ABOVE: Back in October, Mayo Clinic Representatives met with concerned members of the public about downsizing services in Fairmont. At Monday’s Martin County EDA meeting, Health Care and Social Assistance was listed as the top industry in both total jobs and job vacancies. Sentinel file photo.

FAIRMONT – As 2025 moves into its third month, the Martin County EDA took time during Monday’s meeting to fully unpack takeaways from 2024.

Community Economic Development Authority (CEDA) Consultant Celia Simpson started with a summary of the work the EDA did in 2024. This includes $60k secured in grants, 11 new homes constructed with tax abatement, $8 million secured in broadband funding and around 60 businesses supported through advising and workshops.

Regarding industries in Martin County, she said the industries with the most jobs and job vacancies were identical. Health Care and Social Assistance, Retail Trade, Manufacturing and Accommodation and Food Services all took the top four spots in both metrics.

In a survey done of local businesses, Simpson said the three largest concerns are increasing costs, workforce shortages, and the tight economy in general.

Outside of Fairmont, Simpson said the EDA had quite a few rural projects in 2024.

“Truman’s housing study, DNR grant support for pickleball courts,” she said. “Sherburn [we assisted with] that strategic economic development plan, $25,000 playground funding, and hotel feasibility study. Showing we’re not just focusing on one community.”

Business retention and expansion was aided through several initiatives in 2024. Two workshops on earned sick and safe time and business succession aided 25 businesses regarding legislative changes and planning for potential future ownership changes.

An accessible entrepreneurship program was a big new endeavor in this realm for 2024, which funded on-demand translation and interpretative services for non-English-speaking entrepreneurs.

A tour of manufacturing attracted 10 businesses and 130 attendees, including groups of students. Board Chair Wes Anderson asked what reception was like. Simpson said it wasn’t universally accepted, one school that didn’t participate explained why.

“Because it was a tour,” she said. “A lot of times tours are just like ‘Here’s our shop.’ The kids don’t always meet that well. They like the hands-on stuff.”

CEDA Consultant Amber Patten said the students she saw on the tour enjoyed it.

“It was eye-opening as to what’s in the area,” she said. “Not just in Fairmont but all over. Very positive.”

In the future, Simpson said the event will most likely not be yearly due to the work necessary to get everything together. She said they will encourage schools to set up visits with businesses individually.

Regarding the trades, Board Member Tim Terfehr said he is hearing that retention in the construction field is an issue.

“Construction projects are going to have a severe lack of carpenters in this area very quickly,” he said. “Is there anything we can do? Reach out to trade schools?”

Like law enforcement, Koons said fewer and fewer people are entering trade fields. He recommended they make a cheat sheet flyer for local trade businesses, with information and advice on how to recruit from area schools and online.