C I T Y O F N O RT H F I E L D
Business Retention and Expansion The Business Retention and Expansion efforts for the City have been lead primarily by the Northfield Chamber of Commerce and Northfield Downtown Development Corporation. Given the sensitivity of the local and national economy, Northfield’s City staff has provided greater attention to the community’s larger employers. Northfield’s City staff have met with the community’s larger employers to determine how the City can assist them strengthen their business operations. In 2009, the Northfield City staff has worked with Malt-O-Meal, Cardinal Glass, Vet Provisions, and Perkins Motorized Transport on issues that will strengthen their operations in the City of Northfield. This intervention may be in the form of accessing State or Federal Programs or addressing issues that will improve their business environment in Northfield. The Northfield Downtown Development Corporation has agreed to serve as the lead agency addressing obstacles and barriers that may exist which are deleterious to economic development. A number of meetings have been held throughout the year to discuss this matter and the City is expecting specific recommendations to be brought forward.
STATUS OF BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION INITIATIVES
The EDA will develop and/or expand existing data base information to track the economic condition and concerns of local employers. √ The EDA will explore other potential growth opportunities during business visits as well as discuss issues which affect their day-to-day operations. √ The EDA shall serve as a resource for local companies and a conduit to their business solutions. Champion and acknowledge the positive impact local companies have on the Northfield’s economic health. √ Elicit information from local business leaders about what can be done to improve the overall quality of life for its employees. √ The EDA and its economic development partners will seek out opportunities to network with St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges’ alumni, staff, and families.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Board Members Richard Estenson, President Steve Engler, Vice President Rhonda Pownell, Sec/Treaurer Jim Pokorney Victor Summa Marty Benson Janelle Teppen Economic Development Director Jody T. Gunderson
Northfield Economic Development Authority | 801 Washington Street | Northfield MN 55057 Phone: 507.645.3018 | Fax: 507.645.3055 | Email: jody.gunderson@ci.northfield.mn.us
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E CONOMIC D EVELOPMENT A UTHORITY
2009 Work Plan Initiatives
Progress Report Business Park Development On March 19, 2009, the State Boundary Adjustment Board formally approved the annexation of approximately 530 acres of land located NW of Northfield. This annexation was the culmination of years of work by the City’s elected officials and staff and triggered the need for a master development plan for the area. The Business Park Committee was organized to address one of the 2009 EDA Work Plan initiatives. The subcommittee consisted of EDA members Rick Estenson, Steve Engler, and Rhonda Pownell; Alice Thomas and Tracy Davis from the Planning Commission; Jeff Hasse from the Chamber of Commerce; Tom Stringer from the Northfield School District; and Northfield’s City staff Brian O’Connell and Jody Gunderson. This subcommittee began the year by developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) used to solicit proposals from consulting firms interested in providing master planning services for the proposed business park(s). The deadline for accepting proposals was set for May 29, 2009, which provided consulting firms about one and one half months to make inquiries to City staff and develop their proposals. The EDA received 24 proposals from consulting firms in response to the RFP.
October 28, 2009 KEY √ Initiatives that have been completed or are currently underway Initiatives that have not begun STATUS OF BUSINESS PARK DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES NW Territory √ Meet with Dunbar Development to conclude remaining issues in their contract. √ Develop and enter into agreement with affected property owners. √ Develop request for proposal for the NW Territory Master Plan development. √ Hire consultant to conduct master plan of NW Territory. √ Complete master plan of NW Territory. SW Territory √ Continue to work with landowners to determine whether and how to proceed. √ Continue to work with property owners and City staff to ensure that any concept plan developed for the purpose of annexation is consistent with the desires of the property owners and the City. √ Participate in meetings with the Township, City Council, Planning Commission, and neighboring properties to assist in the facilitation of annexation. √ Prepare information important to advancing annexation and business park development. Evaluate other areas along the Highway 3 corridor suitable for business park development.
