5. GFMEDC semi-annual report - Laserfiche WebLink

FGREATER argo)Moorhead nomic Development Corporation Executive Summary January through May 2014 The first five months of 2014 included progress on numerous GFMEDC initiatives to grow and diversity the economy of the Fargo Moorhead MSA. The GFMEDC follows a plan of work that is approved each year by its board of directors as well as both the Cass County Commission and the Clay County Commission. The following is a summary of those activities for the first half of 2014. Already this year, GFMEDC staff has conducted 84 business retentions visits and assisted in 56 business projects related to expansion and retention opportunities. Staff attended numerous county and city economic development meetings. Business development activities for the year-to-date included 11 new business projects and the management of 20 existing projects. Combined, these projects have potential to create more than 1,500 new jobs. Regarding its workforce initiatives, GFMEDC staff led five separate community tours of the Fargo Moorhead Metro. Staff continues to follow a marketing strategy to recruit people to the area and continues its partnership with area higher education institutions. GFMEDC coordinated the second manufacturing tour event for area high school students and a job shadowing program for the college students. Staff continues to promote CareerFM website as a resource for area employers and to job seekers from other markets. The Teachers in Industry program is in its fourth year, with eight teachers and seven companies committed to the program starting in June 2014. The program also expanded to include an MSUM professor. GFMEDC continues to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the area through active engagement with entrepreneurs and other key community members. This year, focus areas include a collaborative workspace, angel fund development, and the enhancement of financing programs and grants. GFMEDC assisted numerous startup companies with resources, connections and guidance, as well as involvement in the planning, promoting and sponsoring of Startup Weekend, 1 Million Cups, eCommerce breakfasts, CULTIVATE.you, Midwest Mobile Summit, Health Pitch and Startup Drinks. Events like these highlight the smart people and smart things our community is doing. The GFMEDC supports and continues to build on the EDC's initiative to expand air service. In addition, staff participated in over 80 investor and EDC partner meetings and events. To connect with investors, businesses and the public, the GFMEDC publishes a monthly electronic newsletter, contributes to a blog that is highlighted on InForum and manages social media content. A more detailed report of the GFMEDC staff activities follows. Thank you for your continued support of the GFMEDC and our region's economic development.