Kristian Braekkan and Mercedes Sempé of the Region Nine Development Commission were at the meeting to share the results of the Strategic Economic Development Plan they have been working on.
“The economic development plan consists of four major elements,” Braekkan explained. “They are economic assessment and market analysis, community and stakeholder outreach, competitive positioning and a work implementation plan.”
The study looked at industry investment and innovation, training and workforce development and infrastructure.
“We also conducted a community survey to gauge the viewpoints of residents about their county,” Sempé said. “The survey painted an encouraging picture with over 60 percent of those surveyed listing quality of life as the major positive reason for living in the county.”
According to the survey, people listed lack of business, lack of jobs and a declining population as the top three challenges facing their communities.
“One of the things the county could look at taking advantage of is their location,” Braekkan added. “You have access to two major roads which is an advantage many communities do not have.”
Read the full article from the Faribault County Register here.
