A CommunityThat Works

Welcome to Northfield!

Walk along Division Street and you'llsee the historic side of Northfield.

It's a community that came into its own in the1870s, around the time our two fine, liberalarts colleges were founded. People here takegreat pride in that small town history, and tothe value of knowing our neighbors.

Look a little closer and you’ll find a communitywired for the 21st century. We still hold tosmall town community values, but we alsoare fully engaged in building a thrivingcommercial sector that reaches customersacross the nation, and around the world.

Tim Geary, Plant Manager of Malt-O-Meal’sCampbell Mill, our largest commercialemployer, said it best: “People in Northfieldstill have those old-fashioned rural values.They work hard, they work smart, and theyget things done.”

We want to get things done for you. In thesepages you’ll find an introduction to ourcommunity, to the resources we bring to thetable, and to some of the people, companiesand organizations that make this a greatplace to build a business. Whether you areconsidering a software start-up, or lookingfor a place to relocate an existing business,Northfield is a community that will workfor you.

MARY RO S S I NG , MAYOR

Northfield M I N N E S O T A

Attachment E

Location, Location, LocationNorthfield is located on the edge of the 16th largest metropolitan area in the U.S.

All of the benefits of a major city, with thesafety and comfort of a small town. That’sNorthfield’s story. Just 35 miles south ofMinneapolis-St. Paul, with convenient accesson Interstate 35, Northfield is within easyreach of customers, suppliers and an entiremarketplace of services and resources.

THE NORTHFIELD MARKET AREANorthfield is not your typical small town. Withtwo of the nation’s best liberal arts colleges,the community boasts a highly educated andskilled workforce, a high level of communityengagement, and a widely diversified com-mercial and industrial base. The town’s rootsare in agriculture and milling — still reflectedin Malt-O-Meal’s two manufacturing plants —but it’s future is in new technologies. Fromflexible circuits to software to transportation

and logistics, Northfield has a solid business base in a wide range of industries.Northfield is also a commercial and cultural hub for surrounding communities and townships. The market

area stretches south to Faribault, east to Cannon Falls, west to Lonsdale, and north to the southern Twin Citiessuburbs, drawing a commercial base that includes nearly 39,000 consumers.

To stimulate economic growth and development, Northfield has more than 500 acres of land for commer-cial and light industrial expansion, demonstrating the community commitment to sustaining a healthy andgrowing economy.

THE TWIN CITIESOften rated among America’s most livablemetropolitan areas, Minneapolis-St. Paul ishome to nearly 3 million people, 34 Fortune1000 corporations, a top research university,and industry-leading companies. With agri-cultural processing giants like Cargill andGeneral Mills, retail household names Targetand Best Buy, and innovators in manufactur-ing and medical technology like 3M andMedtronic, the Twin Cities are the economicengine of the upper Midwest. The metro areadraws people and resources that are easilyreached from Northfield.

RICE AND DAKOTA COUNTIESNorthfield straddles the border of Rice and Dakota counties.The northern edge of town is in Dakota County, officially partof the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. Thisoffers substantial benefits to companies in certain industries.The majority of the community is located in Rice County, arural county that enjoys favorable tax rates and economicdevelopment opportunities designed to stimulate andsustain rural economies.

Malt-O-Meal’s Ames Mill

The Minneapolis skyline

By the numbers,Northfield is a greatplace to locatea business.1

P O P U L A T I O N

City of Northfield: 19,8592

Northfield Trade Area: 38,899

D E M O G R A P H I C S(Northfield Trade Area)

Median Age: 32.9 years

Population 18+: 77.3%

Race/Ethnicity:White: 94%Hispanic/Latino: 4.6%All other: 1.4%

Educational Attainment:High School Graduateor Equivalent: 29.3%Some College orAssociate Degree: 28.4%

Bachelor’s Degree: 20.1%Graduate or ProfessionalDegree: 13.4%

Households:

Family Households: 73.5%Non-family Households:26.5% (Single PersonHouseholds: 20.8%)Owner-occupied Housing:76.2%Median Year HouseholderMoved In: 1994Median Home Value:$250,324Median Household Income:$71,077Average Household NetWorth: $535,488

1 All figures from a University ofMinnesota Extension ServiceMarket Area Profile (2009), unlessotherwise noted.2 2007 U.S. Census Bureau estimate.

