8.1. EDSR 01-21-2020
Request for Action
To Item Number
Economic Development Authority 8.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business January 21, 2020 Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Item Description Reviewed by
Annual Report Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Receive the EDA Annual Report presentation.
Background/Discussion
The Annual End-of-Year Report provides an overview of all projects completed and ongoing.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
2019 Annual End-of-Year Report
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
2
2
The City of Elk River strives to proactively facilitate
business growth, redevelopment, housing diversity,
and reinvestment in our community. While business,
job and wage growth remain robust, we will continue
to reach for higher levels in 2020.
We are honored by businesses who have chosen to
locate in our community and we take pride in
maintaining a close relationship with them long after
their establishment has opened for business. To help
us gauge the strength of our business climate,
improve our services and identify opportunities to
support and grow our local businesses, we made 26
Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) visits
this year!
Elk River is a community of generous volunteers and
our culture of going above and beyond expectations
is often reflected in property maintenance and upkeep. The City Beautification Committee recognizes
businesses that have made substantial investments to enhance overall aesthetics and maintain properties in
an attractive manner. Two businesses received public recognition for their efforts in 2019.
Our revolving microloan program continues to help local businesses grow. We are proud of our community
partner, Patriot Converting, who utilized a $200,000 microloan for equipment purchases in 2015, their
growth successfully resulted in full repayment and the availability of new funds for future loans.
Throughout the year, we had 36 inquiries from companies for information on how to expand, relocate, or
start a new business. Three of these prospects resulted in an industrial/commercial expansion, purchase,
sale, or microloan applications. While some of the remaining prospects didn’t pan out, we continue to
actively work with 15 of them to find the right solution for their company’s goals.
In 2020, we look forward to attracting our targeted industries to our community and implementing our new
Energy Incentive Program as a unique way to attract new industry, high wages and increase our tax base.
In addition, we will start seeing nearly a half billion dollars of state, county, school district and city
investments in our community. We will see the bulk of the project team planning, construction cost
estimating, project phasing and scheduling for 169 Redefine, MnDOT’s massive plan to reconstruct U.S.
Highway 169 into a full freeway through Elk River. In addition, the construction of a 150,000 square foot
multipurpose community and athletic facility with community meeting and banquet rooms, exhibition/event
opportunities, senior citizen programming, modern skating and hockey facilities, commercial lease space and
a synthetic turf field house.
Elk River’s Economic Development Authority is committed to the advancement of a strategic plan in 2020,
which will define a roadmap to our future economic and community development.
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Amanda Othoudt
Economic Development Director
3
3
Economic Development Authority
2018 Annual Report
Located at the convergence of two beautiful rivers and midway between Minneapolis and St. Cloud, we
are served by U.S. Highways 10 and 169 and Minnesota Highway 101 with easy access to Interstate 94.
The City of Elk River covers an area of 43 square miles with a population of 24,891 (2018).
We are a community who takes outdoor recreation seriously. We have over forty parks with a myriad of
opportunities from passive activities in our Bailey Point Nature Preserve and W.H. Houlton
Conservation Area or active play in four athletic complexes. Residents and visitors of all ages enjoy our
community parks with beaches, play structures, picnic pavilions and summer events like our rocking
Riverfront Concert Series, weekly farmers market, and downtown’s annual Elk RiverFest. Our
community is proud to consider themselves Powered by Nature, which is further reflected in our regionally
-renowned Hillside Mountain Bike Park and Woodland Trails Regional Park which includes summer
trails and winter cross country ski trails and a biathlon range. All of this is connected by 35 miles of
paved hiking and biking trails.
The Northstar Commuter Rail provides fast, reliable and convenient transportation to downtown
Minneapolis in a relaxing atmosphere with free WiFi to make your trip to/from work or a Twins
baseball game stress-free.
Elk River is served by ISD 728, the eighth-largest school district in Minnesota serving nearly 14,000
students and over 50,000 lifelong learners. Elk River schools offer Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM) program for elementary and middle school students and our test scores exceed state
and national averages.
Post secondary education opportunities abound to meet learning needs with through Anoka Technical
College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and St. Cloud State
University all within a short distance of Elk River.
