Economic Development Authority Meetings are held at City Hall on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 a.m.

Economic Development Links

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Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) is the official decision-making body when it comes to economic development. EDA members include elected City officials, local citizens and business representatives, who work together to consider ways to attract and retain businesses in Cottage Grove, assist businesses with expansion, and enable the rehabilitation and/or redevelopment of areas within the community.

Vacancies on the EDA (12/27/11)

There are currently two seats available on the EDA. If interested please fill out an application or call Danette Parr at 651-458-2824.

Meetings

The EDA meets the second Tuesday of every month in City Hall at 7:30 a.m.

Mission
The Economic Development Authority works with its partners to encourage business and industry, and the creation of quality jobs in the City of Cottage Grove using all tools and methods that are appropriate.

2007-2012 Guiding Principles

• Encourage quality commercial and industrial development, which enhances the quality of life for Cottage Grove's citizens and is compatible with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
• Utilize sound financial practices in using incentives to attract and expand businesses in the community.
• Consider the use of incentives in instances where they will promote quality jobs and development for the city.
• Recognize the interdependence of the private and public sector in a healthy community and foster a spirit of cooperation between the two sectors.

2007-2012 Goals

1. Attract new industries to bring an enhanced tax base, quality jobs and new capital into the region.  Work toward completing build out of the industrial park;

2. Successfully become one of the first communities mentioned as a choice business location; one that enthusiastically supports economic development as essential to improving quality of life; one that provides ease of process and has the technology needed for the upcoming business needs;

3. Ensure that property is allocated for future retail development e.g. Keats/Hwy 61;
4. Support and retain existing businesses and encourage their continued growth and prosperity;
5. Redevelopment of older retail areas of Cottage Grove i.e. G-Will Center;
6. Influence local, regional, and state issues critical to business site location decisions and overall business climate.

The top Goal/Priorities have been identified, with Goal A being those with the highest priority:

Goal A

• Continued expansion of the Industrial Park;
• Add/attract two to three new projects per year;
• Encourage high value development;
• Along with other efforts, provide niche targeting to include machine shops (tool & die), printing; plastic injection molding and welding/fabrication;
• Include corporate campus opportunity.

Goal B

• Update/use marketing plan;
• Look at various ways to recruit businesses;
• Market the fact that highway access is greatly improved with the half of the Wakota Bridge in place;
• Continue to assist businesses;
• Provide for technology infrastructure – so when businesses look to locate, this is one of the items that is available (private sector could provide).

Goal C

• Ensure retail opportunity;
• Finish design for Frattalone / Aspen Grove parcels;
• Build out senior housing portion and move toward completion of the retail portion of Norris Square;
• Develop the Cottage View site into quality regional retail complex e.g. anchor store and other retail establishments.

Goal D

• Support and retain existing business;
• Work to ensure business retention (no losses to another community);
• Continue business district meetings to engage current businesses.

Goal E

• Redevelopment:  Target the G-Will and Langdon areas as well as brownfield sites (i.e. A & F Auto);
• Complete TH61/CR19 infrastructure planning toward Cottage View redevelopment;
• Build out the Norris Square (aka Cottage Square) project.

Goal F

• Influence business climate decisions.

Marketing Campaign
One of the key components for achieving some of the goals listed above is the ED marketing campaign. For the past several years, the Economic Development department has produced an award-winning marketing program of postcards, brochures and other vehicles to promote development opportunities in Cottage Grove. This marketing activity will continue in 2008.

EDA Golf Outing
Since 1995, the Cottage Grove EDA has sponsored a golf outing to invite developers, construction contractors, and brokers to see and learn for themselves the development opportunities that exist in Cottage Grove.

The event has grown bigger and more successful each year, selling out every year since 2002. From a modest beginning with only 30 golfers, the 2010 tournament attracted nearly 80 participants from throughout the development community to River Oaks, Cottage Grove's course that is rated a Four 1/2 Star Place to Play by Golf Digest.

The date of the 2012 tournament will be Tuesday, August 14th at 11:00 a.m. If you are interested in participating in or sponsoring the 17th anniversary golf outing, please download the application here and email completed application to Laura Bolstad or call him at 651-458-2883.

Boards & Commissions

Human Services/Rights
Planning
Parks, Rec & Natural Resources
Public Safety, Health & Welfare
Public Works
Historic Preservation
Economic Development Authority

Community Center Task Force
Environmental Commission

Archived Minutes

Minutes can be accessed through Cottage Grove's online Document Archive System by following this link.