Attachment E

Diversified Local EconomyNorthfield has a broad industrial and commercial base.

HIGHLY EDUCATED WORKFORCEA strong public education system — including traditional schools and innovative charter schools — make thisan attractive place to raise a family. Northfield is also home to two of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges— Carleton and St. Olaf. Students, faculty, staff and alumni contribute to one of the best-educated communitiesin the region. Combine that with the traditional values, ingenuity and work ethic of a resourceful rural community,and you’ve got a can-do workforce capable of meeting almost any employment need.

INDUSTRIAL SUCCESSESFrom breakfast cereal to custom-designed flexiblecircuits and automation systems, Northfield is hometo more manufacturing companies than meet the eye.Malt-O-Meal’s two manufacturing plants and relateddistribution centers reflect a 90-year tradition ofhomegrown industry. But in the shadow of Northfield’slargest employer are innovative businesses with aglobal reach:

• All Flex, an industry leading, low- to medium-volume manufacturer ofpolyimide and polyester flexible printed circuits

• Cardinal CG, an innovative manufacturer of advanced residential glass and solar technology products

• Multek Flexible Circuits, a leading producer of flexible interconnects for the automotive andmedical device industries

• Northfield Automation Systems, a world leader in roll-to-roll, thin-film manufacturing automation

EMERGING SOFTWARE BUSINESSESDowntown Northfield offers reasonably priced office space and a richtalent pool of math and computer science students and recent collegegraduates. Software start-ups and rapidly growing firms are findingsuccess attracting talent and capital.

• Monster Games, an independent producer of video games for the Nintendo Wii and other platforms• ID Insight, providing fraud prevention solutions to the financial services industry• SpeechGear, an innovator in instant translation systems• StrataPoint, developer of GPS-based data systems for natural resource management

TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICSWith easy access to daily rail service and the Interstate highway system,Northfield is a convenient hub for a wide variety of distribution services.

• McLane, a regional grocery and foodservice supply chain provider• Upper Lakes Foods, a premier food service supplier to restaurants, churches and other establishments• Taylor Truck Line, a national transportation logistics company• Perkins Specialized Transportation Contracting, one of the nation’s leading “superload” specialists

LABORSHEDThe Northfield laborshed reaches well beyond the borders of the community. Themajority of workers live in Rice County, while substantial numbers commute fromDakota and surrounding counties. Between the local population and the Twin Citiesmetropolitan area, Northfield businesses are able to meet virtually any need forhighly skilled or specialized workers.

For families relocating to Northfield, commuter bus and van services to theTwin Cities metropolitan area offer flexibility to people whose careers require accessto a large number of potential employers.

Northfield’s largestemployers are highlystable companies andorganizations, in reces-sion-resistant indus-tries like breakfastcereal production, edu-cation, and healthcare.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS(2008)Malt-O-Meal Company 861St. Olaf College 830Carleton College 690Northfield Hospital 542Northfield Public Schools 500McLane Company 450Multek Flexible Circuits 430Cardinal CG 140

RELATED BUSINESSESAND INDUSTRIES

As a regional commercialcenter, Northfield has anestablished base of busi-nesses and professionalservices to support almostany manufacturing or serviceneed, from agriculturalimplements to banking andlegal services, engineeringto fabrication prototyping,healthcare to higher education.