Electric and water utilities are served by Elk River Municipal Utilities, a three-time recipient of the
American Public Power Association's prestigious Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation with
a 99.99% Average Service Availability Index.
We are home to over 50 manufacturing facilities, two Fortune 50 Data Centers, and a variety of retail
and service-oriented businesses. As a regional center, we are proud to have big-city amenities, services
and programs with the exceptional quality of life of a small hometown.
WHY ELK RIVER
4
4
Economic Development Authority
2018 Annual Report The city’s EDA was established on
October 7, 1987, and is governed by
seven commission members. Four of
the commissioners are City Council
members with three other members
appointed by the Mayor from the
community at large, serving six-year
terms.
After over seven years of service to
our community, Commissioner Bryan
Provo resigned in 2019. Brian was
instrumental in growing our local
economy and in the establishment of programs and policy initiatives to help facilitate our growth.
We are excited to welcome our new Commissioner, Jeffrey Hartwig to the Economic Development Authority!
DEMOGRAPHICS
GOVERNANCE
Population Unemployment Rate
City of Elk River – 24,891 (2018) County – 3% (November, 2019)
Sherburne County – 96,208 (2018) Minnesota – 2.9% (November, 2019)
U.S. – 3.3% (November, 2019)
Demographics Education
Median Age 37.1 High School Graduate or Higher 94.5%
Homeownership 77.4% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 30%
Median Household Income $85,974
Median Home Value $233,000
5
5
Employer Product/Service Total Employees
Sportech Inc. OEM Snowmobile/ATV equipment 185
Morrell Transfer Specialized Freight 150
Crystal Distribution Manufacturing 150
Cargill Animal Nutrition Animal Food Manufacturing 130
Tescom Corporation Industrial valves 115
E & O Tool & Plastics Inc. Plastic injection molding 100
Metal Craft, Inc. Surgical & medical instruments 100
Forterra, Inc. Precast concrete products 109
Harvest Hill Beverage Company Bottled and canned soft drinks 84
Elk River Machine Machine Shop 80
Plaisted Companies, Inc. Sand & Gravel 75
Employer Product/Service Total Employees
Walmart General merchandise 335
Menards Lumber & home improvement 140
Home Depot Lumber & home improvement 140
Cub Foods Grocery 115
Coborn’s Grocery 110
The Bank of Elk River Financial services 100
MAJOR INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing is an important industry in Elk River. Metal fabrication, medical devices, furniture, plastics,
concrete products, and OEM recreational vehicle body moldings are a few of our leading employers.
Reflecting its exceptional telecommunications capacity, Elk River is home to two Fortune 50 data centers -
Target and United Health Group. Elk River holds the State of Minnesota’s "Energy City" designation. As
Energy City, we are the demonstration city for energy efficiency and sustainability.
The following tables show the largest employers in Elk River in the production and distribution, retail, and
healthcare industries.
MAJOR EMPLOYERS—RETAIL
6
6
Employer Product/Service Total Employees
Guardian Angels of Elk River Nursing care 402
Fairview Clinic 75
Allina Health Clinic 55
Elk River Senior Living Assisted Living 46
Beehive Homes Assisted Living/Memory Care 36
MAJOR EMPLOYERS—HEALTH CARE
OCCUPATIONS IN ELK RIVER
7
7
2019 brought new ads, new trade shows, new videos, and new relationships. For the second year in a row, Elk
River was front row in the Site Selector “Thriving in the North” trade magazine in partnership with the
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The two-page ad was one of 13
advertisements highlighting Elk River’s energy vibe and our targeted industries.
ERMU’s transition to Minnesota Municipal Power Agency as their energy supplier provided an opportunity to
promote further promote renewable and sustainable energy options.
Overall, our marketing efforts reached over 450,150 subscribers for unprecedented cost per impression of just
seven cents.
Magazines Subscribers Cost Cost/Impression
13 450,150 $30,791 $0.07
MARKETING
8
8
In 2019, DEED hosted two FAM tours; one in Dallas, which we attended along with eight other partners
including representatives from DEED. The group participated in seventeen meetings in the Dallas/Ft.
Worth area. Meetings were with traditional site selectors, private equity/venture firms focused on industries
where Minnesota excels (e.g. medical device), and Dallas-headquartered firms with Minnesota operations.
