Economic Development
The mission of the Economic Development Department is to promote a quality lifestyle for the residents of the region. The development of new business, expansion and sustenance of existing businesses will help to maintain and enhance the quality of life in the counties of the Region.
The Region Five Development Commission was established as the Designated Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration on March 17, 1980. This designation enables the counties of Region Five to apply for U.S. Economic Development Administration funds to pursue projects that help to reach the goals identified in the Region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
2009 CEDS Annual Update.
Please send comments to lmiller@regionfive.org or call 218-894-3233 extension 11.
What is economic development?
Economic development is generally defined as actions taken to promote economic growth. The goal of economic development is to increase the well-being of citizens of an area. Therefore, the activities of an economic developer focus on economic growth to increase the well-being of citizens in the area. At one time, economic development consisted mostly of business recruitment or smokestack chasing as some might say. Today's economic developer pursues a wide range of activities in an effort to achieve that goal of increased well-being for the areas citizens. Activities may be hands-on like helping entrepreneurs with business plans, promoting sites, visiting existing businesses, administering a revolving loan fund and so forth. But there are many activities that are less hands on. Economic Developers may also act as facilitators connecting businesses with other resources like training through local colleges. They may assist in improving local amenities such as building museums or community centers. They may help businesses form a purchasing cooperative for employee healthcare. They may convene local leaders to address an issue relating to the local economy, such as revitalizing downtown. It is likely that the job description for the economic developer will continue to evolve as the economy and the idea of well-being change.
Though activities have become more diverse, and will likely continue to evolve, the goal of increasing citizen well-being remains the same.
Please contact Lee Miller at 218-894-3233 ext. 11 or by email: lmiller@regionfive.org