PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Monday, January 23, 2006
|
Contact:
Noel LaBine
763-477-3086 |
WCEDP Annual Meeting at Reichel's in Annandale.
Rockford
--- The Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP)
held their annual meeting at Reichel's in Annandale on Friday
morning, January 20th. There were 46 people at this event
and a wonderful breakfast was served by the Reichel's staff.
This year's event was sponsored by Xcel Energy.
The
keynote speaker was newly elected Senator Amy Koch, who
is the state senator for most of Wright County . Senator
Koch gave a dynamic presentation on the history and the
court interpretation of the law in response to the effort
of environmentalist to halt the construction of the proposed
Annandale and Maple Lake sewage treatment plant. Senator
Koch also gave a brief review of transportation projects
planned for 2006 in Wright County and answered questions
from the group.
Recognition
was given to the Wright Hennepin Electric Association (WHE)
for its many years of exemplary support of the Partnership.
Besides being a contributing member of the Partnership since
the Partnership started in 1994, the WHE also has provided
a complimentary space for the Partnership to work out of
for several years. Awards were also given to three people
for service to the Partnership. Outgoing Chair, Rod Nikula,
received recognition, as did Sarah Smith for three years
as secretary Treasurer, and Wayne Elam, for serving as Vice-Chair.
There
was an election of renewing board members Rod Nikula , Tom
Dobson , John Siffert, Chuck Van Heel, and Tim Zipoy . New
officers for 2006 were elected. They include Wayne Elam
, Chairman, Tim Zipoy , Vice-Chair, and Sarah Smith , Secretary
Treasurer.
The Wright County Partnership's Annual Meeting was a great
place to network with community leaders from Wright County
and get first-hand information about what the Partnership
has been doing. Director Noel LaBine talked about the changes
and business growth that happened in Wright County in 2005.
LaBine introduced a concept proposed by Kelvin Willoughby,
Phd. of the University of Minnesota regarding the sharing
of information and the positive effect that has on high-tech
business profitability. LaBine also talked about ways the
Partnership has brought value to the Wright County business
world. Board member, Wayne Elam,of Nelson Building &
Development of Buffalo , welcomed everybody and led the
election of officers for 2006. Wayne Elam was elected to
the Chairman of the Partnership for 2006 and also had closing
remarks, which included remarks about the new high-quality
directory that the Partnership is creating for 2006.
The Partnership
exists to enhance the business climate of Wright County
. The strategies the Partnership uses to achieve its mission
includes being an information resource and finding technical
assistance; aiding business development through Business
Retention & Expansion visits, finding alternative financing,
and providing business information and training through
seminars and workshops. Also, the Partnership markets Wright
County to business site locators, and maintains an excellent
website, which includes a listing of commercial and industrial
property available in Wright County (see www.wrightpartnership.org
). The Partnership also assists with Workforce Development
and has been involved in a number of projects including
the Overall Economic Profile of Wright County completed
in 2004.
