INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS DELIVER FOR ST. CLOUD BUSINESSES

The City’s Economic Development support for local businesses results in growth and expansions

St. Cloud spent several years working to position itself as a business-focused, collaborative city with a location attractive to skilled talent and innovative, growth-minded businesses. In 2019, the City’s Economic Development Authority identified targeted industries based on an in-depth analysis of its key strengths and amenities:

• Automation

• Business Software & Automation

• Food Manufacturing

• Precision Manufacturing

As a result, the City’s Economic Development team is supporting and actively working with businesses in these sectors to access funding for their future expansion and growth.

Advanced Interconnect Technologies (AIT) is one success story which leveraged the City’s power of relationships and knowledge of financial resources. Cathy Mehelich, the City’s Economic Development Director, tapped the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Job Creation Fund and DEED’s MN Investment Fund to help AIT garner up to $300,000 to apply towards the $3.8 million facility expansion and innovative equipment project.

AIT’s expansion centers on its growth in the $70 billion global interconnectivity industry. Due to this growing sector of the market, AIT needs to add twenty new high-paying positions including, engineers, programmers, tool and die makers, and many more. AIT intends to triple its employee base in a matter of a few years.

Working with businesses as a partner isn’t a new initiative at the City’s Economic Development team. Similar programs have been leveraged for expansions by Central McGowan, Dubow Textiles, Geringhoff and Park Industries.

In focus groups conducted in 2019, local business leaders told the City they wanted a way to network and connect with one another. Thus, InnovatorsCONNECT

Funding Help

The Job Creation Fund and DEED’s MN Investment Fund helped Jason Smith, president of AIT, secure additional funding for their expansion.

was born. The purpose of InnovatorsCONNECT is to build linkages and synergy between these key industries. To foster an environment of innovation and spark new collaborations. With events held throughout the year, varying topics are offered. These sessions have highlighted local companies such as Microbiologics, GeoComm, New Flyer and the City of St. Cloud’s Nutrient, Energy & Water Recovery Facility (Wastewater Treatment Plant).

In addition, St. Cloud Economic Development leveraged its resources and relationship with the St. Cloud Technical and Community College, resulting in a$2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration to build its Advance Manufacturing Training lab, where businesses needing to expand will be able to attract and retain individuals that have been trained in these key industries. •

Interested? To explore development & redevelopment opportunities in St. Cloud, please contact Cathy Mehelich ci.stcloud.mn.us/economicdevelopment