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FEDA looks at position to focus on workforce

FAIRMONT– The Fairmont Economic Development Authority met Wednesday afternoon and considered a federal grant application. At the last meeting, Economic Development Coordinator Linsey Preuss had shared of a grant opportunity through the Federal EDA which would focus on workforce recruitment and retention.

On Wednesday Preuss shared that it would be a partnership between Fairmont and Blue Earth. The person hired for the position would spend their time between the two cities and focus on workforce development.

“They will help businesses plan for the future and help them connect with schools,” Preuss explained.

She presented the board with the grant application for economic adjustment assistance.

The federal share requested is $804,000 over the three year term of the program and the match between the two communities is about $246,000, which includes staff time, office space and in-kind contributions.

Preuss acknowledged that while she is soon moving on from her current role as Economic Development Coordinator for the city of Fairmont, the new position will free up time for the next person who comes into her position so that they can focus on economic development.

Preuss said that the Blue Earth EDA is on board with the project. The board moved to approve the resolution for the grant application.

Moving to other matters, the board heard an update on the Fairmont Area Succession Planning project. The project aims to help retain businesses and help them plan for their future. FEDA was given a $20,000 grant for the project.

The first session is coming up on March 22 with two different 90-minute meetings, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Preuss said there will be a board of local business owners, both who bought and sold their local business.

She said registration is available now through Fairmont Community Education and Recreation. The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce has also been advertising the sessions.

“We know we have businesses who are looking at selling. We want to keep them here and don’t want them to just get rid of their inventory and close their doors. We want them to move on to another buyer,” Preuss said.

In other news, the board approved a $75,000 CARES act loan for Indulge Salon and Spa in Fairmont.

With Preuss’ upcoming departure, the board went over future times and dates to hold the FEDA meetings. City Administrator Cathy Reynolds will be filling in as they search for Preuss’ replacement. The board decided to meet the third Monday of the week, instead of the second Monday. The 4:30 p.m. start time will remain the same.

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