PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Monday, February 20, 2006

Contact: Noel LaBine 763-477-3086

State of the Cities event held at Riverwood Inn.

     

   The Wright County Economic Development Partnership held its second State of The Cities event at the Riverwood Conference Center on February 15th. Because there are 16 cities in Wright County , not all of the cities could make a presentation at one luncheon event. The presenters at the Riverwood event included Dan Buchholtz from the City of Hanover, Jeff O'Neil from Monticello, Mike Robertson from Otsego, and Marc Weigle from St. Michael. The other cities had an opportunity to make presentations at an event in November 2005; this was the second part of the “State of the Cities” event.

   Commissioner Sawatzke was also one of the presenters and he talked about the new comprehensive plan that is being done for Northeast Wright County . Sawatzke also talked about the rapid change in this part of the county and the conflicts between city growth and township boundaries. The new comprehensive plan will provide more agreement on the direction of this growth phenomenon.

   One of the phenomenon that was discussed by all presenters was the rapid population growth. The new home statistics have been one of the measures of this growth. Jeff O'Neil pointed out that there are presently 4,000 plots for new home development in the City of Monticello. Mike Robertson stated that there are thousands of plots for new home development available in Otsego. Marc Weigle pointed out that St. Michael has made an agreement with the local school system to limit new home development to 300 homes a year. The rapid growth in the community has put a big strain on the capacity of the local schools. While Hanover doesn't have big numbers like it's neighbors to the north, it still has significant development and plans for more. One of the most exciting developments in Hanover could be a new retail zone along #19.

   The Partnership exists to enhance the business climate of Wright County and help create more jobs in Wright County . The strategies the Partnership uses to achieve its mission include being an information resource and finding technical assistance; aiding business development through Business Retention & Expansion visits, providing financing resources, 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 gathered economic statistical information, which is available on its website.