Infill and Redevelopment The EDA began this initiative by sponsoring a public forum featuring a group of individuals from Holland, Michigan that were intimately involved with the redevelopment of the Downtown Business District in Holland, Michigan. The Holland story, as it has come to be called, is an example of a two decade long renaissance of redevelopment in a downtown business district representing over $200 million in private and public investment. Members of the EDA Board were familiar with the Holland, Michigan story and believed there were similarities between the City of Northfield and Holland, Michigan that was worth an examination of how the community was able to accomplish their
goals and objectives. The Holland, Michigan contingent consisted of landscape architect and community planner, William J. Johnson, former member of the Riverview Group; Gordon Van Wylen, Community Planner and Director of the Riverview Group; Greg Holcombe; and Philip L. Meyer, Director of Community and Neighborhood Services for the City of Holland, Michigan. STATUS OF INFILL AND REDEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES √ Build and maintain an inventory of Northfield’s infill and redevelopment land and buildings. √ Assist EDA’s marketing and public relations subcommittee with the development of a web based marketing platform. √ Support development of the NDDC’s Downtown Master Plan initiative. Evaluate the need for an Uptown Master Plan (South Highway 3). √ Provide recommendations to the EDA’s subcommittees on issues related to financial assistance programming. Identify obstacles to infill and redevelopment and recommend potential solutions to governing bodies. √ Seek input on a case by case basis from other organizations or professionals that will assist the EDA in advancing its infill and redevelopment initiatives.
Marketing and Public Relations
Programs, Processes, and Procedures
The EDA’s Marketing and Public Relations Committee began its MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS INITIATIVES work by first examining and testing the economic development √ Evaluation and potential changes to EDA’s 2006. Comprehensive theories and strategies outlined in the 2006 Comprehensive Economic Development Plan. Economic Development Plan. Based upon that review, the √ Improvements made to City’s web site. √ Develop community marketing brochure. committee met with Mr. Randolph Jennings, Principal of √ Begin targeted business recruitment program. Occasional Press, to discuss potential marketing initiatives. As √ Continued attendance at CVN Forums. the result of those initial meetings, the committee requested that √ Investigate other local promotional opportunities. Mr. Jennings prepare a proposal for marketing services. The √ Meet regularly with Federal, State, and County officials. committee met to review the professional service proposal it had requested from Mr. Jennings and the EDA Board approved the respective marketing strategies. The Economic Development contract. The contract calls for assisting the EDA in the Director is currently collaborating with Rice County Economic development of collateral marketing literature and monthly Development on a Rice County Economic Development public relations consulting. Analysis. The EDA’s targeted marketing initiative will be aided The Northfield Economic Development Director and EDA significantly through the market analysis developed by members have also found ways to collaborate in the classroom Hoisington Koegler and Design Workshop as an element of the and administration of Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges. business park master plan. Preliminary results will be reviewed Additionally, representatives from both colleges serve on the by the EDA at its joint meeting with the Master Plan Steering Master Plan Steering and Technical Committee for the and Technical Committee meeting on November 12, 2009. proposed business park. One of the other objectives of the EDA’s Marketing and Public Relations initiative was to partner with organizations to address common interests. An example of this effort was the partnership forged with the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation, Northfield Enterprise Center, Northfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Minnesota Extension Services to examine the retail trade area of Northfield. The study was enlightening and should assist businesses develop their
The Programs, Processes, and Procedures Committee began the year by evaluating and recommending specific changes to the EDA Board for the Downtown Revolving Loan Fund. Those changes have already provided the necessary capital for a restaurant that recently opened in the Downtown Business District. Additionally, the EDA has recommended changes to the Master Development Loan program, which has led to significant investment by a business in the Downtown Business District and the recruitment of a new primary sector company. As is common in trying economic times, organizations will often evaluate what changes can be made to an economic development program which will strengthen existing businesses. The Micro Grant Program is one such program that has been modified in 2009 to assist companies strengthen their market position. VIVUS Architecture and Design LLC received a $5,000 grant for use in the purchase and installation of ArchiOffice software. ArchiOffice is a software system designed for architectural firms
STATUS OF PROGRAMS, PROCESSES, AND PROCEDURES √ Evaluate EDA economic development programs and present proposed changes to the EDA Board. √ Identify and delineate all local, state, regional, and federal programs and resources the EDA may employ to advance its economic development initiatives “Tool Box”. √ Identify and pursue grants and other funding opportunities for EDA’s initiatives. √ Meet with officials of both St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges and continue work toward identifying areas of common interests. √ Identify obstacles to development and recommend potential solutions to governing bodies. The EDA will review its bylaws and processes to ensure that they comply with City and State statute. √ Review and recommend 2010 Budget.
Business Park Development continued…… Infill and Redevelopment continued…. The Holland contingents’ presentation involved interaction with the public explaining the various elements of planning and development which led to the renaissance of the community’s Downtown Business District including: • • • •
how the vision for development was created; key organizations/individuals involved; the type of investments necessary to advance initiatives; and the methodology undertaken to carry-out the long range vision for the Downtown Business District.
