Lately, the economic news in Fairmont is beyond good – it’s great. In case you missed it: Three local health services businesses are planning expansions, with total spending projected at more than $20 million.

Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center, Mayo Clinic Health System-Fairmont and Ingleside have just announced major expansion and renovation plans.

Lakeview and Ingleside are continuing to position themselves as centers of care for elderly populations for years to come. And we know that the nation’s demographics – and the Midwest’s – mean more senior care services will be needed.

Mayo, meanwhile, is undertaking an emergency services department expansion and upgrade. The project aims to make Fairmont an emergency services destination for southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

We would note that these projects involve long-established institutions deciding to expand right here at home. It was not necessary to lure them to Fairmont from somewhere else. Yet these projects will have the kind of impact one expects from major economic development coups.

We congratulate these businesses on their success and thank them for their investment and commitment to the area. While they have their own interests at stake, their actions will sustain and create jobs, spur other development and help ensure a bright future for Fairmont for years to come.