The other FAM tour was held in Chicago which we attended along with eight other communities and two
DEED representatives. The group participated in twelve meetings which included visits with traditional site
selectors and venture capitalists. DEED hosted a luncheon which was attended by over a dozen
representatives from various consulates.
This year we attended DCD Dynamics in New York along with DEED. This was a new event which
brought the opportunity to meet with representatives from Minnesota Municipal Power Association who
presented at the event. Elk River continued to sponsor Elk River Extreme Motor Park, the EDAM winter
and summer conferences, and the Elk River Chamber Golf Tournament, the MNCAR expo, and the
Energy and Data Center Real Estate Journal Summits and co-hosted one site tour with McGough
Construction. Also in 2019, we moderated the Joseph Pilewski roundtable discussion at the annual MAEDC
Competitive Conference.
EDA materials were rebranded by city
communications, to create a new feel which
will be utilized in promotional materials and in
Powered by Our Business and Business Retention and
Expansion videos. All EDA videos will now
have a consistent look so viewers will easily
recognize us.
The 2019 Community Profile was revised with
updated statistics and distributed in the EDA Signature packets at trade shows and conferences. The 2020
Welcome Packet will be available for distribution in early 2020.
We also created an Elk River Swag Box, which includes eight items made in Elk River. Items include a
keychain from Metal Craft, a sand box from Plaisted Companies, a bar of soap from Caroldon Soap Co., a
honey bear from Bee Sweet Honey, a bath bomb from Realistic Expectations, a wood ornament from
SewMuchMoreStore, a pencil holder from Forterra, and book, The Ladybug Hug by local author Katie
Shatusky. Twenty oak boxes, with the Elk logo engraved on the top, were made by a local resident.
MARKETING (continued)
9
9
Youth Skills Training Grant
ISD 728 was once again awarded a $95,000 Youth Skills Training Grant
through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). The grant
period for training started on July 1, 2019, and will run through June 30, 2021.
We are excited to expand manufacturing opportunities for students through
strong partnerships with ISD 728, the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce and local employers. The grant
is designed to expose youth to in-demand career opportunities in advanced manufacturing while building
marketable skills and competencies in the workplace. The focus on partnerships between local employers and
the high schools will increase awareness of high-growth, high-demand career opportunities in manufacturing.
Middle and High School students will learn about manufacturing careers through industry tours, job
shadowing, classroom speakers and career fairs.
The project will also provide juniors and seniors in industrial technology classes the opportunity for paid
internships as a student learner through DLI and to complete OSHA 10 Certification.
Building strong business partnerships is vital to ensuring students receive a true learning experience and
supportive supervision on the job.
Manufacturing Workforce Partnership
We actively participate in the regional Manufacturing Workforce
Partnership which focuses on building partnerships among
stakeholders of the Minnesota manufacturing industry. The collective
goal is to restructure and accelerate the Minnesota workforce education
system to better meet the demands of Minnesota's manufacturing
industry.
Community Profile
The Elk River Community Profile was updated in February of 2019 and
is distributed to site selectors, consultants, prospects and to business
owners in our local community.
Connect the Dots Scholarship Fundraiser Event
For the past three years, the Elk River EDA along with Sherburne
County and the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce and have par-
ticipated in the Connect the Dots Scholarship Fundraiser event. Each
year, several students are awarded scholarships though the Anoka Tech
Foundation.
2019—YEAR IN REVIEW
10
10
Business Survey
At the request of the EDA, the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce completed a business survey to better
understand the experiences of business owners, contractors, developers, and service professionals who have
developed, expanded, built new commercial property, or otherwise engaged with the city in the preceding 60
months.
The survey found areas where we can improve our processes, policies, provide educational opportunities, and
improve communication with our local businesses.
Energy Incentive Program – Adopted
A new energy incentive was created in 2019! The Energy Incentive Program offers
a savings to qualified applicants on their Elk River Municipal Utilities electric bill
for up to two years.
Beautification Award – Die Concepts
Fred and Sherri Trapp, owners of Die Concepts, Inc., received the City
Beautification Award in May.
In 2016, they had a vision and desire to completely renovate a tired and vacated
former industrial building near Line Avenue and Twin Lakes Road.