The Forum was well attended and has spurred interest by private sector interests seeking a more modest, but comparable, approach to redeveloping Northfield’s central business district.
Each consulting firm was asked to provide a cost to master plan the property west of the Northfield Hospital (Sorem, Fink, and Lysne) and the property south of Highway 19 (Prawer/Gill). inventory of available sites for development and leasable office/ retail space. While a short term solution involving accessing property specification sheets online was developed to address the immediate need, StrataPoint Inc. is partnering with the City to develop an online GIS platform which will provide a much more comprehensive approach to site selection.
The Business Park Subcommittee was divided into three groups, each with three reviewers that were asked to evaluate how each firm proposed to address the market analysis, visual imagery, infrastructure feasibility/cost analysis, development strategy, and community participation in Northfield’s master plan. In the first round of reviews, each proposal was assigned a low, medium, or high ranking according to how well the company addressed those items outlined in the RFP. The proposals that were ranked high were then evaluated in the second round until four firms were identified as companies the subcommittee wanted to interview.
to manage office and project activities and information. The EDA also provided a $3,750.00 grant to Sisters Ugly to assist the business acquire professional services and software allowing the company to conduct e-commerce activity. Another downtown business that has benefited by the award of a Micro Grant is Glass Garden Beads. The EDA awarded $5,000.00 to the company to assist in the purchase of new equipment and costs associated with the expansion of their production space.
On July 21, 2009, the EDA’s Business Park Subcommittee conducted interviews with the final four firms they believed submitted the most compelling proposals for master planning services. The Business Park Subcommittee believed that out of the four firms interviewed, Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. (HKGI) was the firm that best addressed the master planning scope of services. The EDA approved Hoisington Koegler’s scope of service agreement on August 13, 2009. In late August, the EDA approved a group of individuals that will serve on the Master Plan Steering and Technical Committee. The Master Plan Process has begun and is expected to be completed by the end of August 2010. The ultimate goal of this process is to develop a master plan that is embraced by the EDA Board, City Council, Planning Commission, residents of Northfield, and the affected property owners. A successful master plan will enhance the uniqueness of the community while providing sustainable economic development opportunities to new and expanding businesses.
The EDA also has devoted time to the development of an online
CITY
OF
NORTHFIELD
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Marketing and Public Relations
Programs, Processes, and Procedures
The EDA’s Marketing and Public Relations Committee began its MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS INITIATIVES work by first examining and testing the economic development √ Evaluation and potential changes to EDA’s 2006. Comprehensive theories and strategies outlined in the 2006 Comprehensive Economic Development Plan. Economic Development Plan. Based upon that review, the √ Improvements made to City’s web site. √ Develop community marketing brochure. committee met with Mr. Randolph Jennings, Principal of √ Begin targeted business recruitment program. Occasional Press, to discuss potential marketing initiatives. As √ Continued attendance at CVN Forums. the result of those initial meetings, the committee requested that √ Investigate other local promotional opportunities. Mr. Jennings prepare a proposal for marketing services. The √ Meet regularly with Federal, State, and County officials. committee met to review the professional service proposal it had requested from Mr. Jennings and the EDA Board approved the respective marketing strategies. The Economic Development contract. The contract calls for assisting the EDA in the Director is currently collaborating with Rice County Economic development of collateral marketing literature and monthly Development on a Rice County Economic Development public relations consulting. Analysis. The EDA’s targeted marketing initiative will be aided The Northfield Economic Development Director and EDA significantly through the market analysis developed by members have also found ways to collaborate in the classroom Hoisington Koegler and Design Workshop as an element of the and administration of Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges. business park master plan. Preliminary results will be reviewed Additionally, representatives from both colleges serve on the by the EDA at its joint meeting with the Master Plan Steering Master Plan Steering and Technical Committee for the and Technical Committee meeting on November 12, 2009. proposed business park. One of the other objectives of the EDA’s Marketing and Public Relations initiative was to partner with organizations to address common interests. An example of this effort was the partnership forged with the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation, Northfield Enterprise Center, Northfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Minnesota Extension Services to examine the retail trade area of Northfield. The study was enlightening and should assist businesses develop their
The Programs, Processes, and Procedures Committee began the year by evaluating and recommending specific changes to the EDA Board for the Downtown Revolving Loan Fund. Those changes have already provided the necessary capital for a restaurant that recently opened in the Downtown Business District. Additionally, the EDA has recommended changes to the Master Development Loan program, which has led to significant investment by a business in the Downtown Business District and the recruitment of a new primary sector company. As is common in trying economic times, organizations will often evaluate what changes can be made to an economic development program which will strengthen existing businesses. The Micro Grant Program is one such program that has been modified in 2009 to assist companies strengthen their market position. VIVUS Architecture and Design LLC received a $5,000 grant for use in the purchase and installation of ArchiOffice software. ArchiOffice is a software system designed for architectural firms
STATUS OF PROGRAMS, PROCESSES, AND PROCEDURES √ Evaluate EDA economic development programs and present proposed changes to the EDA Board. √ Identify and delineate all local, state, regional, and federal programs and resources the EDA may employ to advance its economic development initiatives “Tool Box”. √ Identify and pursue grants and other funding opportunities for EDA’s initiatives. √ Meet with officials of both St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges and continue work toward identifying areas of common interests. √ Identify obstacles to development and recommend potential solutions to governing bodies. The EDA will review its bylaws and processes to ensure that they comply with City and State statute. √ Review and recommend 2010 Budget.
