EDA starts thinking of succession planning

When the Cook County-Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) held its January meeting, one of the first matters of business was discussion of EDA “priorities and possibilities.”
 
One of the possibilities is that EDA Executive Director Mary Somnis is considering retirement. The EDA may have to find a replacement for Somnis and plan some extra funds in the budget for the transition period, when there may be two people in the EDA office. 
 
Somnis stressed that her retirement was not imminent, but asked the EDA board to start thinking about what they want the director’s role to be in the future. She said the board should also consider the succession of board members, as it would be good to have some new, young, leaders involved in economic development.
 
Somnis said the director’s job description needs to be updated. Also, she said, board members do not have job descriptions. It would be helpful to have a description of what board members do for those who might be interested in applying to serve on the EDA board.
 
Small Business Development Center Representative Pat Campanaro, who works closely with the EDA, said she could share some sample job descriptions from other entities. Somnis and Campanaro will work on this and bring updated job descriptions to a future EDA meeting.
 
Somnis also told the EDA board that it was time for discussion of all the projects underway for the EDA—assisted living, housing, workforce recruitment, business park lot sales and management, and the golf course. She said the EDA should spend some time considering which projects have the greatest priorities—and if there are other things the EDA should be pursuing. Strategic planning for those projects and priorities will be led at least in part by the NorthSpan group.
 
The EDA board also noted that Cook County Chamber Executive Director Jim Boyd and SBDC Representative Campanaro might also be considering retirement.
 
Another position that will change eventually is that of the manager at Superior National at Lutsen golf course. EDA Board Member/Treasurer Scott Harrison has been filling that position as a volunteer. Somnis pointed out that the EDA needs to find someone to do that job and work out the budget details.
 
Somnis also reminded the EDA board that the City of Grand Marais is considering the demolition/renovation of Grand Marais City Hall. This might mean that the EDA might have to move its office, at least temporarily. Somnis said she could work at home during the construction period.
 
The city is working with architects on a new design and they have yet to decide whether they want to include office space for the EDA. The board talked about the possible need to rent space in the future and the impact that would have on the EDA budget. 
 
Possible sale of Cedar Grove Business Park
Director Somnis presented a letter with a purchase offer for two lots in the Cedar Grove Business Park—Lot 8 and 9 in Block 5. One lot is in the designated owner-occupied section of the business park.
 
Howard Hedstrom noted that the price offered is less than what lots have gone for in the past. The board discussed the lot sale prices for the most recent sales. Business Park Lot No. 5 went to Jeremy Larson for $28,000. Lot No.10 went for $30,000 to Gary Nesgoda.

The board discussed the price offered and reached a consensus on a higher purchase price for the lot. The board asked Director Somnis to negotiate the purchase price. Somnis said she could do so, but wanted the board to know that William Nichols is her brother-in-law. The EDA thanked her for that full disclosure.


There are 22 lots left for purchase in the Cedar Grove Business Park. 
 
Other EDA matters
In other business, the EDA discussed the possible revival of plans for the construction of an assisted living facility. They have started a conversation with the Good Samaritan Group, a developer of assisted living facilities. North Shore Health has been involved in that discussion.
The very preliminary plans call for a one-level building with 16 units. Different sites have been discussed and Somnis reiterated that this is very preliminary discussion and talks will continue.
 
Somnis also gave the EDA board a report on a recent visit to Cook County by Camilla Michelli, with the organization called CLUES from the Twin Cities. Her company helps Hispanic people, primarily from Puerto Rico, find homes and jobs in Minnesota.
The CLUES representative toured Cook County on December 16-18. Somnis said it was a good visit and the Cook County Chamber Workforce Recruitment group may partner with CLUES.
 
Small Business Development Center Representative Pat Campanaro shared her 2019 Annual Report, which celebrates six years. The report shows that over the past six years there were 46 business starts and 108 fulltime jobs and 80 part-time jobs created. She shared a colorful flyer listing some of the businesses that opened their doors in 2019: Northwoods Play School, Crosby Bakery, North Shore HR Consulting, 47 Degree Quilt Shop, Sannerud Studios, and Seven Feather Boutique. The board commended Campanaro for her work.
 
WTIP’s Rhonda Silence spoke with EDA President Howard Hedstrom after the January meeting.