Utilizing the an EDA microloan and a forgivable loan, they fully renovated the
building, landscaped the property and relocated their operations to Elk River.
Beautification Award – The Bank of Elk River
The Bank of Elk River Freeport Street location was recognized with the July City
Beautification Award.
The Bank of Elk River made multiple updates over the past few years including
their rebranding with new exterior signage and updated logo. Exterior
improvements included repainting and fencing removal. The bank also made a
number of impressive and significant interior renovations. Mr. David Black
accepted the award.
2019—YEAR IN REVIEW (continued)
11
11
2019—YEAR IN REVIEW (continued)
Verizon Cell Tower – Temp Lease Agreement
The EDA approved a temporary lease agreement with Verizon Wireless to construct
a temporary cell tower on EDA property. The Verizon cell tower is currently located
on property owned by Great River Energy, however they are in the process of de-
commissioning their waste-to-energy electrical power plant requiring the need for a
new home for the tower. The temporary site will allow Verizon to maintain wireless
service in Elk River while they search for a permanent location.
Distinctive Iron Microloan
The EDA approved a $100,000 Industrial Incentive Microloan for Distinctive Iron,
LLC., a woman-owned and operated company that designs, fabricates and installs
structural and miscellaneous metal products. They purchased and renovated an
existing building and constructed a 4,680 square foot indoor paint facility.
They invested $1,529,480 to purchase, renovate and construct the new facility, while
retaining 14 full time employees and two part-timers. Distinctive Iron anticipates
bringing on five new full-time jobs in the next two years. The project added roughly
$135,000 in taxable value and increased taxes by about $4,944 annually.
Public Art Survey Data
The EDA expressed a desire to support and encourage public art by engaging the community in a public art sur-
vey. The survey results were released in early October and indicated 56% of the community would like to see
more public art displayed in downtown Elk River. A nature theme in either a mural or sculpture medium was
most popular. A grant will be submitted to the Central MN Arts Board in early 2020 for a potential fall art installa-
tion.
EDA Strategic Plan
The EDA desired to embark on a strategic planning process to connect existing community plans and to incorpo-
rate them into their vision for the community. Following a request for proposals, a facilitator was selected to work
with the EDA utilizing the city vision, Mississippi Connections Plan, FAST Study, Comprehensive Plan, Parks and Recrea-
tion Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, and other relevant studies that have set goals and objectives for economic
growth and sustainability.
The catalyst to creating an EDA strategic plan is to better understand future development in conjunction with the
169 Redefine project. Proposals are due March 2020.
Welcome Packet
Staff created a Welcome Packet in 2019 to provide information to our new and existing business owners on the
resources and programs available to them from the city. Information in this packet will also help assist them with
any future expansion of their facility.
12
12
Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Visits
The city and its EDA Commissioners have long understood the importance of conducting Business Retention
and Expansion (BR&E) visits. These visits help build relationships between elected officials, city staff, the EDA
and local businesses. These meetings included formal surveys, informal meetings and facility tours. Our local
business owners and community development staff have found the informal visits to be very beneficial.
GreaterMSP, a regional economic development partnership, collects and reports data from all BR&E visits
within the partnership as well as other economic data to increase the competitiveness our the business climate in
the Twin Cities area. The following report highlights responses from key questions asked during our visits.
BR&E visits are intended to demonstrate our support for local firms, assist in resolving immediate business
concerns, and identify process and policy improvements to improve our business climate.
Business Details
In 2019, we conducted 26 BR&E visits with a focus on newly-established businesses. The business sectors visited
included manufacturing, retail trade, health care, construction, professional services, financial and food services.
Of the businesses we visited, 62% owned their buildings and 38% leased.
Over 42% of the companies indicated their 2019 sales increased over the previous year while 58% indicated sales
were relatively stable. Of the 24 companies reporting, 12% indicated that business ownership has changed.
BUSINESS RETENTION
13
13
Strengths of the Community
The survey asked questions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the community. A sampling of
responses on community strengths are listed below.
Visits also revealed some of the perceived community weaknesses, which included concerns with the
local taxes, sewer/water access fees (SAC/WAC) and the closure of the Great River Energy waste-to-
energy power plant.
Strengths of the Community (10 responses)
Great community loved Elk River Fest!
