Cass County Economic Development Corporation A Partnership for a Vibrant Cass County Economy!
2013 Annual Report The following projects were completed since October 2012! Collectively they represent $5.8 million in investment and 63 new jobs.
October 25, 2013 Annual Meeting
Bayside Bar and Grill. Owner, Tom Moran, sought EDC assistance to prepare a business plan, cash flow projections, and financing options for his project. This new business created eight jobs and $230,000 of investment.
The Cass County EDC is a community based non profit corporation (501c3) with the goal of helping Bill Hansen Realty Bill Jr. & Laura Hansen, told us they used the Small Cities Development Grant businesses create jobs and funds for rehab on their Walker building. “Thank you for all the help from the investment in our EDC; the updates to our building made a difference on main street!” said Bill Jr. Two communities.
new jobs were added due to the increased space.
Eveland's, Inc., Scamp Trailer Sales In 2013, Eveland's expanded their welding and detail centers. The EDC coordinated the lot purchase, tax increment financing and a gap loan for the $750,000 expansion. Ten new jobs will be created over two years at this Backus business. "The EDC is very good at project funding assistance and the process of expansion," stated Kent Eveland. Family Dollar -- Cass Lake We worked with three site consultants over the past six years. In spring of 2013, the company decided to move forward. We assisted the realtor, land holding company and city in completing the transaction. Seven to ten jobs are projected. Green Roof Lodge Owner's David and Tracy Smith, worked with the EDC to finalize a business plan and apply for loans. They reported that the assistance was invaluable, and much appreciated. This retained two jobs at their resort. GuidePoint Pharmacy This full-service tele-pharmacy in Longville is linked to a Nisswa site where the pharmacist works. Owners, Michael and Laurie Schwartzwald, lease key pieces of equipment from the EDC that was purchased through grants. The remainder was financed through the First National Bank of Walker and a loan from the EDC. Three new jobs were created in Longville. Home, But Not Alone Home Care, LLC Linda Nelson and partners sought EDC counseling for start up and financial advice. Their business is located in Backus and created four jobs. “We appreciated the expertise, recommendations, and direction from the EDC,” said Linda. Kalver Products, LLC Owner, Tim Friis, sought EDC assistance for his black powder rifle cleaning product. “The suggestions and advice I got from the EDC really helped me get my project off the ground,” said Tim.
Operations are supported through membership investments, Cass County contributions and contracts for services.
Cass County Economic Development Corporation
PO Box 142 Backus, MN 56435 Phone: 218.947.7522 Fax: 218.947.7528 www.casscountyedc.com
Next Innovations The EDC assisted the owners again in 2013 to secure a grant from USDA to replace inefficient lighting on the manufacturing floor. The grant impacted 25 workers and would not have been possible without the assistance of the EDC, states VP Sherry Gendron. Northern Peace -- Hearse purchase The EDC provided the link to the state agency administering business loans for veterans. The Mankie’s purchased a new hearse and will add a .5 position. Optimum Cleaning Owner, Sarah Hanson, received counseling before establishing her cleaning business. The EDC helped with deciding a business entity type, hiring and managing employees, cash flow projections, project cost estimates, insurance and marketing. Optimum Cleaning is located in southern Cass County and operates throughout the lakes area. Reed’s Family Outdoor Outfitters Reed's invested $2.15 million dollars to build a distribution center. The EDC coordinated Tax Increment Financing with Cass County for the Shingobee Twnp. expansion. This project will create 10 jobs over two years. "The EDC played an effective and critical role in making this project happen in the best way possible!" stated owner Adam Arnold.
Board of Directors
Dave Holk, President, Cass Lake Lumber
Bill Palmer, Pres-Elect, Essentia Healthcare
Dan Meier, Vice Pres., Cass Company Ins.
Jay Cline, Treasurer, First National Bank of Walker
Jim Tertin, Secretary, Magnum Research
Cy Struss, Dtr., First National Bank of Walker Darrel Thomas, Dtr., Anderson Brothers Construction
Swede’s Repair Owner, Ronnie Arneson, got counseling for start up needs, financing types and structures, management skills, cash flow projections, and site options for his auto repair business in Pillager. Swede’s opened for business in June of 2013. This business created one job.
Jason Pederson, Dtr., Fuller,
Young Auto Parts—NAPA Owners, Nate & Alexis Young, were referred to the EDC by NAPA Auto Parts to get start up counseling. The EDC helped to create a business plan, cost projections, cash flow analysis, and worked with key contacts in preparing loan packages for presentation to banks. The Young’s invested $350,000 and will create six new jobs in Walker.
Neal Gaalswyk Bob Kangas Bob Yochum
Letter to EDC membership; The past two years as your President have slipped by at such a rapid pace. I cannot begin to express the pride I feel when I reflect back upon the organizations successes in strengthening the employment opportunities in all of Cass County. Much of our success is indeed due to Gail’s untiring efforts, along with Michelle’s role in helping to keep us moving forward. I further wish to point out that some of the success is due to a group of folks that have gone the extra mile for the good of all, our Board of Directors. This handful of community leaders have given unselfishly of their time, many traveling a substantial distance at their own expense for meetings and sacrificing family and professional time. The future for Cass County is indeed brighter today as a result of the EDC’s impact in the areas of job growth, a wider business base and assistance to local governmental bodies. I look forward to continued success and encourage each of our members to become active in the organization, by helping to recruit additional members and volunteering to serve as a member of the board. Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and all of Cass County. Sincerely, Dave Holk, President, Cass County EDC Board of Directors
Wallner, Cayko, Pederson & Huseby, Ltd Ex-Officios
Honorary Members Dave Johnson John Wetrosky John Grimley John Weins Howard Prushek
Mission: “To improve the business environment of Cass County by encouraging a strong, diverse and sustainable economy and to build better relationships between business, government agencies, and local communities.” Gail Leverson, Executive Director Michelle Sproessig, Office Coordinator
