6.2 EDSR 10-16-2017
Request for Action
To Item Number
Economic Development Authority 6.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business October 16, 2017 Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Item Description Reviewed by
Director’s Report Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Information presented for discussion only in effort to keep the EDA updated on development activity.
Background/Discussion
BUSINESS VISITS
Fourteen BR&E visits have been completed this year. Seven more retention visits are scheduled with
Sammy’s Pizza, Big Tex Trailer World, Morrell Oversized, The Occasional Fling, Collyard Chiropractic,
Water Laboratories and Die Concepts, Inc. Watch for the emails and please RSVP to let us know if you
are able to attend.
GATR Trucking
Amanda, Colleen and Larry Toth met with Mike Parent of GATR Trucking for a business retention /
expansion visit this week. GATR Trucking employs 9 FT people. They are looking to hire 25 more
people in the next 2 years, specifically Diesel Mechanics and Detailers. They have inquired about the
Twin Lakes Road connection and asked when it is planned to be constructed. At the meeting Mike
suggested that Twin Lakes Road should be widened to a four lane to accommodate the wide turn radius
of their trucks. Overall, Mike indicated that the city was great to work with during the construction of
their project.
Gradient Technology
Amanda and Colleen joined the Mayor, Debbi Rydberg, and Congressman Tom Emmer on a tour of
Gradient Technology. Gradient invited the Congressman and local leaders to discuss the innovative
solutions provided for the US Department of Defense by Gradient Technology. The meeting was an
opportunity for the Congressman to meet with Gradient’s leadership about the services it provides to the
U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command, U.S. Army Crane Army Ammunition Activity, U.S. Army
Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and various
prime contractors.
BUISINESS INQUIRES
I have fielded a few inquiries over the past months for new industrial development. Staff continues to
work with two local companies seeking to expand in Elk River. I have also received two inquiries about
opening a brew pub and opening a tap house in Elk River. They were very interested in our Revolving
Loan Fund program and had were enlightened to hear that the city of Elk River recently modified their
city ordinances to make it easier for Brew Pubs and Tap Rooms to locate in the community.
MISCELLANEOUS
Site Selector Guild – Fall Forum
Amanda attended the Site Selector Guild – Fall Forum in Seattle. She was in the presence of 27 Guild
Members. The Fall Forum is a smaller networking event of approximately 200 representatives of
Economic Development Organizations (EDO’s) across the world. The focus of the Fall Forum was to
share and discuss leading practices and case studies of economic development projects around the world.
Site Selector FAM Tour
Amanda and Colleen attended the Site Selector FAM (Familiarization) Tour with eight Site Selectors
from across the country and Asia in conjunction with the Minnesota Marketing Partnership. There was
ample opportunity to network with the site selectors and learn more about the industries they specialize
in. John Evans from Tractus is the Site Selector from Asia. John gave us tips on how to attract
companies from Asia looking to invest in the United States and locally. Amanda attended tours of
Cargil’s R&D Facility in Plymouth and Smith Medical. The event wrapped up with breakfast at Hell’s
Kitchen.
CHOW
CHOW is now open for lunch and dinner! The atmosphere is astounding and the food is amazing. If you
get a chance, stop by and congratulate Marco and Mike on their new venture!
Elk River Meats
Elk River Meats was featured on WCCO News and won the vote for the best meat stick in Minnesota!
Mayor Dietz would like to recognize them at the next EDA meeting in November.
Revolving Loan Fund Balance Reports
At the request of members, a copy of the Revolving Loan Fund report is attached.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
Revolving Loan Fund Balance Report, October 13, 2017