$1.5 Million CARES Grant Dollars Allocated Enhance Our Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Assist 4-6 start-ups each year and assess feasibility of creating business incubator. Recruit Businesses to Locate Here Create an incentive package, promote the area to prospects, and assist with site selection and financing. Increase Retention & Success of Alexandria Area Businesses Increase the pipeline of workforce talent, provide in-demand business workshops, and increase the use of business loan programs. 3 2 1 Future Plans Partnerships Douglas County COVID Community Partnership City of Alexandria, Douglas County, Alomere Health, Horizon Public Health Douglas County Community Marketing Partnership City of Alexandria, Chamber of Commerce, Alexandria Technical & Community College, Explore Alexandria Tourism, Alexandria Public Schools Develop with Douglas- Business Coaching 1200+ People Reached 8 small business trainings Academies at Alexandria Public High School COVID-19: CARES Dollars & ARPA FUnds advocate 2021 Annual Report Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission | livingalexarea.org | 320.76.4545 | aaedc@alexmn.org livingalexarea.org 2021 Projects Total Project Cost Jobs Created Bark Barn $80,000 5 Douglas Machine $11,000,000 15 the Porch $150,000 2 Knute Nelson $1,300,000 5 Sale of Industrial Land $300,000 4 Rauk Dentistry $600,000 4 Grandpa’s Attic $250,000 Car Care Program $20,000 20
About us
Alexandria area economic development Commission
The mission of the AAEDC is promoting prosperity and optimizing opportunity in the Alexandria region.
We do this with support from the Lakes Area Economic Development Authority (LAEDA) by providing fair and equitable resources. Through joint strategic planning processes between the AAEDC and the LAEDA, core initiatives and strategies are defined to develop a shared vision of the future and to identify goals and objectives against which progress toward achieving that vision can be measured.
The vision of the AAEDC is that the greater Alexandria Area is known as the premier place to call home, build a career, and grow a business. It is a place with leading-edge technology, infrastructure, and unparalleled talent, set within a geographic area of immense natural beauty.
To ensure long-term vitality for economic development efforts in the Alexandria Area, the AAEDC sought legislative authority and received approval in 2003, to create the Lakes Area Economic Development Authority (LAEDA). The LAEDA model is the first of its kind in Minnesota to bring together communities and townships under a formal structure with designated EDA powers.
Lakes area economic development authority
The AAEDC works in partnership with the Lakes Area Economic Development Authority to meet their overall goals. The LAEDA was organized in 2004 through special state legislation with approval of the State of MN and the organization’s founding members to formalize and stabilize the funding process of economic development efforts in Douglas County, MN. Because of the long-term nature of many initiatives and investments needed to continue to grow our community, stable funding is crucial to the success of economic development efforts.
The mission of the LAEDA is to support the mission of the AAEDC by providing fair and equitable resources.
POWERS OF EDA’S
• Tax abatement
• Ability to enter into contracts
• Sale of bonds
• Economic Development Districts
• Levying of taxes
• Creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts
• Acquisition and sale of real estate and personal property
• Participation in limited partnerships
City of Alexandria Joani Nielson President Hudson Township Julie Critz Vice President Alexandria Township Nicole Klimek Secretary/Treasurer Lake Mary Township Vicki Jodsaas Carlos Township Todd Powers City of Alexandria Matthew Fischer LaGrand Township Eddie Reif City of Alexandria Jeff Patience 2020 Board of directors
Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission | livingalexarea.org | 320.76.4545 | aaedc@alexmn.org
