Out in front
Help for owners includes training, contacts and financing
by Matt Krumrie Jason Murray and Jill Johnson are only a two-person team, but what a team they make.
Murray is the executive director of the Alexandra Area Economic Development Commission (AAEDC). Johnson is the marketing manager and business development director.
The AAEDC is a non-profit corporation. Its role is to “serve as the lead economic development entity that responds to start-up and relocation inquiries, and to assist existing businesses with long-term goals of expansion,” says Murray.
In 2003 the AAEDC reported project dollars leveraged in excess of $6.5 million. Those are defined as bank financing, municipal programs and gap financing sources. As of August 2004, the AAEDC already leveraged close to $8 million in capital improvement projects for area businesses.
Here are just a few of the businesses and programs the AAEDC was involved with in 2003:
• In an effort to consolidate operations in two locations, TWF Industries Inc. began construction of a new 50,000-square-foot manufacturing warehouse on nine acres along County Road 45. The project will help TWF retain 21 employees with the expectation to add five new employees within one year, and four more within five years. The AAEDC helped by completing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) application to the city and county.
• Quick Attach Attachments Inc., a start-up company in 2003 focused on the skid steer and compact loader industries, began construction of its sales and corporate offices and product showroom in Carlos Township. Located on 2.3 acres along the Highway 29 North corridor, the facility also serves as a sales and distribution center for the company.
The start-up is expected to add nine new full-time permanent sales positions and one full-time permanent office support position in the first two years. With help from the AAEDC, the company secured $120,000 in financial assistance from the West Central Initiative Fund to aid in construction of the 6,000-square-foot facility, expected to open in January of 2004.
• Other recent projects include: Helping the city of Alexandria receive a $300,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to help develop Heritage Industrial Park, a 90-acre, $3.5 million project that totals 15 lots for industrial development; helping The Bike & Fitness Co. receive TIF for a new 4,200-square-foot retail store; assisting Odyssey Steel & Trim in securing approval for a $20,000 loan from the Alexandria-Douglas County Developers Revolving Loan Fund for the acquisition of new machinery and equipment.
In 2002 the AAEDC coordinated a FastTrac Manufacturing Program involving 14 participants in partnership with Minnesota Technology and Alexandria Technical College.
In 2003, AAEDC created a business plan program for 18 participants in partnership with a consultant specialist from the West Central Region Small Business Development Center.
In 2004, the AAEDC will lead a Business Retention & Expansion Visitation Program in partnership with the resources of the University of Minnesota Extension Service Business Strategies Program.
In addition to its programs, the AAEDC provides resources to current and prospective business owners. The AAEDC Financial Assistance Guide lists contact information for 12 local private banks, information on revolving loan funds, municipal financing, venture capital/equity injection and regional financial assistance programs.
The 2004 Douglas County Manufacturers & Support Industries Directory, the fifth annual publication, highlights 220 companies in Douglas County, including company profiles and contact information.
“We try to be thorough and complete, and provide as many resources available to the businesses that contribute to our economy, and make it as strong as it is today,” says Johnson.
Business leaders and officials have noticed. The AAEDC “is really at the pulse of the Alexandria area business community,” says Kevin Kopischke, president of Alexandria Technical College (ATC), which is involved with many of the manufacturing and technology companies in the Alexandria region. “They are very aggressive, innovative and make sure that we all work together to invest in the present and future.”
ATC also plays a key role in the Alexandria area business community. Not only does it train and provide local companies with employees, but it also provides customized training for local employers, including The Center for Automation and Motion Control (CAMC), which works to increase productivity through automation since its inception in 1997.
“We are fortunate to be located in the midst of some very progressive manufacturers here in the West Central region,” says Kenneth Ryan, director of manufacturing automation research and education at the Center.
Seeking value
Like many of his peers, Todd Emmons, general manager of Leader Supply & Buildings and D&W Construction, is involved with many organizations, including the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Vikingland Builders Association, Glenwood Chamber of Commerce, Alexandria Rotary Club, Builders Association of Minnesota, and the Greater Lakes Area Safety and Health Committee.
“Many people around here really watch the value of what they buy into,” says Emmons. “Business is good because we market and provide a quality product and stand behind what we sell and do. But we expect the same from the organizations we participate with, and we do feel we get value from participating.”
[contact] Todd Emmons, D&W Construction of Alexandria, Leader Supply and Buildings: 320.834.2275; 320.834.2270; www.dwconstruction.com; www.leaderbuildings.com; leader@gctel.com. Jill Johnson, Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission: 320.763.4545; www.alexmn.org. Kevin Kopischke, Alexandria Technical College: 320.762.4404; Kevink@alx.tec.mn.us; www.alextech.edu. Jason Murray, Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission: 320.763.4545; jmurray@rea-alp.com; www.alexmn.org. Kenneth Ryan, Alexandria Technical College: 320.762.4461, Kennethr@alx.tec.mn.us; www.alextech.edu