Have been in Elk River for 15 years!
The city is good to work in.
Love Elk River!
The plowing is good downtown. One suggestion on parking is to move 3 hour parking to the street.
Loves the community, is active in the chamber and community events.
Love the River Commons expansion, farmers market, connectivity, quiet zone.
Small town feel.
Great community.
Family lives here, close to the cities, small town feel, schools are good, loves the Woodland Trails.
2019 SURVEY DATA REPORT BASED ON 26 BR&E
14
14
Introducing new products and services are vital to keeping businesses competitive and innovative. 27% of
businesses reported they introduced new products and services. New products included sand and gravel mixtures,
new beer flavors and quality controls.
Major products/services (25 responses)
Beer
Clock repair
Cellular phones
Batteries
Bakery
Steel fabrication
Heavy manufacturing
They finish doors which are made over seas
Aerospace and medical device parts
Auto Sales
Trucking company —biggest client is Forterra, a concrete company
Non profit
Medical device components and aerospace components
Restaurant
Dental services
Paper products
Sand and gravel—sand for golf courses, baseball fields
Law firm
Plastic injection molding
Restaurant
Gear manufacturing —engineer to spec
Cellular phones
Design and engrave monuments
Mail
Design delivery material handling
Briefly describe new products (7 responses)
New flavors of beers
Quality control - they can inspect other companies products
New contract to do FDA registered implantable.
They have a machine that can now deburr castings.
They have developed new sand and gravel mixtures.
They expanded into overseas markets in Canada and Europe.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
15
15
On average, there were 43 full-time employee equivalents per business of the 17 companies reporting. Of those,
46% indicated that they plan to hire new employees in the next 2-5 years. More companies are seeing steady em-
ployment. The major concerns employers expressed in 2019 were finding skilled workers, employees leaving for
local competition, and having employees willing to work.
EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE
Number of Employees
hired during the last year
(For companies with increase)
8
3
8
20
5
50
16
16
Of the 26 businesses visited in 2019, 15% export their products. The fastest growing market served is our local
market, while 23% of the businesses serve customers within Minnesota, and 27% of the businesses surveyed
serve customers on a national level.
MARKET INFORMATION
17
17
When asked about future investment plans, four businesses indicated plans to renovate or expand
their current facilities in the next few years. Four businesses indicated they plan to invest in major
equipment purchases and two stated they plan to invest in a new facility.
Investment Details (7 responses)
They would like to purchase new bakery equipment - mixer.
They would like more warehouse space.
They expanded a couple years ago so have room for more machines.
They would like to purchase more equipment, but need employees to run them.
They are interested in expanding their practice, there is space.
They would like to expand and stay in their current location.
Utilize some of their office space to expand manufacturing floor.
INVESTMENT PLANS
18
18
Since 2015, the city has approved $3.8 million in financial incentives, which leveraged $42.6 million in private
capital investment. Those projects receiving public assistance accounted for the retention of 379 jobs at an
average wage of $20.62 per hour and created 227 jobs at an average wage of $20.53 per hour. Over $35.3 million
of taxable value has been created by commercial/industrial projects developing over 64 acres of land.
In 2019, $100,000 in financial incentives were approved, resulting in just over $1.3 million in private capital
investment. Of the projects receiving financial assistance, the city assisted with retaining 16 jobs at an average
hourly wage of $20.62 per hour, and creating five new jobs at an average hourly wage of $18.80 per hour.
In 2019, five new commercial/industrial buildings were built or are currently under construction with a valuation
of $25,827,943 which includes the city’s new multipurpose facility. We also had 41 remodels and additions to
existing commercial and industrial businesses.
PROJECT TRACKING
19
19
The city has a limited supply of publicly-owned commercial and industrial property. The EDA currently owns
seven parcels of commercial and industrial property. Three acres of commercial property is located along
Highway 10 frontage near Elk River’s Westside Liquor, and 32.87 acres of light industrial property in both
Northstar and Natures Edge Business Parks.
Sherburne County owns 42 acres of shovel-ready property within a city-zoned business park where 33 acres
of the property is guided for data center development. Monthly listing email broadcasts are sent to
commercial realtors and brokers. On average, each month, 865 real estate professionals receive the emails,
and 118 agents open our broadcasted emails.
