6.5. EDSR 01-16-2018City of
Elk -
River
Request for Action
To
Item Number
Economic Development Authori
6.5
Agenda Section
Meeting Date
Prepared by
General BusinessJanuary
16, 2018
Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Item Description
Reviewed by
Reports of Officers and Subcommittees and Staff
Cal Portner, City Administrator
End -of -Year -Report
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Receive the EDA Annual Report presentation.
Background/Discussion
Per EDA Bylaws, it is suggested that the Economic Development Authority receive the Annual End -of -
Year report.
The Annual End -of -Year Report lists all projects completed and ongoing.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
2017 Annual End -of -Year Report (to be distributed at the meeting)
BRE Report by Greater MSP
The Elk River Vision
A nelcoming community nvith revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional p o w E A E u e r
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity ,� g /�
ver
BUSINESS DETAILS
BR I E Survey Data Report
2017
Report based on 24 BR I E Surveys (1/9/18)
Primary Business Sector
Accommodation/Food Services
- 13%
Adm inistration/Support/WasteManagemert/RemediationServices
0%
Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Hunting
0%
Arts/Entertanment/Recreation
0%
Construction
0%
Educational Services
0%
Finance/Insurance
0%
Health Care/Social Assistance
8%
Information
0%
hlanagementofCompanies&.Enterprises
0%
Manufacturing
21%
Manufacturing-Food/Candy
0%
Non Profit
0%
ProfessunaVScientWTechnicalServices
13%
Real Estate/Rental and Leasing
0%
Retail Trade
Transportation/Warehousing
0%
Utilities
0%
Wholesale Trade
4%
Other
0%
Type of Facility
Includes multiple selections for some businesses
0 1 2 3 4 5 E 7 8 9
Branch
Distribution
Franchise
Headquarters
Home-based
Manufacturing
R&D
Salesoffice
Office- operation (non HQ)
No response
GREATER MSP"
Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership
1
8
38%
BUSINESS DETAILS (continued)
Is the facility owned
orleased?
54',6
6{D.'•u
46'a
4"
20%
0%
Owned Leased No response
Has the company ownership
changed?
$0%
60%
` 25'6
20%
0%
Yes No No response
Does this company have a
succession plan?
30% 71%
60%
40% 293'.
2096
0p,�% V ryr0
"'es No No response
These factors contributed to change in sales:
Just opened in October 2016 - weekends they serve over 1500 people
Demand for quality food
Building expansion, more services
Need for workers
They just moved in February 1, 2017 to their current location
Purchased three machines, added a defense contract
Moved from Ramsey to Elk River, renovated a run down building, utilized a Blighted micro loan
and a forgiveable loan
New services and word of mouth
Diversified - able to work on RV's, collision center with paint bay
Offering more services
Recently opened
Sales went down due to the fishing limits
Limited competition
New fitness coaching services
Still new to the community, corporate marketing (not local)
GREATER MSP"
Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership
2
Status of Company Sales
Over Past Year
60%
5 C•'
50%
3B%
40%
30%
20%
1
1
3'6
10%
0%
4
0%
M
Decremed Been Incremed Fu.-tuated
No
relatve'y v: dey
response
stab !e
These factors contributed to change in sales:
Just opened in October 2016 - weekends they serve over 1500 people
Demand for quality food
Building expansion, more services
Need for workers
They just moved in February 1, 2017 to their current location
Purchased three machines, added a defense contract
Moved from Ramsey to Elk River, renovated a run down building, utilized a Blighted micro loan
and a forgiveable loan
New services and word of mouth
Diversified - able to work on RV's, collision center with paint bay
Offering more services
Recently opened
Sales went down due to the fishing limits
Limited competition
New fitness coaching services
Still new to the community, corporate marketing (not local)
GREATER MSP"
Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership
2
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Company's major products/services (based on 7
responses):
Catering
Our company offers 3, 4, and 5 -axis machining capabilities
to create high-end quality products from many different
materials. We cut shapes and configurations to your
drawing specifications. Project scope is limited only to
your imagination
Groceries
Auto dealership and quick lube tech bays
Semi -conductor rechargeable batteries for computers -
they make 6" wafers that has 12 layers and over 20,000
intel batteries.
