Action Teams 7-9

ACTION TEAM 7: Examine the Economic Development Spending of Governmental Bodies in Itasca County

Team Members: Steve Wilcox-Chair, Marian Barcus, Tarry Edington, Al Fritz, Wade Fauth, Larry Bondhus, Rusty Eichorn

Key Activities and Results:

• Reviewed economic development funding practices of area Economic Development Authorities, Itasca County, City of Grand Rapids, South Central Itasca County Intergovernmental Planning Board, City of Grand Rapids’ HRA, Itasca County HRA, North Itasca Joint Powers Board and Iron Range Resources, and compiled a report based on information gathered.
• Based on the research conducted, the team developed a set of recommendations for improved performance of economic development funding practices.
• Primary recommendation calls for a single strategy for economic development in Itasca County with common principals.
  • For the purpose of coordinating and streamlining business inquiries, recruitment and expansion, IDC/Jobs 2020 should serve as the start to finish point of contact

ACTION TEAM 8: Create New, Shoulder Season, Communitywide Event

Team Members: Bernadine Joselyn and David Marty-Co-chairs, Mike Benedict, Steve Downing, Wade Fauth, Veronica Long, Julie Miedtke, Ed Nelson, Coleen Oestreich, Kathleen Preece, Laura Ringold, Gerald White, John Zasada

Key Activities and Results:

Established following goals for new “Goods from the Woods” event:

• Create an annual signature event of regional significance to attract visitors to the area.
• Improve the economic viability of non-traditional wood product businesses.
• Increase the utilization of our forest resources through improved harvest coordination.
• Promote sustainable harvesting practices.
• Over 150 participants took part in 20 educational workshops and master classes.
• Over 200 community members attended presentation and performances at Reif Center billed as Forest Dreams: A Night of Native Art.
• 120 exhibitors at event and over 2000 visitors attended

ACTION TEAM 9: Grow Itasca

Team Members: Peter McDermott, Mike Ives, Steve Arbour, Jack Hokkanen, John Ward, Bud Stone, Len Salmela, Mike Iaizzo, Craig Bender, Gerry Johnson, Marla Beaty, Melissa Roberts, Wendy Uzelak, Bill Litchke

This action team is a collaborative effort with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce working under the umbrella of the statewide Grow Minnesota! Program

Key Activities and Results:

• Held meetings with owners and general managers of 41 local businesses with 3,419 employees to better understand their business challenges and provide community support.
• Insured business development resources are proactively supporting job creation.
• Supported existing area businesses’ efforts to create or retain jobs.
• Marketed area to jobs influential individuals connected to area.
• Provided specific support to local businesses in the following areas: acquisitions, divestments, personnel, labor relations, sales, marketing, financing, business development and community relations.
• Initiated formal surveying of businesses in the Itasca region in order to compile objective data base to further support local businesses