Attachment I
March 25, 2009
Northfield Economic Development Authority 801 Washington Street Northfield MN 55057
507.645.3018 507.645.3055 eda@ci.northfield.mn.us
To Whom It May Concern: On behalf of Northfield Economic Development Authority (EDA) I would like to express our support for the innovative Agripreneur Training model developed by the Rural Enterprise Center, a program of Main Street Project. The EDA believes that a program which focuses on the training and educating of our local Latino residents would be of great benefit to not only to the individuals participating in the program, but for the communities within our region. Our organization recognizes the long term benefit of creating the support infrastructure which incorporates a hands-on training center which replicates actual farming conditions. Additionally, the EDA acknowledges the benefit of matching Agripreneurs with mentors and resources which will provide them the means to own or rent an agricultural or food product processing operation. The Northfield Economic Development Authority (EDA) was created in 1990 with the expressed intent of improving the economic conditions of Northfield’s business and residents. Its primary mission is to recruit, expand, and retain businesses that are appropriate for the community. One of the major goals of the EDA is the expansion of the City’s tax base and the creation and retention of job opportunities for the citizens of Northfield. The EDA supports the Agripreneurs program and is willing to collaborate with Main Street Project in any way that is meaningful for the success of this endeavor. Sincerely,
Rick Estenson
President Northfield Economic Development Authority