The city of Northfield is setting out on a large and ambitious project to better understand the needs and wants of the local business community.
Anna Watson, the city’s Economic Development Associate, said the city is working with the University of Minnesota Extension on a business retention and expansion project through a program called Connecting Business and Community.
Experts on business retention and expansion from the U of M will come to Northfield and work with volunteers, city staff and members of other business-oriented organizations, training them on good techniques to use in talking with business owners and learning about their business’ needs. The volunteers will conduct interviews with local businesses to learn and collect as much information as possible, which will then be compiled and analyzed by the University Extension.
Watson characterized what the city will then do with that information as “choose your own adventure.” With a wide base of information and data, the city can then design plans, create strategies, set goals and facilitate communication in order to be a greater resource to the business community.
Randy Yoder, the chair of the Northfield Economic Development Authority, said this will be a detailed program that will offer results that are honest and without an agenda.
“I think that the two really important parts of this are – number one, we really want to hear from business owners. And we’re going to make a massive effort to listen to what our business owners want to tell us. And number two – this a third-party effort. It’s not done by us. It’s guided by a third party. So that has the potential then to bring a greater degree of objectivity.”
Mayor Rhonda Pownell said this is an effort she has wanted the city to make for quite some time, and it has taken a while to get here. The city had to add positions to the economic development team, and it had to find a partner like the University Extension who had the resources to do this properly. Having these conversations will not only improve the city’s overall knowledge and understanding of the local business community, but it will also help to facilitate the creation of a plan aimed at expanding the local economy.
“Plans are what keep our city focused and on a particular trajectory. You’ve got to have plans that guide the work. Otherwise, you can go everywhere and never arrive at your destination. And let me tell you that doesn’t do any of us any good. You’ve got to be focused on what you’re trying to accomplish.”
Yoder pointed out that conversations with business owners will increase the awareness of resources offered by the city that they might not have known about, which in itself could help the business community to grow.
Watson said the interviews are beginning right now and will continue well into the spring.
Heywood Award nominations due by March 15
The Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee announced last week that nominations are now being taken for the 2024 Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award.
The Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award is given to a Northfield citizen who exemplifies a dedication to public service. Each year, the community honors Joseph Lee Heywood who was killed during the notorious James/Younger Gang bank raid. Heywood was, of course, the bank teller that refused to open the vault for the bandits and was murdered by Frank James. In refusing to open the vault, Heywood literally saved the town from economic devastation. Had he not refused, Northfield might not be here today.
Becca Peterson of the DJJD Organizing committee said the Selection Committee is looking for people who have made a positive difference in Northfield.
“It’s really measuring that positive impact that they’ve had within our community. What is so great about Northfield is that we have no shortage of people that are passionate about our community. The things that they do, the amount of people that are consistently giving back, whether they’re business owners or serving on a board, there is no shortage of good candidates.”
Past recipients of the award include former Minnesota Governor Al Quie, Nola Matheson, Noel and Lois Stratmoen, Clancy Dokmo, Ray Ozmun, the 2023 recipient Gene Lyman, and KYMN’s own Wayne Eddy.
While it might seem early to some to start thinking about the Defeat of Jesse James Days, Peterson said plans for the 2024 celebration are in full gear, and she said the organizing committee is always looking for more members and more volunteers.
The deadline for nominations is March 15th. Peterson said the selection committee does keep nomination letters on file for five years. Those who have made nominations in the past for someone who has not yet won the award can email the committee at heywood@djjd.org and ask that your nomination be considered again this year. Nominations will be accepted at the same email address, or they may be submitted by mail to:
DJJD attn: Heywood Committee
PO Box 23
Northfield, Minnesota 55057
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