According to Catalyst Research, a Minnesota Commercial Real Estate-driven database, there are 12 privately-
owned commercial and industrial parcels of land for sale totaling 103.53 acres in Elk River.
Commercial and industrial inventory is limited with only 5 existing properties for sale totaling 98,897 square feet.
In 2019, 14 properties sold, which includes both existing properties and land sales totaling $17,454,012.
AVAILABLE LAND
20
20
City of Elk River | 13065 Orono Parkway, Elk River, MN 55330 | 763.635.1000 | ElkRiverMN.gov
COMMUNITY PROFILE
X .
lz
aft
ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA
NATURE -COMMUNITY -RECREATION
Take Part in our Growth
Steady growth is essential to the economic vitality of
Elk River. In 1990, Elk River had approximately 11,220 residents,
today there is over 24,505 residents.
Elk River Population
Business comes naturally to Elk River. So much so
that we've become one of the fastest growing business
communities in Central Minnesota.
Since our incorporation in 1881, transportation has
played a significant role in the growth of this business -
friendly community. Located on US Highways 10, 159
and Minnesota 101, and dose proximityto Interstate
94 and MSP International Airport, makes us the ideal
address for outward -migrating companies from
Minneapolis, 5t. Paul, 5t. Cloud and beyond.
Elk River also offers a wealth of housing opportunities,
from new construction to century -old colonials, you'll
find homes of all styles and price ranges which drives
our thriving and diverse population.
We're confident you'll find a community powered for
progress and a city powered by nature.
46 P/o
GROWTH
over the past 2 decades
4.n
- :"
GET TO KNOW OUR COMMUNITY
You'll enjoy getting to know the people of Elk River. We are welcoming, enterprising, and thriving - not to mention young and
educated, too! The median age in Elk River is approximately 35, while two thirds of our workforce (69%) has completed some
level of postsecondary education, with the majority earning a bachelor's degree or above (30%). Just take a look at the numbers:
■o
it 37.1
MEDIAN AGE
State of Minnesota - 37.9
Educational Attainment
Nigh School
Graduate or Nigher
Median Household Income
$85974
ELK RIVER
(300%) 8.4%
Bachelors Degree Graduate Degree
or Nigher or Nigher
THE ELIC RIVER VISION
A welcoming
spirited reso
community
$65,,699
STATE OF MN
OPPORTUNITIES IN EDUCATION
Independent School District 728
Minnesota's eighth largest school district, ISD 728 is a progressive district located 35 miles northwest
of Minneapolis. Proudly serving more than 13,000 students and more than 50,000 lifelong learners
in all or parts of Albertville, Dayton, Elk River, Otsego, Ramsey, Rogers, St. Michael, Zimmerman and
Nowthen and the townships of Big Lake, Baldwin, Livonia, Orrock and Stanford.
Ten elementary schools, five middle schools and four high schools provide opportunities
for ALL learners to discover and develop their unique talents. l5Q 728 offers:
■ Comprehensive curriculum that combines arts with academics, early childhood - grade 12.
■ All -day, every day 6.5 -hr kindergarten program.
■ World language courses in Spanish, French and German.
■ Advanced Placement and College in the Schools.
■ Career Technical Education {CTE} programs.
■ Gifted and Talented services.
■ AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) college readiness program, grades 8-12.
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) elementary and middle schools.
r Minnesota Reading Corps: providing trained literacy tutors for children age 3 to grade 3.
■ EdVenture Club: Before and after school enrichment and childcare for grades K-5.
■ Online courses and flexible scheduling.
On state and national exams, ISD 728
students continue to outperform the majority
of their peers locally and notionally. In 207 7,
ISD 728 students ranked...
*1 IN
MINNESOTA
in math of the top 10 school
districts in enrollment
1 00,11" A
AND #3
reading and science
BE
ISD 728's Mission
Our mission is to educate, inspire and empower our
diverse learners, to shape theirfutures, to accomplish
their dreams and to contribute positively to our local
and global communities.
We take great pride in Community Education programming, which
serves all learners, from pre-schooler to senior citizen.