EMPLOYMENTBY INDUSTRYAgriculture 2.6%Construction 7.4%Manufacturing 12.4%Wholesaling 3.1%Retailing 8.1%Transportation/Utilities 5.1%Information 1.7%FIRE 4.3%Services(includes education) 53.1%Public Administration 2.2%

Flexiblecircuitproduced byAll Flex

ID Insight

Multek slitting machine forflexible printed circuits

Attachment E

Economic DevelopmentPartnerships & ServicesCAN-DO, WILL-DO ATTITUDENorthfield has a powerful combination of public and private organi-zations to help businesses thrive. The city’s economic developmentstaff works closely with an independent Economic DevelopmentAuthority charged with providing the resources — land and buildings,technical assistance, and access to professional services — tostrengthen the local economy. From JOBZ applications seeking taxabatements, to applications for grants and project-based loans,Northfield’s focus is on helping businesses get up and running.

BUILDING BUSINESSES ONE AT A TIMECity staff, together with a network of elected officials, citizen volunteers and developmentpartners, welcome the opportunity to work with individual businesses to identify the rightstrategies for relocations, start-ups, and expansions. From the development of large-scalebusiness parks, to finding existing locations and buildings for smaller businesses, Northfieldis a community that supports its own.

NORTHFIELDENTERPRISE CENTEROne of the city’s primary businessdevelopment partners is theNorthfield Enterprise Center(NEC). The NEC provides consult-ing services and technical expertiseto start-ups and growing busi-nesses interested in relocating toor expanding in Northfield. NECconsultants evaluate products,services and markets, and assistwith business and financial plan-ning. The organization maintains anetwork of experienced profes-sionals providing a full range ofsupport services: accounting,legal, banking, real estate,marketing, and consulting.

“Even though our business is primarily aboutprecision engineering and planning, sometimesgood business decisions start with an accident,”says Neil Perkins, president of Perkins SpecializedTransportation Contracting. He noticed a “for sale”sign on a building in the Riverview Industrial Parkwhile on a motorcycle ride through Northfield on asunny Sunday afternoon. A call to the realtor onMonday morning confirmed that the price wasreasonable, and that the property qualified forMinnesota’s JOBZ program to stimulate economicdevelopment in rural areas.

“I was not familiar with JOBZ,” says Perkins, “butwith the city’s help, we qualified for tax exemptionsthat made the economics of moving work for us.” Themove has been a JOBZ success. In the three and a

Case Study: Perkins Specialized Tr

STATE, REGIONAL AND FEDERALINCENTIVES AND PROGRAMS

Job Opportunity Building Zone (JOBZ)State administered tax incentives and creditsfor businesses creating jobs that increase theeconomic diversity of the city.

Job Skills PartnershipPrivately administered grants to support trainingprograms and educational infrastructure tosupport the employment needs of businesseslocated in or moving to the state.

Minnesota Community Capital Fund LoanPrivately administered loan fund to financelarge-scale business infrastructure investment(land, buildings, improvements, equipment andworking capital).

Small Business Loans and CertifiedDevelopment Company LoansSmall Business Administration guaranteed loanfunds to support capital, refinancing and operatingexpenses (7a) or fixed asset projects (504).

Southern Minnesota Initiative FundPrivately administered grants to support projectsthat increase employment or volunteer servicewithin target populations; support biomedical,bioagricultural or renewable energy; or supportentrepreneurs.

LOCAL INITIATIVES

Downtown Revolving Loan FundsEconomic Development Authority administeredloan funds to support physical improvements tobuildings, purchase of equipment, working capital,and related activities to strengthen businesses andincrease the potential for additional employmentwithin the Northfield C-1 and C-2 commercial zones.

Master Development Fund LoansCity administered loan funds for propertyacquisition, construction, site improvements andworking capital.

Tax Increment FinancingCity administered tax assistance for propertyacquisition, site development and extension ofpublic utilities for industrial, manufacturingand warehouse businesses.

Tax AbatementCity administered tax assistance for projectsproviding employment, redevelopment or thefinance of public infrastructure.

