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FAIRMONT-- The Fairmont Economic Development Authority (FEDA) on Monday heard from Coordinator Ned Koppen about an exciting feature that will be done on the city of Fairmont in an upcoming issue of Business View Magazine.
Koppen said that he and the city's interim administrator, Jeff O'Neill, have been in conversation with the publication, which covers developments in manufacturing, health care, infrastructure, supply chain and more across North America.
"When I first talked to them, they were vetting Fairmont as a potential community that they would feature in their magazine," Koppen said.
He said it will include a lot of economic development aspects, as well as the reasons someone should consider moving to Fairmont and what some of the projects, both competed and in the works are in the community.
"I got the honor of doing the interview and telling them everything I could think about that was good about Fairmont and our efforts," Koppen said.
Some recent articles in the magazine include construction and consulting businesses in Wisconsin and Quebec, Canada.
Koppen told the board that he would let it know when the publication featuring Fairmont is out.
During the board meeting Koppen also provided an update on the Retail Coach, which is a retail recruiting partnership FEDA is working on with the Martin County EDA.
"Amber (Patten) from the county and myself got an update last week. There are six good leads on prospects that would like to land here possibly. Prospects are prospects but these six actually have interest in Fairmont and I was excited about that. I think it's good, positive traction," Koppen said.
While he chose not to name the businesses yet, Koppen said he's optimistic but waiting to announce anything until it progresses further.
Finally, Koppen shared that he was excited about the fact that some local incentive documents on the FEDA website are now available in Spanish.
"I think that's a positive thing," Koppen said.
In other action, the board:
-- Approved a $1,500 sponsorship for Area Career Exploration (ACE), a chamber event in which students from 11 area school districts come to Fairmont High School to learn about local employment opportunities.
-- Approved a loan through the facade loan program for Shenanigan's Cheer & Chow at 115 E. 3rd Street.
-- Approved a $1,500 membership fee for Greater Minnesota Partnership.