NYM EDA learns about programs to offer locally
News | Published on September 24, 2024 at 3:34pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0SBDC offers free assistance to local businesses
By Tucker Henderson
Reporter
The New York Mills Economic Development Authority (EDA) met last week for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting to discuss the state of business and organizational development within the city.
Two special guests were present for the meeting. Ian Carlstrom from Small Business Development Center (SBDC West Central Region) presented on the different available services that the program had to offer, all of which are free to small business owners. The center is located in Moorhead, Minn. but works in many adjoining counties including throughout Otter Tail County.
Jordan Grossman from Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) presented her findings in the past month for marketing options in which CEDA could assist the NY Mills EDA in sharing the city’s best qualities with a larger audience. Discussion on the potential use of billboards, social media, newspaper, and online advertisement options was had, as well as presence at networking and trade shows across the region. The board asked Grossman to invite a representative from Newman Signs to the next meeting.
The largest topic of discussion, apart from the guest speakers, was the Welcoming Communities Street Fair held on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 4-7 p.m.
A rough estimate placed about 150-200 people at the event with around 20 area businesses or organizations. Much positive feedback was heard surrounding the event and the NYM Forward committee plans to hold it again next year.
In other news
• The South Point Apartments building has an anticipated completion date of December 1. An open house was held in late August and several others are in the works. Applications are anticipated to be opened up to the public in October.
• SBDC has specialists to aid with succession planning, a recurring discussion at NY Mills EDA meetings, and said that it is ideally a five year process. They have resources for businesses in transition.
• A discussion was had about where space is available for new businesses if they were to compel new business owners to begin in town. Comments on the availability of usable space for different sized businesses were made.
• The next EDA meeting will be had on Wednesday, October 16 at 8:30 a.m. in the City Hall meeting room.