economic Development Manager