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<br /> Facing the Risk of Refusal, and smiling
<br /> Brokers and developers carry a development professionals, we try to will offer, and they stick to the pro
<br /> great deal of risk each time they �i ork directly with developers and gram.
<br /> pursue a new opportunity, particular- brokers to assure their needs are When it comes to the commitment
<br /> ly when it involves industrial facili being met," states Cathy Mehelich, of staff in city offices, there is still a
<br /> ties. The amount of work and cash Director of Economic Development hometown feel and dedication. "We
<br /> for the City of Elk River. "Elk River have gotten comments from brokers
<br /> required, simply to present a propos
<br /> al to a city council,can be significant. established two business parks to about the positive attitude and
<br /> eliminate external or internal road urgency the team here has for getting
<br /> If those community leaders take a
<br /> casual attitude toward new develop- blocks that increase risk for those things processed," affirms City
<br /> ment, the investment may be wasted interested in moving a business." She Administrator, Pat Klaers. "People in
<br /> by the actions of the council, or by cites firm commitment of both the our office work as though they are
<br /> the administration's failure to coni city and property owners to attract serving a neighbor, and ultimately,
<br /> municate the benefits of the project and support industry in the communi- that's what a community is all about." ,_
<br /> to the community. ty. "Our citizens are already aware of ,3:
<br /> A municipality with a lax attitude >'". t x'1,4 ,•,,„ -•c'-' ' ,'--,-1.:5 ,,
<br /> about business development can also . =aAr-4,f.31'.4," < � 1 g ' ° ' ` '" -4 \;;;,:',),,,;111 ` "'�
<br /> cost developers valuable time and
<br /> money through unnecessarily slow ::,“ • Peo le who haven't been here in a few
<br /> processing of documents or schedul ,'1'''.4 p
<br /> ing of inspections.
<br /> e ' years, or only pass through on their way
<br /> Risk reducing factors5,.
<br /> The single most important thing to North are very surprised when they look 1.°
<br /> look for in a community to minimize i
<br /> III your risk is a solid goal and vision by }
<br /> a communitythat supportsyour type around and see everything new." _
<br /> YP �,
<br /> of project. This goal and vision must
<br /> also be backed up by strong evidence *1•',.:r,,,b., -Cathy Mehelich
<br /> of commitment to meeting these director of economic development
<br /> expectations by the city's economic ;.„-,,i,
<br /> development machine. i City of Elk River
<br /> Clear evidence of this commitment '`'
<br /> goes beyond the acquisition of land
<br /> and development of attractive financ- the industrial parks, but we continue 200 acres for business growth
<br /> ing options and tax breaks. You need to work with local media and sponsor At an average price of$1.50/sf,Elk
<br /> to look for proactive steps to create events to drive home how important River industrial land prices are not
<br /> planned developments that not only these businesses are to our communi- only competitive with area communi-
<br /> attempt to recruit large businesses to ty" ties,but the city offers TIF,abatement
<br /> an area, but include multi-tenant Mehelich also notes that the city's and subprime loans to make the city a
<br /> buildings and other amenities attrac- financial and other incentives for cost-effective option.
<br /> tive to small, growth oriented firms. businesses are backed-up with a The East Business Park, located on
<br /> Other evidence of commitment and vibrant and growing community. Elk Highway 169, contains approximate-
<br /> proactivity can be found in the acces- River has seen significant residential ly 70 developable acres. The West
<br /> sibility of Economic Development growth in recent years, drawing new Business Park, located on Highway
<br /> officials. If you are being serviced commercial businesses and sparking 10,boasts nearly 100 acres for indus-
<br /> more directly by Directors and man- a renewal ,of the traditional down- trial and office development.
<br /> agers in the city offices in answering town. "People who haven't been here Cascade Industrial Park adds an
<br /> your questions, rather than clerks, in a few years, or only pass through additional 46 acres to the total avail-
<br /> this is a good sign of the depth of on their way North,are very surprised able land.
<br /> commitment. The responsiveness of when they look around and see every-
<br /> these individuals and the organization thing new," says Mehelich confident- For more information about the
<br /> of city process will also indicate how lY• City of Elk River, and a Location Site
<br /> In addition, Elk River has imple- Guide, contact Heidi Hall at
<br /> much time you will save working
<br /> with a community dedicated to the mented processes centered around a 763.241.5526 or visit the city Web
<br /> realization of projects like oursLocation Site Guide that breaks out site at www.ci.elk-river.mn.us, which
<br /> III all the specifics for industrial busi- includes an interactive map with
<br /> nesses as they build and move into a detailed information about available
<br /> As an example of a city assertively new facility. The goal of the docu- industrial sites.
<br /> pursuing its vision for manufacturing ment is to set the perimeters and
<br /> and industrial growth, consider the streamline the process. The guide
<br /> efforts of Elk River. "As economic specifically establishes what the city
<br /> :Alill
<br /> 26 November2002 Minnesota Leasing Guide
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