2005 Letter to the Community

This has been an interesting and challenging year. Our local economy is at a tipping point. We have weathered the storm of prior years’ layoffs, the loss of scheduled air service, and stagnant wages and we are now finally seeing a reduction in local unemployment numbers. Businesses are hiring and we should begin seeing increases in local wages. We have recognized the importance of workforce development, housing availability, poverty reduction, early childhood development, sustainable forestry, and protecting our lakes. At the same time, IDC/Jobs 2020 remains steadfast in its mission of helping create quality jobs.

We now have the potential of three major construction projects and hundreds of on-going quality jobs. In August Mesaba Energy announced Itasca County as the preferred site for a coal gasification plant. This project, together with a new paper machine at UPM-Blandin and the opening up of the Butler mine with Minnesota Steel, has the potential of bringing thousands of construction jobs to the Itasca area. Each project is in various stages of permitting, financing and approval. Our community is united in support of these projects and is working with the companies and regulatory authorities to expedite approvals while ensuring that the environment is protected.

Most will agree that we are fortunate to experience an exceptional quality of life in the Itasca area. In October IDC/Jobs 2020 joined with nine other contributing partners to develop and publish the first annual Community Report. The community came together in support of the vision for a healthy Itasca area community outlined in the Report. The Community Report included socioeconomic indicators to help measure progress toward achieving that vision.

The opening of the new Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital and improvements made at Bigfork Valley Hospital and Deer River Health Care began a new wave in local health care. Specialized care which historically flowed out of the community can now be enjoyed locally.

This 2005 Annual Report outlines the work of 11 Action Teams established at the beginning of 2005. Each Team set clear goals for 2005 and met throughout the year to achieve the results listed. A total of 174 volunteer members worked on the Action Teams and were instrumental in helping each Team accomplish their goals. Teams focused their attention on important community issues and we thank each member for the enthusiasm and passion they dedicated to their Team and for the results they achieved.

The back cover of this report highlights other key accomplishments of the IDC/Jobs 2020 organization in 2005. Our Small Business Development Center met with 286 clients and helped them retain 728 jobs and create 64 new jobs. In a partnership with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce’s Grow Minnesota program, local companies were assisted in business retention and expansion efforts. The 40 local companies with the greatest potential to gain or lose employees had 3,737 employees at the end of December 2005 for a net gain of 119 jobs over 2004.

We look forward to 2006 and building on these successes together.

Very truly yours,