Clement F. Shear Micro GrantsEconomic Development Authority administeredgrant funds to support small businesses poisedto grow within the community.

NECnorthfield enterprise center

Attachment E

Building a business takes patience, persistence, partners… and capital.

ANGELS AND BANKERSNorthfield’s greatest asset is its strong network of civic-minded business leaders. One of the most powerfuleconomic development resources is 3C Capital Partners, an angel investment fund with nearly three dozenlocal members. 3C makes crucial early investments at the points of greatest leverage in helping fledgling busi-nesses position themselves for growth. As part of the RAIN Fund Network, 3C also provides access to otherinvestors and investment funds for projects that require funding beyond the available local resources.

Business financing isn’t left to angels alone. Northfield’s banks and Economic Development Authority workclosely with new and expanding businesses to explore all available sources of financing, loan guarantees andgrants. With the incentives and tools provided at the local, county and state levels, Northfield takes an activerole in promoting local businesses.

NORTHFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce actively promotes localbusiness development and expansion, serving as an essential linkbetween the business community and the city, county and neigh-boring jurisdictions. Through its members, meetings and publicforums, the Chamber is a pro-business advocate on a wide range of key business issues from local annexationsand zoning to transportation planning, business retention and marketing initiatives.

NORTHFIELD DOWNTOWNDEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONThe Northfield Downtown Development Corp-oration (NDDC) promotes a vibrant and vitaldowntown, serving as an advocate for downtownbusinesses and building owners. Through itsmarketing and promotional activities, alongwith its organization and sponsorship of a widevariety of publicactivities and festi-vals, the NDDCbrings peopledowntown andencourages thecommunity to cel-ebrate — and sup-port — Northfield.Behind the scenes,the NDDC works with the City, the EconomicDevelopment Authority, the Chamber ofCommerce, and community organizations toaddress public policy and other important issues— including transportation, parking, businessgrowth and retention, and marketing Northfield.

A Perkins project, behind a standard tanker.

LOCAL BANKS ANDCREDIT UNIONS(all addresses in Northfield,MN 55057, unless indicated)

Citi Financial Services, Inc.1500 Clinton Lane, Suite H507-645-2516www.citi.com

Community Resource Bank1605 Heritage Drive507-645-4441www.community-resourcebank.com

First National Bank of Northfield329 Division Street507-645-5656www.firstnationalnorthfield.com

Frandsen Bank & Trust715 Stafford Road NorthDundas, MN 55019507-645-8825www.frandsenbank.com

Premier Bank Minnesota112 E 5th Street507-645-4418www.PremierBanks.com

US Federal Credit Union660 Professional Drive507-650-4510www.usfed.org

Twin Cities Federal2423 Highway 3 South507-664-3840www.tcfbank.com

Wells Fargo Bank700 Water Street Street507-663-7300www.wellsfargo.com

Local Investors and Business Partners

half years since relocating to Northfield, Perkins’firm has grown from 16 employees to more than 60.

Almost all of Perkins’ business involves moving“superloads” from point to point. “We could literallybe located anywhere. Northfield offers us access to atalent pool, and it’s a great place to live,” says Perkins.The complex engineering and fabrication of custom-designed trailers enables the company to haulanything from power generation equipment to themolds for jumbo jet wings.

Even in a down economy, the company isthriving and planning to expand its building and addstaff. “Our direct competitors are located along thegulf coast, so once we hire and train, there’s littlerisk of losing our people to the competition,” saysPerkins with a smile.

ansportation Contracting

Attachment E

From infill to greenfield, Northfield has space for almost any business.

INFILL OPPORTUNITIESNorthfield offers a wide range of availablebuildings and development properties.From office and retail space in the historicdowntown, to commercial property withconvenient highway access along Highway3, to industrial spaces in the RiverviewIndustrial Park, Northfield offers flexibilityand competitive prices for buildings, land,and rents.

