Rice County–working for growth and opportunity

Rice cOunTy

working for growth and opportunity

Rice County encourages economic growth by well as funds for employment training needs for individuals and busiidentifying development opportunities, sup- nesses. porting the efforts of Rice County communi- A priority for several years has been broadband service in rural Rice ties, building programs and providing tools to County. The County Board and staff understand the importance of compete for broadband service and its connection to quality of life and economic quality jobs, development, and is why continued communication with several leveraging broadband providers has occurred regarding the need for service to programs of- the unserved and underserved areas of the County. This year Rice fered by our County received requests from Nuvera Communications, BEVeconomic COMM and Access Networks asking for the county’s support of their development partners, and building broadband initiatives that would benefit Rice County. The County relationships and coalitions with responded by providing official letters of support, and approving organizations that can support the financial requests from BEVCOMM and Access Networks. economic momentum and overall Many of the Rice County Economic Development priorities and county vision. goals are ongoing, and inviting guests to Rice County for special It is the role of the Rice County presentations and/or tours happens occasionally. Steve Grove, ComEconomic Development Depart- missioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Ecoment to identify and execute steps nomic Development, accepted the County’s invitation and spent a to take advantage of the County’s day last fall learning more about Rice County. The purpose of the assets, respond to opportunities and challenges, and promote economic development countywide per the direction and support of the County Board while balancing goals with realistic resources. The county administrator leads the department with assistance from the economic development coordinator. Responsibilities include increasing the commercial/industrial tax base, encouraging the retention and expansion of existing businesses, recruiting and creating quality job opportunities, and promoting the county as a place to grow business. Guest Columnist Kathy Feldbrugge invitation and visit was for the commissioner to see and hear about the many Rice County success stories, to share with him the county’s vision, priorities, challenges and opportunities, and to discuss how the county and community partners can work together with DEED to ensure future growth and success. Economic Development success stories often happen because of willing partnerships, and this has been the case in Rice County. At the request of businesses and with the collaboration of city and other financial partners, Rice County has provided financial assistance for This year the COVID-19 pandemic brought about additional chalseveral economic development projects…three recent tax abatement lenges and new priorities for Rice County and the Economic Develprojects include Daikin Applied, SteinAir and Trystar. Over the past opment Department. An important priority has been the develop- few years, Rice County has provided Tax Abatement for five other ment and review process of a new Rice County Small Business Grant. projects in Faribault and one project in Lonsdale, and approved five With CARES Act funding, Rice County was able to provide a Small revolving loans for four projects in Northfield and one project in Business Grant Program to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19. Faribault. The maximum grant amount available per applicant is $3,000, and Some additional priorities for the Economic Development Departbusinesses must have 50 or fewer employees to qualify for the grant. ment include maintaining an inventory of available commercial/inPROGRESS In mid-September, the County had received 131 Small Business Grant applications, and continues to accept grant applications until further notice. Information regarding the Rice County CARES Small Business Grant is on the Rice County website, www.co.rice.mn.us. The county is also researching other possibilities regarding financial assistance that could potentially include grant funds for farming operations, as dustrial properties; evaluating marketing opportunities; coordinating business retention and expansion visits and economic development meetings; and communicating with key individuals at local and state levels regarding policy, legislation, plans and programs that could have an impact on future economic development in Rice County. Kathy Feldbrugge is the Rice County economic development coordinator.