THE NATURAL CHOICE FOR BUSINESS
Elk River has Iong been the natural choice for business. We attract Occupation In Elft River
employers from a variety of different industries, with two Fortune
50 data centers, two medical device technology manufacturers, four Computer Programmer $39.66
energy-related companies and a high concentration of metal product At I
fabrications already are a part of our flourishing business community. Tool & ole Maker $28.20
Located close to the Twin Cities and St. Cloud with a lot of room to machinist $24.49
grow, Elk River is investment ready, with plenty of space available for
retail, commercial, and industrial expansion. welder= $22.41
Top Indus
Employmf
Transportation
and Warehouse
Administrative
Support
Constructio
Office Clerk $17.10
A— triers
Public f %.
Administration r
Health Care and
Accommodation/ Social Assistance
Food Services ri
990
I
$17.04
Workforce &
Unemployment Rates
People in unemployment
Workforce Rate
Sherburne County 50,681
3.9%
Minnesota 3,063,604
3.5%
United States 160,319,750
4.4%
NOv Mber2018
The Convenience of Location
Elk River makes business fun and accessible. Besides being located just 35 miles outside
of Minneapolis, we offer a variety of transportation options to make business much more
accessible for new and expanding organizations.
■ Easy access to sports stadiums
■ Short ride to arts, culture, and shopping
• Located on three major highways - U5 10, U5 169, and MN 101 - within minutes of 1-94
■ Three airports, including MSP International Airport, within 60 miles
■ Freight rail transit via BNSF Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway, both Class I Railroads
■ Light rail transit via the Northstar Commuter to Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Fridley,
Blg Lake and 5t. Cloud
From Elk River's amazing outdoor amenities to its thriving economic
environment there's so much to love about this city. For years however,
one thing residents have indicated we're lacking is a large community
celebration - thus Elk RiverFest was born in 2018.
The inaugural Elk RiverFest celebration drew more than 5,000 people to
enjoy food, drinks, vendors, kids activities, and live music, all capped off by a
fantastic fireworks display. Elk River's historic downtown is an ideal location
for the event, as residents can patronize the local small businesses along
Main Street, enjoy the picturesque views of the Rivers Edge Commons Park
nestled along the banks of the Mississippi, and engage with friends and
neighbors who all share the same love and pride of our beautiful city.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the inaugural Elk
RiverFest, the city council has decided to continue the tradition on the first
Saturday of July. City staff has gathered feedback and are excited to add
enhancements to ensure this free community festival is bigger and better
in 2019.
J101:
q .
f
s
Nature is central to Elk River's community — with a full
complement of indoor facilities including a 2 -sheet ice arena,
--1 PARKS a 55+ Activity Center, banquet space, outdoor concerts, and
COVERING ALMOST 1,300 ACRES recreational leagues for all ages, recreation is our nature. Our
residents value the great outdoors and the active lifestyle
Mother Nature shares. Whether hiking, biking, skiing or
Wkayaking, there is something for all.
3
a 0
#° MILES
OF PAVER ;
�" -- WALKWAYS
AND A MYRIAD
` { OF HIKING AND F i•- '��
r
BIKING TRAILS
,Y --- THROUGHOUT
THE CITY
r
V �;v �►191
t
+riwcr�a i� iu
Hillside Park
Home to six miles of challenging mountain bike trails that travel through eight
acres of oak forest, Hillside Park is regarded as one of the best mountain bike
parks in the Upper Midwest.
Orono Park
(Featured on previous page)
Orono Park is 45 acres in size
and includes a fishing pier,
swimming beach, sand volleyball
courts, dog park, mature
oak trees and a destination
playground. Launch your boat
to enjoy fishing, water skiing,
paddle boarding, kayaking, and
other water activities.
[ A Destination Park]
i.................................�
Rivers Edge Commons Park
■ Mississippi River
■ Amphitheater
■ Splash Fountain
■ Picnic Gazebo
■ Weddings
■ Riverfront Concerts
340ACRE
PARK
Woodland Trails
Regional Park
* ■ Walking
■ Paved Biking Trails
-M ■ Cross -Country Skiing
■ Bird Watching
■ Photography
. .........................................
Contact Information
City of Elk River, MN
Economic Development Department
763.635.1000
Fallow us @ElkRiverED 0
Visit us at E1kRiverMN.gov
2019 Community Profile