Many available properties are listed inthe Minnesota Department of Employmentand Economic Development’s PositivelyMinnesota website (www.mnpro.com). Forinformation on smaller properties, or todiscuss a specific need, Northfield’sEconomic Development Department isavailable to help.

GREENFIELD DEVELOPMENTIn addition to space in the RiverviewIndustrial Park, Northfield has morethan 500 acres of prime developmentland in the northwest corner of thecity. With access to Dakota County onCounty Road 23 to the north, anddirect frontage on Highway 19 to thesouth, this business park is withinconvenient reach of Interstate 35,offering easy access to Minneapolis-St. Paul and beyond.

UTILITY SERVICESElectricity and natural gas serviceto Northfield are provided by XcelEnergy. The Xcel Windsource programis available to businesses committedto sustainable energy use. Water andsewer services are provided by theCity of Northfield, at rates well belowthose of the Twin Cities metro area.

Basic telephone and high-speedInternet services are provided by avariety of companies, including Qwest,Hickory Tech, Charter Communications,and Jaguar Communications.

REAL ESTATESERVICES(All addresses in Northfield,MN 55057, unless indicated)

APPRAISALS

Northfield Appraisal, Inc.1283 Bollenbacher Drive507-645-7260www.northfieldappraisal.com

REALTORS

Coldwell Banker South Metro1080 Highway 3 South507-663-1234www.coldwellbankernorthfield.com

Edina Realty1281 Bollenbacher Drive507-645-4491www.edinarealty.com

Land Vista LLC205 South Water Street952-292-2370www.landvista.net

Team Trebelhorn, RE/MAXAdvantage Plus1842 Kennedy Court507-645-9596www.teamtrebelhorn.com

Tradition Realty800 Heywood Road612-481-3802www.traditionrealty.com

PROPERTY MANAGERS

E & J Management Company1403 Heritage Drive, Suite E507-645-4118

Land’Sake1300 Bollenbacher Drive507-663-7100

Osborne Properties4210 W. Old Shakopee RoadBloomington, MN 55437952-881-8166www.krausanderson.com

Peterson Property &Management Company801 Highway 3 North612-749-0921

New Business Development Opportunities

Central Building, downtown Northfield

Attachment E

COMMUNITY IDENTITYNorthfield is a uniquely balanced community. In thelanguage of the Claritas PRIZM® system, it is BigFish, Small Pond, Country Squires, and Fast-TrackFamilies. Bottom line: Northfield is an engaged,well-educated, active, family-oriented community.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENTCity government is organized under a council/man-ager system. Citizen involvement is extremely activethrough standing boards and commissions, as wellas ad hoc, issue-oriented task forces. Commercialand industrial development are guided by citizenboards including the Economic DevelopmentAuthority, the Planning Commission, the HeritagePreservation Commission, and the EnvironmentalQuality Commission.

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONSFrom established service clubs like Rotary, Lions,Sertoma and the League of Women Voters, to theVFW, American Legion and Elks, there are adozen ways to get involved. Northfield is servedby more than 25 churches, covering all of the majorreligious denominations.

There are summer youth sports leagues forbaseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, as well as afull roster of school sports programs. A growingYMCA provides family programs and recreationactivities for younger children.

HOUSINGTwo-thirds of Northfield’s residents own theirhomes, which have a median value of about$250,000. The city offers approximately 2,500 unitsof residential rental housing, with a vacancy rate ofonly four percent. This is a very stable community.

SCHOOLSThe Northfield Public Schools provide an excellentcomprehensive K-12 education through three tradi-tional elementary schools (one of which offers aSpanish immersion program), a middle school and ahigh school. The district also sponsors an elementarycharter school (Prairie Creek) and a secondary charterschool (ArtTech). There are two Montessori schoolsand a K–8 parochial program at St. Dominic’sCatholic Church. Northfield students consistentlyout-perform state andnational standards.

