|
Historically, the HRA-EDA has focused its economic
development efforts on assisting businesses by
financing programs for land acquisition, new
building construction, building improvements, new
additions and equipment purchases. In today’s
competitive global economy, manufacturing companies
are losing work to overseas firms. This situation is
exacerbated by Chisago County’s close proximity to
Wisconsin, which has a much more favorable business
tax structure.
Workforce/Economic Development Partnership
In 2005, the
Chisago County HRA-EDA
and the
Workforce & Economic Development
Coordinator from
Chisago County Health and Human Services
formed a unique partnership to gain a competitive
edge in attracting business to the county.
This innovative partnership, now being recognized
around the state, will involve several new
initiatives including conducting a labor analysis,
hosting business visits, identifying and addressing
workforce development and training needs, and also
creating a manufacturers’ network.
One of the greatest resources in Chisago County is
its ‘human’ capital—its residents. Currently, 2 of
3 of our working residents commute every day to jobs
outside of
the county. A goal of the
Workforce/Economic Development Partnership
is to spearhead a labor market study to better
define the specific job skills of the Chisago County
commuting population. This data will be used as a
recruiting tool to attract prospective businesses.
The Business Retention and Enhancement Program
will continue in 2006. A collaborative approach is
being taken to increase efficiency and avoid
duplication of services within the county.
Members of the BR&E Team include representatives
from the target city and Chisago County, as well a
representatives from both the
Department of Employment and Economic Development
and the
Workforce Center.
Another important goal of
Workforce/Economic Development Partnership
and BR&E visits is to build relationships between
Chisago County businesses and workforce development
and training entities, including the
Workforce Investment Board,
the
MN Department of Employment & Economic Development,
Central MN Jobs
and Training,
and the
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.
Paid Work Experience and On-The-Job Training
are two programs
designed to help businesses with workforce needs.
In 2005, three
Paid Work Experience
opportunities were created and funded for Chisago
County.
Two
On-The-Job-Training
positions were also created offering a 50% wage
reimbursement to the hiring employer.
Several additional positions in both programs are
slated for 2006.
The Manufacturing Alliance
began addressing
issues facing the manufacturing-sector businesses in
our region. HRA/EDA is in the process of developing
a
Transportation and Supplier Consortium
to identify possible cost-saving measures.
We are also pursuing avenues to help reduce work
comp and unemployment costs for these types of
businesses.
The partnership between the Chisago County EDA/HRA
and the
Workforce and Economic Development
Coordinator is helping to increase efficiency and
reduce overall costs of existing businesses, as well
as develop a competitive, marketable workforce for
prospective employers.
Together we will make Chisago County an excellent
place to live and work!
|