CNC & Manual Machining Specializing in small to medium
size parts common to the medical device, computer,
electronics industries with the ability to handle larger
work pieces as well.
Acrylic displays for Target and Best Buy along with other
retail businesses
Has this company introduced
new products?
60% 54-%
46%
40%
20%
436
Ves No No response
Briefly describe new products (based on 15 responses):
New flavors of ice cream
Italian, Asian and polish cuisines
Voted best beef sticks in MN in 2017 home of the happy sticks
New service they have a registered dietician available one day a week
One more locked room for a total of 4
Inventory changes with new vendors
Electronic and defense products
They work with businesses who want a product and will create the product
for the business
Precision press dies
They are able to take any sketch and build a prototype of it
Servicing RVs
Foot detoxifications, essential oils
Local grass seed and local products
They sell water testing kits to homeowners
Fuse Fitness, is a company created by Luke and Nicole and is located next to
Snap. Fuse focuses on specialize in customized strength workouts,
individualized cardiovascular conditioning plans and nutrition coaching.
GREATER MSPTM
Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership
EMPLOYMENT & WORKFORCE
Status of Jobs Over Past Year
60% 5C 16
50%
40%
301A
20% 8%
10% .0
0%
Decreased Stayedthe Increased No
same response
If increased, was it hard
to fill jobs?
40% 29% ' �° 24%
30%
20%
8%
10%
0%
Yes No No nla
response
Why Openings are Hard to Fill
CompeUion D
Lack of candidates 4
Lack of technical Skills
Lack of basic education 2
Poor work ethic 4
Challenging location D
Other
No Response ,.
What positions were hardest to fill?
(based on 8 responses)
Managerial and food certification
Staffing needs hire to find qualified workers
with good work ethic
All
Machinists - need to be 18 to run machines.
Machinists
Mechanics
Kitchen staff
Welder
Average # of FTEs: 7(based on 9 companies reporting)
Expectations for Change in
Number of Jobs
Do you plan to hire in
the next 2-5 years?
60% 54'b
46%
4636
50%
50%
33%
40%
21%
30%
..
$%
10%
30%
14%
4%
036 4%
0%
20%
1
Decrease Be
Increase Unsure No
relatively
response
stable
,
Do you plan to hire in
the next 2-5 years?
60% 54'b
38%
40%
50%
33%
30%
21%
40%
..
$%
10%
30%
25 ?b'
096
20%
1
Yes
17%
10%4%
response
'
,
0%
''es
N
Nct sure
No
response
If hiring, # of employees you plan to hire: 6 (average based
on 13 companies responding)
What types of jobs is company hiring? (based on 16
responses):
Food service
Servers, wait staff, cooks
Variety
Sales, auto mechanics etc.
Sales and office support
Sales, prep, detailing, sales support
CNC machinists
Machinists
Mfg die presses
People with Sketchworks experience
Diesel mechanics, entry level wash bay attendants, automotive detailers
Restaurant staff, kitchen staff
Other professional services
Biologists, chemists
Fitness trainers
Welding and sales
Do you anticipate needing
to train existing
employees?
1 - - 71'0
5 13% 17%
ILS No No
response
Is transportation or transit a
concern for employees?
What type of training is needed? (based on 12
responses)
Internal(2)
Training on specific machines
Different auto makes, models
Car wash specific training
Machining (2)
Press machines
Project development
They provide a training program for employees with good work
ethics
Food prep and handling
Specific to their testing process etc.
Does the community have
enough housing &the right
type of housing for future
employees?
100% 63%
50% , 0% 17% 21'0
0%
Yes No Not sure No
response
GREATER MSPM
Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership
4
38%
40%
33%
30%
21%
2096
..
$%
10%
096
Yes
No Not sure No
response
What type of training is needed? (based on 12
responses)
Internal(2)
Training on specific machines
Different auto makes, models
Car wash specific training
Machining (2)
Press machines
Project development
They provide a training program for employees with good work
ethics
Food prep and handling
Specific to their testing process etc.