Two nationally rankedprivate colleges — St. Olafand Carleton — attractnearly 5,000 bright andactive students. The col-leges’ efforts to link stu-dents to local businessesand organizations throughinternships and volunteerservice are a valuablecontribution to the qualityof community life.

ARTS AND CULTUREThere is always something to doin Northfield. College events areopen to the public, providing con-certs, plays, exhibits, and lecturesthat are not typical for a communityof Northfield’s size. In addition, awide variety of non-profit organiza-tions create a rich tapestry of pro-grams for artistic expression andentertainment, from music andtheater to dance and history.

Quality of Life in Northfield A N N U A L C O M M U N I T YE V E N T S A N D F E S T I V A L S

Spring-SummerCommunity Memorial Day

CelebrationTaste of NorthfieldJunebug Music FestivalCrazy DazeFourth of July CelebrationRice County FairVintage Band FestivalTheater in the ParkDakota County Fair

Fall-WinterDefeat of Jesse James DaysVeterans’ Day CelebrationTurkey TrotWinter WalkSt. Olaf Christmas FestivalJingle Bell Run

ARTS AND CULTURALORGANIZATIONS

Northfield Arts Guildwww.northfieldartsguild.org

ArtOrgartorg.info

Riverwalk Arts Quarterwww.riverwalkartsquarter.com

Northfield Historical Societywww.northfieldhistory.org

Cannon Valley Elder Collegiumcvec.org

Community Band concert

Northfield Arts Guild

St. Olaf College

Attachment E

CITY OF NORTHFIELDE C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T D E P A R T M E N T

801 Washington Street Northfield, MN 55057Phone: 507-645-3018 | http://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/business | Email: eda@ci.northfield.mn.us

Economic Development Director:Jody Gunderson | 507-645-3018 | Jody.Gunderson@ci.northfield.mn.us

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GR IFF W IGLEY AND DOUG BRATLAND .

Northfield, Minnesotais situated along the banks of the Cannon River in the rich agricultural

region of southeastern Minnesota. The city is bursting with vibrant

culture, esteemed academics, celebrated arts, progressive technology,

innovative businesses, and a cherished history. The City of Northfield,

the Northfield Economic Development Authority and a wide-ranging

professional community are committed to helping current and

prospective businesses obtain the resources necessary for success.

Northfield’s Bridge Square

Attachment E

Home to two premier colleges,close to the Twin Cities andcentered on a thriving river-front and vibrant downtown,Northfield, Minnesota is agreat place to live and work.

With a wide range of businesses from large foodmanufacturing and distributionfirms, to small high-techstart-ups, Northfield enjoysthe strength of a diversifiedlocal economy.

The City of Northfield and the Northfield EconomicDevelopment Authority arecommitted to helping currentand prospective businessesobtain the resources neces-sary for success.

801 Washington StreetNorthfield, MN 55057

507-645-3018www.ci.northfield.mn.us/businesseda@ci.northfield.mn.us

Northfield Economic Development News

S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

� Neuger Communications Group (neuger.com) isremodeling the former Community Resource Bank buildingon Bridge Square, in anticipation of relocating its staff of adozen communications professionals to new office space.

� Coldwell Banker South Metro (cbsouthmetro.com) – a localrealtor with a staff of 13 – will be relocating to a downtownstorefront at 419 Division Street in July.

� The Northfield Historical Society (northfieldhistory.org) isin the middle of a major remodeling project to improveaccessibility to its galleries and exhibits.

� Bodysmith of Northfield, a personal training studio isremodeling the former Tiny’s space at 321 Division Street,where it will soon be joined by Fit to be TRI’d(fittobetrid.com), a multisport equipment supplier.

� Just two blocks east of downtown, Carleton College isnearing completion of a $40 million development of theWeitz Center for Creativity. The project is a completeremodel of the former Northfield Middle School and 30,000square feet of new construction to house a wide of arts,film and academic programs, and will serve as an anchorto the actively developing Northfield Arts Corridor. TheWeitz Center is expected to open in 2012.

