County-wide EDA to meet Dec. 17

Members of the Waseca County economic development authority (EDA) discussed numerous ongoing projects and initiatives during their regular meeting the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 19. Tina Wilson of the county planning and zoning office updated members regarding the county workforce development center, various contacts from organizations considering locating businesses in the county, and plans by current business owners to expand their operations.

 

Board members agreed to a Dec. 17 joint meeting with EDAs from the cities of Waseca, Janesville and New Richland, and with representatives from the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and the town of Waldorf.

 

Because economic growth is vital to supporting and building communities, the state of Minnesota has funds EDA agencies can access to help with developing and growing businesses. Among these are low interest loans and grants. Projects recently supported by the county EDA are the Marketplace construction project, expansion at Morgan’s Meats, remodeling at the American Inn Hotel, and ongoing work on the Workforce Development Center to be located on the lower floor of the Human Services building at 1000 Elm Avenue West. Collaboration with the county’s three city EDAs and four city councils is ongoing, which leads to numerous projects in area towns. Mentioned during the Nov. 19 meeting were work with Trapper’s Lanes in New Richland and a “$10,000 business challenge” in Janesville. Wilson proposed that, with a county-wide meeting scheduled in a month, her detailed summaries of such projects might best be presented when all parties were present on Dec. 17.

 

Members of the county EDA are Matt Harrington, District 1;  Russ Frederick, District 2 and board chair; Charles Benson, District 3; Patti Schuch, District 4; and Brad Krause, District 5.

 

Patti Schuch suggested the county EDA might look into a brochure which could be made available to existing and potential business owners to streamline the information-gathering process. She proposed listing the various agencies that businesses are likely to find helpful and providing names and direct contact information of key individuals.

 

Schuch expressed frustration that relatively few people seem aware of EDA programs and benefits. 

 

“We could help them invest in the community, accomplish their dream of starting or expanding a business. They could make their facilities larger, get new equipment or beautify their buildings.”

 

Tina Wilson can be reached at the Waseca County Planning and Zoning department, 300 State Street North, in Waseca. The phone number is 507-835-0650.