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

2. 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”

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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