Photo curtesy of Griff Wigley

Downtown RemodelsNorthfield is widely recognized for the historic charm of its downtown.Over the years, the community has proudly supported a constantlyevolving roster of businesses that have kept Northfield lively.

Local business owners and investors have a long tradition of investing is commercialand civic improvements. Construction season is once again underway in the heartof the community. Several projects will bring more than two dozen jobs toDivision Street.

Economic Development Authority

Attachment E

City Receives FloodRelief GrantThe City of Northfield has been awarded$257,000 in flood recovery assistance fundsfrom the Business and CommunityDevelopment Division of the Minnesota

Department of Employment and Economic Development. The grant comes from theMinnesota Investment Fund, and will finance revolving loans to help downtown businessescope with the economic effects of the severe flooding that inundated the city in late 2010.“City staff pursued several opportunities to attract funds to help local businesses repair

and rebuild after the floods last fall,” said Jody Gunderson, the city’s community and eco-nomic development director. “ We are fortunate to have a good working relationship withDEED, and they understood how important this support will be to our downtown businesses.”The grant will restore the Economic Development Authority’s revolving loan fund, which

was used to help nearly a dozen businesses make immediate investments to reopen afterthe flood.

Business Park Plan and Land Development Code Move ForwardTwo year-long processes of keen interest to businesses are moving toward final action by theNorthfield City Council. The city’s Land Development Code (LDC) – the first major overhaul oflocal development regulations in more than two decades – is receiving its final revision by thePlanning Commission. The LDC provides a detailed guide to the standards and requirementsfor all new building and development projects in the city, while the Business Park MasterPlan presents a conceptual vision to guide development of a 530-acre parcel of land annexedinto the city in 2009.“This is the first major update of the land development code in 30 years," said Tracy Davis,

chair of the Northfield Planning Commission. "The new regulations reflect the city'sComprehensive Plan and current best practices in land use and development, and is clearerabout the characteristics of the built environment Northfield is looking for. We want to takesome of the guesswork and unpredictability out of the development process.”The Business Park Master Plan process has been led by Jeff McMenimen, of Hoisington

Koegler, Inc., and a steering commit-tee comprised of local business lead-ers and elected officials. The planpresents a mixed-use business parkfor an area in the northwest corner of the city, straddling Dakota andRice Counties. Interstate highway 35 isapproximately five miles to the west.“For many years, Northfield has

had little or no industrial expansionland,” notes Jody Gunderson, thecity’s community and economicdevelopment director. “We couldn’taccommodate any significant expan-sion by our current employers, muchless attract new businesses wantingto take advantage of the local work-force, or locate in a community withNorthfield’s assets.”To see the most recent draft of the

Land Development Code, visit thePlanning Commission page on the City of Northfield website. For the latest Business Parkplans, visit northfield-businesspark.com. Both plans are expected to go before the city council for final action in early summer.

New Businesses Open

The Measuring Cup, a charmingnew kitchenware store at 320Division Street, opened in April. It isa second venture for the Osterkampfamily, owners of Monarch (monarchgiftshop.com), a gift storeat 405 Division Street.

A new restaurant is set to open inthe former Ole Store Café at 1011 St. Olaf Avenue. Chuck Pryor,owner of the Grand EntertainmentCenter (thegrandevent.com) andthe Tavern of Northfield (tavernofnorthfield.com) in theArcher House River Inn expects to be up and running in June.

eco gardens, 600 South DivisionStreet, has reopened for the seasonin a newly refreshed building. Thestylish renovation of an abandonedtire store compliments the organicplants and gardening supplies. It'sa welcome addition to Northfield'smain commercial district.

