By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

The New York Mills Economic Development Authority board met last Wednesday, Oct. 16 for their regularly scheduled meeting to discuss economic development within the city.

Jordan Grossman from Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) and guest Trisha Geffre from Newman Signs were present with Geffre to give a presentation about available billboard marketing in the local area, Fargo metro area, and areas along the Highway 10 corridor and near Alexandria. The EDA had discussed the potential of renting a billboard to attract people to the community.

Marie Noplos, Marketing & Membership Director of the Otter Tail Lakes Country Association, also presented the EDA about the organization’s membership levels via Zoom. She said that the NY Mills EDA and Civic & Commerce share a gold level membership and spoke about the opportunities if they were to upgrade to a platinum membership.

The Downtown Matching Grant Program received one application from the NY Mills VFW Post #3289 requesting funds for improvements on the exterior of their building. The loan committee recommended the application for approval, which the board granted. There are funds in the program balance left for further applications to those interested. A suggestion for the expansion of this program in the future including interior grants and full rehabilitations was also given.

Sam Zutter, local property owner, voiced his support of the Downtown Revitalization programs that the EDA was putting forward and said that there are many more opportunities and possibilities open through the EDA’s work.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 8:30 a.m. in the City Hall chambers.