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Welcome to New Board & Staff Members!
Brent Smith - New Board Member Representing the City of Alexandria
The AAEDC would like to announce that Brent Smith has been appointed to the organization's Board of Directors, representing the City of Alexandria, a funding partner of the AAEDC. Smith has been appointed to an unexpired term of representation for the City of Alexandria.
Smith is the CEO of The Aagard Group, LLC, an Alexandria company that specializes in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of robotic packaging machinery.
Nicole Fernholz - Business & Community Relations Coordinator 
The AAEDC is proud to announce that Nicole Fernholz has recently joined the organization in the role of Business & Community Relations Coordinator. Fernholz is a long-time resident of the Alexandria lakes area and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in project management and business relations to the AAEDC, and will play a vital role in the organization's efforts and initiatives throughout Douglas County.
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Greater Alexandria Area Job Resource Fair
February 8th from 9am to 3pm - ATCC Law Enforcement Gymnasium
The 8th Greater Alexandria Area Job Resource Fair will be taking place on Wednesday, February 8th from 9am to 3pm at the Alexandria Technical & Community College Law Enforcement Gymnasium. Over 40 employers from throughout the region will be participating in this event which is open to the public, free of charge.
For more information on the 8th Annual Greater Alexandria Area Job Resource Fair, click here.
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Commercial Property Database Update
In an effort to promote and market commercial properties in Douglas County, the AAEDC maintains two online commercial property databases. The databases are typically utilized by business leaders, entrepreneurs and site selectors, and can be accessed by anyone seeking information on commercial properties for sale or lease throughout Douglas County. Properties can be listed by owners or realtors/representatives free of charge. Updates are requested by AAEDC staff every 90 days and only commercial buildings and land within Douglas County are eligible for listing.
To view the LocationOne Information System database or to access a land or building listing form, click here.
For information about listing or researching commercial properties in Douglas County, contact Nicole Fernholz at the AAEDC.
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AAEDC Publication Updates
2011 AAEDC Annual Report
The 2011 AAEDC Annual Report will be distributed electronically (via the AAEDC's website) and in hard-copy format in early February. This year's publication focuses on the efforts and activities of the AAEDC and the continued growth and development of Douglas County.
2012 Douglas County Manufacturers & Support Industries Directory
The 2012 Manufacturers & Support Industries Directory is scheduled for printing and distribution in mid-February. This year's publication will feature company profiles on over 230 Douglas County manufacturing and support industry businesses.
If you would like to be added to the distribution lists for these or other AAEDC publications, please contact us at your convenience. |
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Business Start-up & Planning Assistance
The AAEDC provides free and confidential business start-up and planning assistance to individuals and organizations in Douglas County.
Services typically include:
- Assistance with creating a business plan
- Site selection assistance
- Financial packaging & commercial financial incentives
- Demographic information assistance
Since no two businesses or business plans are alike, services are customized to the individual's/organization's needs.
In addition to the listed services, the AAEDC partners with a number of regional business resource organizations that may be accessed to assist clients.
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West Central MN Small Business Development Center Holding Monthly Office Hours at AAEDC
In an effort to better serve the entrepreneurs and small businesses of the Alexandria region, the West Central MN Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Concordia College will be holding regular office hours at the AAEDC the 3rd Thursday of each month, from approximately 9am-1pm.
Appointments outside of these office hours can also be made to meet with an SBDC counselor.
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Upcoming Events & Activities
Greater Alexandria Area Job Resource Fair (2/8/12)
9:00-3:00 pm @ ATCC Law Enforcement Gymnasium
For more information, click here.
Entrepreneur Boot Camp 1 - Successfully Planning to Start Your Business (3/9/12)
9:00-4:00 pm @ ATCC 209
For more information, click here.
Business Power Lunch - Small Business Financing & Refinancing (3/13/12)
11:45-1:00 pm @ ATCC 209
For more information, click here.
Entrepreneur Boot Camp 2 - Successfully Starting & Growing Your Business (3/16/12)
9:00-4:00 pm @ ATCC 209
For more information, click here.
Business Power Lunch - Pricing Your Product/Service for Profit (3/20/12)
11:45-1:00 pm @ ATCC 209
For more information, click here.
Business Power Lunch - Small Business HR Law (4/10/12)
11:45-1:00 pm @ ATCC 209
For more information, click here.
Business Power Lunch - Customer Service (4/17/12)
11:45-1:00 pm @ ATCC 209
For more information, click here.
Business Power Lunch - Overcoming Generational Challenges in the Workforce (5/1/12)
10:00-12:00 pm @ ATCC 209
For more information, click here.
For more information or to register for training opportunities, contact the AAEDC by email or by calling (320) 763-4545.
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Douglas County, MN Economic Fact:
The December 2011 Unemployment Rate for Douglas County was 5.3%, compared to the MN rate of 5.7% and the US rate of 8.3%.
Source: MN DEED
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