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EMPLOYMENT ANALYSIS Major Employer Interviews Maxfield Research and Consulting LLC interviewed representatives of large employers in Elk River in October 2015. The interviews covered topics such as recent trends in job growth, projected job growth, job types, and average hourly wages or annual salaries. Representatives were also asked about housing needs of their employees. Interviews with the area's largest employers not only provide data regarding commercial job growth, but also reveal employer attitudes and perceptions regarding housing demand in any given area. Table E -3 on the following page shows the top employers located in Elk River from 2015, this data was collected by Sherburne County and the City of Elk River Late 2014 and early 2015. Employers continue to say that the Elk River housing market is not a hindrance to their companies and hiring practices. There may be isolated issues with employees, but overall housing is not an issue. Most production, manufacturing, and retail employees are hired from the surrounding area and currently reside within the community or nearby area. Employees typically commute roughly 20 to 30 minutes to Elk River and do not relocate to Elk River. • Although a lack of transitional rental housing continues to exist due to very low vacancy rates, any employee looking to relocate will typically commute while looking for a home to purchase. • None of the companies interviewed had a relocation program in place. A relocation program is not really needed to attract potential employees according to employers. In addition, employees' living choices range from the northwest Twin Cities Metro Area to St. Cloud. Although the majority of manufacturing /processing jobs are filled with area residents, most professional and education jobs are filled by people from throughout Minnesota. The community perception of Elk River is good. People are attracted to the strong school district and level of service and retail that the area provides. Most often, housing is not a deciding factor. • The largest employer in Elk River is the ISD -728, which employs 1,800 people throughout the district. ISD -728 employment has increased employment over the past few years with the growth in student enrollment. Although there was some decline in enrollment early this decade, the district has avoided further cutbacks. Overall, housing has not been an issue and there has not been much relocation of employees to Elk River. • The majority of employers interviewed noted stable in increasing employment over the past three years. When asked about growth in the future, many indicated that they expect to remain stable or experience slow growth over the next few years. Companies are remaining cautious although the market continues to improve. MAXFIELD RESEARCH& CONSULTING, LLC. 28