Business Park Development continued…… Infill and Redevelopment continued…. The Holland contingents’ presentation involved interaction with the public explaining the various elements of planning and development which led to the renaissance of the community’s Downtown Business District including: • • • •
how the vision for development was created; key organizations/individuals involved; the type of investments necessary to advance initiatives; and the methodology undertaken to carry-out the long range vision for the Downtown Business District.
The Forum was well attended and has spurred interest by private sector interests seeking a more modest, but comparable, approach to redeveloping Northfield’s central business district.
Each consulting firm was asked to provide a cost to master plan the property west of the Northfield Hospital (Sorem, Fink, and Lysne) and the property south of Highway 19 (Prawer/Gill). inventory of available sites for development and leasable office/ retail space. While a short term solution involving accessing property specification sheets online was developed to address the immediate need, StrataPoint Inc. is partnering with the City to develop an online GIS platform which will provide a much more comprehensive approach to site selection.
The Business Park Subcommittee was divided into three groups, each with three reviewers that were asked to evaluate how each firm proposed to address the market analysis, visual imagery, infrastructure feasibility/cost analysis, development strategy, and community participation in Northfield’s master plan. In the first round of reviews, each proposal was assigned a low, medium, or high ranking according to how well the company addressed those items outlined in the RFP. The proposals that were ranked high were then evaluated in the second round until four firms were identified as companies the subcommittee wanted to interview.
to manage office and project activities and information. The EDA also provided a $3,750.00 grant to Sisters Ugly to assist the business acquire professional services and software allowing the company to conduct e-commerce activity. Another downtown business that has benefited by the award of a Micro Grant is Glass Garden Beads. The EDA awarded $5,000.00 to the company to assist in the purchase of new equipment and costs associated with the expansion of their production space.
On July 21, 2009, the EDA’s Business Park Subcommittee conducted interviews with the final four firms they believed submitted the most compelling proposals for master planning services. The Business Park Subcommittee believed that out of the four firms interviewed, Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. (HKGI) was the firm that best addressed the master planning scope of services. The EDA approved Hoisington Koegler’s scope of service agreement on August 13, 2009. In late August, the EDA approved a group of individuals that will serve on the Master Plan Steering and Technical Committee. The Master Plan Process has begun and is expected to be completed by the end of August 2010. The ultimate goal of this process is to develop a master plan that is embraced by the EDA Board, City Council, Planning Commission, residents of Northfield, and the affected property owners. A successful master plan will enhance the uniqueness of the community while providing sustainable economic development opportunities to new and expanding businesses.
The EDA also has devoted time to the development of an online
CITY
OF
NORTHFIELD
|
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
C I T Y O F N O RT H F I E L D
Business Retention and Expansion The Business Retention and Expansion efforts for the City have been lead primarily by the Northfield Chamber of Commerce and Northfield Downtown Development Corporation. Given the sensitivity of the local and national economy, Northfield’s City staff has provided greater attention to the community’s larger employers. Northfield’s City staff have met with the community’s larger employers to determine how the City can assist them strengthen their business operations. In 2009, the Northfield City staff has worked with Malt-O-Meal, Cardinal Glass, Vet Provisions, and Perkins Motorized Transport on issues that will strengthen their operations in the City of Northfield. This intervention may be in the form of accessing State or Federal Programs or addressing issues that will improve their business environment in Northfield. The Northfield Downtown Development Corporation has agreed to serve as the lead agency addressing obstacles and barriers that may exist which are deleterious to economic development. A number of meetings have been held throughout the year to discuss this matter and the City is expecting specific recommendations to be brought forward.
