Neil Linscheid, of the University of MN-Crookston Center for Economic Development, began poring over Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) documents last February and on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 he gave his cost-benefit evaluation of the EDA to the EDA board.
“I looked at newspaper articles and minutes from the year 2000 to now,” said Linscheid.
Over that ten-year period Linscheid said the EDA has clearly invested most of its time and energy working on the Superior National Golf Course, the Cedar Grove Business Park and affordable housing.
“Other short term projects have come and gone, but clearly these projects have been the focus of the EDA over the last decade,” said Linscheid, adding that the business park, “was discussed at every single meeting, even special meetings, over this period.”
Linscheid is a University of Minnesota Extension educator specializing in community economics. He was hired after the EDA applied for and received a $20,000 grant that came from the U.S. economic administration.
When asked what the EDA could improve, Linscheid said he didn’t see, “invitations to other groups to participate in economic development.
“I didn’t see invitations to the community to become part of the process. In the future, look at inviting these groups and see the opportunity. Follow up with invitations to work with others.
“When planning, pick a strategy with long-term measurable goals. Ask how will these [goals] fundamentally change things in the future? This has not bee not talked about.”
And, Linscheid asked, “Who’s giving this (EDA) vision? I’ve been told it’s the director. I’m not making value judgments here, but you might want to look at that.
“I also didn’t see a lot of work with the city of Grand Marais or other parts of the county.
“Everyone has different understanding of what an EDA is and isn’t. It’s subjective. This can cause conflict and disagreement.”
EDA board member Mark Sandbo wanted to know what could be done to help with public perception, “The community at large thinks it [EDA] is a waste of time. We need to be better equipped to handle those conversations outside of this room.”
“It’s important for your board to be on the same page with each other. Bring in other community members for their input. Or put out a business survey to measure the concerns of the community. There are other ways to gather useful information that will help you as a board,” said Linscheid.
“Will you put some of those recommendations in your report?” asked EDA board chair Mike Littfin.
“Yes, I would be happy to do that,” said Linscheid.
EDA director Matt Geretschlaeger announced the possibility of a call center with 15 job openings coming to the business park in the near future. “Without the business park we wouldn’t have even had that discussion about bringing a call center here.
“The last three years I have dealt with a lot of negative energy in fighting with various governmental groups. I fought with one governmental agency after another. In fact, Neil, in my private conversation with you, didn’t you call this a ‘widow maker’ job?”
“Yes,” said Linscheid. “The next director should have much smoother sailing. I see a very positive future for the Cedar Grove Business Park.”
Geretschlaeger announced his intent to resign effective Jan. 1 of 2011, said, “In closing, I accomplished the two things I was hired to do. Unless the city and the county come with more direction, these goals have been accomplished.”
Linscheid will have a final copy of his report completed at the end of this month. It will be put on the EDA’s webpage.
In other matters, the EDA tabled a funding request for Superior National Golf Course. Also tabled was a decision regarding completion of the paving of roads in Cedar Grove Business Park. The board did approve paying Geretschlaeger for 90 hours of back pay.
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