BOARD RETREAT RESULTS
September 10, 2009
Accomplishments in 2009
□ Organizational Development
ü Monthly Agenda, Meeting Minutes, etc.
ü Establishment of Marketing Committee
ü Establishment of Ag Committee
ü Establishment of RFI Response Team
ü Establishment of Business Development Team
□ Capital Development
ü Acquired 13 acre parcel for South Industrial Park
ü Requested funding for Infrastructure improvements to South Industrial Park
□ Marketing
ü Clarified Roles and Responsibilities for Community Website
ü Listed Development Corp. Properties and monthly meeting minutes
ü Pursuing other marketing ideas and strategies
□ Business Development
ü Expansion of V&S Trucking into South Industrial Park
ü Increased Sales Tax Revenue Totals over 2008
Community Strengths
· Strong Retail Sector
· Updated Infrastructure (included increased capacity for growth)
· Progressive Attitude
· Strong School System (enrollment increase by 5-6 students)
· Diversified Educational System (offers both public & private schooling options)
· Critical Mass of Livestock Producers in area (increased diversity in feedlots)
· Small Community Airport (runway and facilities)
Community Weaknesses
· Human Capital
· Financial Capital
· Lack of Rail road
· Lifestyle Amenities demanded by younger generation (bike paths, coffee shops, etc.)
· Citizens who focus on the negatives rather than the positives
· Communicating the efforts to make Corsica Better
Unknowns
· Telecommunications Capabilities and Limitations
Opportunities
· Horse Sale (Enhancing our efforts to capture new clientele who come to town)
· Vanderpol Collection
· Young Farmers (Embracing their desire to return to farming)
· Housing (Land and Infrastructure in Place)
· Retirees (Attracted to affordable, safe living in Corsica)
· Affordable Housing options for workers
· Lake Development
Threats
· Continued Population Decline in the Region
· Compliancy / Poor Attitude
· Financial Stress of Main Street Businesses
· Financial Stress of Ag Producers
· Young People’s Perception of Living in Corsica (Sell Values vs. Large $$)
Development Goals for FY2010:
Ø Affordable Housing
v GOAL: Encourage Development of One (1) Property Per Category
v Led by: Mayor Dick and Roger
ü Multi-Family Facilities:
1) Ready to Move In
2) $400 - $450 (All Utilities Paid)
3) Includes appliances (Stove, Fridg, etc.)
ü Condo/Duplex:
1) Focused on Older Residents
2) Minimum Maintenance (Grass Mowed/Snow Shoveled)
3) No Steps
4) 2 bedroom / Garage / Roomy
5) For Sale and Lease
ü Starter Homes:
1) Focus on First Time Home Buyer
2) $100,000+ Price Range
3) Take advantage of tax credits and other programs
Ø Value Added Ag Development
v GOAL: Support a Producer-Lead Ag Committee
v Led by: Leroy and Dan
ü Dairy Development
ü Ag Producers Use of Technology
1) Host an Annual Ag Technology Meeting
2) Invite Seed Co., Manufacturers, Farm Implement Co., etc.
3) Bring in Industry Specialists
ü Wind Development
Ø Business Retention/Expansion
v GOAL: To Be Determined
v Led by: David Lambert, Grant and Rod
ü Re-Educate Development Corp. on Current Businesses
ü Focus on Retail and Manufacturing Sector
ü Focus on Expansion Opportunities of Local Businesses
Ø Marketing
v GOAL: Creation of Marketing Plan
v Led by: Keith, Sylvia, and Dave
ü Better Communication with Public about Dvlp. Corp. Activities
ü Better Understanding of Telecommunciations Capabilities
1) Invite Telephone Cooperative to Speak to Dvlp. Corp.
ü Advertise Specific Goals and Community to Greater Audience
ü Update Website with More Information
1) Develop Template/Process to list Available Houses & Lots (including pictures, description)
2) Identify funding mechanism to help maintain an up to date listing of info
3) Involve the School and others in the process
Ø New Business Recruitment
v GOAL: Create a Business Recruitment Strategy for identified Businesses
v Led by: David Lambert, Dan, Jamie, Leroy, and Mayor Dick
ü Vet Clinic:
1) Work with Pipestone Vet Clinic Relationship
ü Manufacturing
ü Bookkeeping Services:
1) Identify Specific Need
ü Businesses Related to Equine
ü Others