STATUS OF BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION INITIATIVES
The EDA will develop and/or expand existing data base information to track the economic condition and concerns of local employers. √ The EDA will explore other potential growth opportunities during business visits as well as discuss issues which affect their day-to-day operations. √ The EDA shall serve as a resource for local companies and a conduit to their business solutions. Champion and acknowledge the positive impact local companies have on the Northfield’s economic health. √ Elicit information from local business leaders about what can be done to improve the overall quality of life for its employees. √ The EDA and its economic development partners will seek out opportunities to network with St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges’ alumni, staff, and families.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Board Members Richard Estenson, President Steve Engler, Vice President Rhonda Pownell, Sec/Treaurer Jim Pokorney Victor Summa Marty Benson Janelle Teppen Economic Development Director Jody T. Gunderson
Northfield Economic Development Authority | 801 Washington Street | Northfield MN 55057 Phone: 507.645.3018 | Fax: 507.645.3055 | Email: jody.gunderson@ci.northfield.mn.us
|
E CONOMIC D EVELOPMENT A UTHORITY
2009 Work Plan Initiatives
Progress Report Business Park Development On March 19, 2009, the State Boundary Adjustment Board formally approved the annexation of approximately 530 acres of land located NW of Northfield. This annexation was the culmination of years of work by the City’s elected officials and staff and triggered the need for a master development plan for the area. The Business Park Committee was organized to address one of the 2009 EDA Work Plan initiatives. The subcommittee consisted of EDA members Rick Estenson, Steve Engler, and Rhonda Pownell; Alice Thomas and Tracy Davis from the Planning Commission; Jeff Hasse from the Chamber of Commerce; Tom Stringer from the Northfield School District; and Northfield’s City staff Brian O’Connell and Jody Gunderson. This subcommittee began the year by developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) used to solicit proposals from consulting firms interested in providing master planning services for the proposed business park(s). The deadline for accepting proposals was set for May 29, 2009, which provided consulting firms about one and one half months to make inquiries to City staff and develop their proposals. The EDA received 24 proposals from consulting firms in response to the RFP.
October 28, 2009 KEY √ Initiatives that have been completed or are currently underway Initiatives that have not begun STATUS OF BUSINESS PARK DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES NW Territory √ Meet with Dunbar Development to conclude remaining issues in their contract. √ Develop and enter into agreement with affected property owners. √ Develop request for proposal for the NW Territory Master Plan development. √ Hire consultant to conduct master plan of NW Territory. √ Complete master plan of NW Territory. SW Territory √ Continue to work with landowners to determine whether and how to proceed. √ Continue to work with property owners and City staff to ensure that any concept plan developed for the purpose of annexation is consistent with the desires of the property owners and the City. √ Participate in meetings with the Township, City Council, Planning Commission, and neighboring properties to assist in the facilitation of annexation. √ Prepare information important to advancing annexation and business park development. Evaluate other areas along the Highway 3 corridor suitable for business park development.
Infill and Redevelopment The EDA began this initiative by sponsoring a public forum featuring a group of individuals from Holland, Michigan that were intimately involved with the redevelopment of the Downtown Business District in Holland, Michigan. The Holland story, as it has come to be called, is an example of a two decade long renaissance of redevelopment in a downtown business district representing over $200 million in private and public investment. Members of the EDA Board were familiar with the Holland, Michigan story and believed there were similarities between the City of Northfield and Holland, Michigan that was worth an examination of how the community was able to accomplish their
goals and objectives. The Holland, Michigan contingent consisted of landscape architect and community planner, William J. Johnson, former member of the Riverview Group; Gordon Van Wylen, Community Planner and Director of the Riverview Group; Greg Holcombe; and Philip L. Meyer, Director of Community and Neighborhood Services for the City of Holland, Michigan. STATUS OF INFILL AND REDEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES √ Build and maintain an inventory of Northfield’s infill and redevelopment land and buildings. √ Assist EDA’s marketing and public relations subcommittee with the development of a web based marketing platform. √ Support development of the NDDC’s Downtown Master Plan initiative. Evaluate the need for an Uptown Master Plan (South Highway 3). √ Provide recommendations to the EDA’s subcommittees on issues related to financial assistance programming. Identify obstacles to infill and redevelopment and recommend potential solutions to governing bodies. √ Seek input on a case by case basis from other organizations or professionals that will assist the EDA in advancing its infill and redevelopment initiatives.