Sibley County BR&E Results 1992-2003 University of Minnesota Extension Service Lisa Hinz, Regional Extension Educator Michael Darger, BR&E Program Director Liz Templin, Regional Extension Director

Strategy 1: Improve Competitiveness of Firms by Sharing Information on Development Programs Funded a full-time Economic Development Director and part time support staff Held business forums on development programs and government assistance Held technology conference Worked on numerous loan and financing programs for start ups and expansions Pilot site for the “Virtual Entrepreneurial Network”

Result: Sales per worker increased 63% from 1987-1997 compared to only 36% statewide

Strategy 2: Increase Supply and Quality of Labor School Business Partnership School personnel and manufacturers identified gaps in technical skills. Received $40,500 in grants for in-school businesses: Store Desktop publishing services Small engine repair CAD technology services County library technology and youth staffing support Youth Leadership Academy for high school seniors

Upgrade Job Skills of Existing and New Employees Community Alliance for Lifelong Learning (CALL) garnered over $60,000 in state and private foundation grants including: Youth Leadership Academy COOL – Technometers Community Technology Centers IMPROV! Theater group Restorative Justice Project Lifelong learning one-stop website Career development classes for 50 residents

Technology Literacy Mobile Computer lab from Mankato Technical Institute taught courses in winter, 1992 Over $600,000 in federal, business and private foundation grants 8 public access Community Technology Centers with computers, high speed internet, and staff co-located in all 7 communities at a library, a multi-cultural center, several schools and an Area Learning Center Technomenter® program training employing high school youth to help all residents learn about computers and internet

Strategy 3: Improve the Quality of Life in Sibley County Billboards and print marketing campaign including all communities Website: www.sibleycounty.org Sibley County Community Resource booklet Sibley county Tourism and Recreation Opportunities booklet

Strategy 4: Provide Assistance to Retail and Service Sectors Provided data and analysis on economic sectors an demographic changes Consultation with 60 retail businesses on interior and exterior design Customer service training Result: Retail sector exceeded national trends in job growth and income, especially in: Auto dealers Food stores

Strategy 5: Develop Strategic Plans for Local Economic Development Attracted a value-added agricultural processing plant (corn milling ethanol) Needs assessment in Gibbon of childcare gaps and availability

Strategic Plans, continued Gaylord made $2.2 million in storm water improvemetns Ford dealer expanded Egg processing facility (county’s largest employer) expanded Cooperation between Green Isle and Arlington Green Isle built water tower and distribution Arlington built sewage treatment

Overall Reverse 50 year decline in population to a 7% increase in the 1990s Diversification from agricultural base Strong spirit of cooperation in leadership