Does the community have
enough housing &the right
type of housing for future
employees?
100% 63%
50% , 0% 17% 21'0
0%
Yes No Not sure No
response
GREATER MSPM
Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership
4
MARKET INFORMATION
4%
4%
Primary Market
0%
1 T2G
6
■ Local
9 Midwest (including 1791
MN)
■ Minnesota
■ United State 9%
International
Does this company export?
10096 92%
80%
60`;6
44%
20% 8% 0%
0%
Yes No No
response
INVESTMENT PLANS
Investment Plans
40%
5
■ Renovate/Expand current
fac
40%
keies
■ Make major equipment
Ma
Ma
21%
purchases
■ Invest in new facilities
10%
■ None
6
0% —
3
No response
Company's Fastest Growing GEO Market
rw- 8%
■Local
■ M idea est (iricluding
MIN)
■ Minnesota
58% ■ United State
n international
Is the company interested
in exporting or learning
about exporting?
80%
Apx date of investment
40%
60%
29%
40%
30%6
20%
21%
40%
2s%
10%
'
0% —
0%
Yes
No No
response
Wthinone
Within two within three
Unsure
year
years years
Company's Fastest Growing GEO Market
rw- 8%
■Local
■ M idea est (iricluding
MIN)
■ Minnesota
58% ■ United State
n international
Is the company interested
in exporting or learning
about exporting?
80%
59%
5s%
60%
40%
38'.6
40%
896 '
20% 4%
'
0% —
Yes
No No
response
Investment details:
Expanding to Buffalo/Monticello and interested in a food truck
Will build a new facility in Elk River by new government center addition
They are interested in offering new products in the near future
They just expanded/added on to existing building
Create one more locked room
They have a basement which they can renovate
Would like to purchase 2 more machines but does not have room in current location
Would like to purchase two more machines
There is room to expand in new building, purchase new machines in the next couple years
They are looking at expanding in the next couple years they are running out of room in
current location
Somewhere down the line she would like to expand
Interested in purchasing a new testing machine - the current one is outdated
Expand training/coaching area
25% Do you currently have room
' on your site to expand?
0% 60%
N/A No response 40%
2496
0%
Yes No Unsure No
response
GREATER MSP"
Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership
5
Interested in Financial
Resources?
80%
59%
60%
40%
33%
20%
896 '
0`36
Yes
No Unsure No
respon se
Additional Information
Strengths of the community?
Supportive community great to work with
Helpful people, amenities and parks
Great to work with city on expansion along with Elk
River municipal utilities
City good to work with
There have been no issues with the community They
love it here
Great community
Convenience, school district, access
No issues with city - they are pretty happy here they
attended town hall meetings in the past
Great community, impressed with city staff and
financial incentives it offers
Great community - both owners live in Elk River
Good community
Great community!
Happy to be in this community
Good to work with
The people!
Great location
Great community!
Good community
Does this company
require follow up?
14046 —75b
140%
90%
50% 17'6 8'6
60%
096 ........ ......_
40% 13.'.6
20%
Yes Nc No
0%
response
City
Weaknesses of the community?
Signage is a concern but the city does not have much
to do with this - it is more on the SA business next to
them
Internet is bad - Century Link
Nothing noted
Internet is bad
Parking
Sign ordinance did not allow them to put up a sign
Closer to hwy 10
Nothing about the community -just stressed how
difficult it was dealing with insurance
Sign ordinance
Have you interacted with
any of the departments
at City Hall?
140% 58'6
3F";
5496
0%
'yes No No
response
If interacted with City Hall,
what departments?
Building and planning (10)
EDA (2)
Engineering
If company requires follow up, what
organzation should follow up?
0% 010 0% 0% 0% 4%
Chamber College State workforce GREATER Other
mSP
This report has been compiled by GREATER MSP to reflect data entered into Salesforce.com from completed BRE surveys.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information clearly reflects data entered by city reps.
GREATER MSP I Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership
400 Robert Street North, Suite 1600 1 Saint Paul, MN I www.greatermsp.org
6
8396
No
response