Photo curtesy of Griff Wigley

Attachment E

Perkins Continues to InnovativeNorthfield’s Perkins Specialized TransportationContracting (heavyhaul.com) has once againpushed the technical boundaries of over-the-roadtransportation. To serve its nation-wide customerbase, the company recently deployed its newQuantum™ hydraulic transporter, a flat-bed rigcapable of handling cargos up to 136’ long atweights up to 160,000 lbs to 240,000 lbs, depending

on allowable axle loadings on the route. The first Quantum move involved a single 115’ longpiece of industrial equipment from Minnesota to Tennessee.

“The Quantum transporter is designed as a ‘load-and-roll’ system, providing a single, highlymaneuverable platform that protects the cargo from the transfer of tortional forces,” sayscompany president, Neil Perkins. “It is a revolutionary new way to move oversize shipments.”

The company’s next innovation is the “Road Train by Perkins,” a 192-tire rig custom builtto move a 400-ton shipment from California to Utah. It is an extraordinary piece of engineer-ing designed to solve a customer’s unique challenges, and it represents Perkins Specializedat the top of its game. The Road Train utilizes one tractor pulling and four pushing, bringingthe total tire count up to 242 and the overall length when connected to 399'6".

“We have a tremendous team with world-class design and manufacturing skills. Ourexpertise is in solving extremely complex engineering challenges,” says Perkins. “By thetime our trucks accept the cargo and hit the road, we’ve had some very smart people in ourNorthfield plant find technical and logistical solutions that ensure our customers’ cargoesarrive safely and on time, every time.”

Malt-O-Meal Company Wins Environmental AwardMalt-O-Meal Company (malt-o-meal.com) has wonthe Industrial Environmental Achievement (IEA) Awardin recognition of its outstanding contributions in wasteminimization, pollution prevention, environmentalcompliance, and environmental stewardship.Awarded by the Central States Water EnvironmentAssociation (CSWEA), the IEA Award companies taking steps to increase environmental awareness,

and reduce pollution and wastewater emissions from manufacturing operations. Malt-O-Meal was chosen for this award due to its efforts to reduce the amount of food

waste generated at its manufacturing facility located in Northfield. The company developed aunique system to collect unusable liquid food materials and use this material as animal feedor soil additives. With these practices, Malt-O-Meal is able to find additional uses for its foodwaste, eliminating the need for expensive treatment of wastewater. Over past decades, the company has made extensive investments in a variety of environ-

mental programs that reduce energy and water consumption at the Northfield plant. Itspackaging innovations – including its elimination of an exterior box — have significantlyreduced consumer packaging and disposable waste. “Malt-O-Meal is Northfield's leading employer, and a great corporate citizen in all of its

communities,” said Northfield mayor, Mary Rossing. “This award clearly demonstrates thecompany’s leadership and continued commitment to investing in creative solutions to helpsolve environmental problems. They are a shining example of the kind of company we wantto call Northfield its home.”

Development OpportunitiesThree prime gateway sites at the north-west entrance to downtown are avail-able. For more detailed information onthese and other available properties,visit the Economic Development pageon the City of Northfield website.

THE CROSSINGApproximately 2.5 acres of undevel-oped commercial land immediatelyadjacent to downtown. Full utilityservices, direct access to TH 3.

THE “Q” BLOCKApproximately 2 acres with high-visibility frontage along TH 3. Perfectfor high-traffic commercial uses.

WATER AND SECOND STREETSApproximately .65 acres zoned forretail, office or residential develop-ment. A high-visibility corner at thegateway to downtown Northfield.Full utility services, highway access.

THE CROSSING- COMMERCIALCommercialcondominiumsready for imme-diate occupancy.Perfect for retailor office, withhigh visibilityand direct high-way access.

Photo curtesy of Griff Wigley

Attachment E

801 Washington StreetNorthfield, MN 55057

507-645-3018www.ci.northfield.mn.us/businesseda@ci.northfield.mn.us

Get to Know Northfield“Get to Know Northfield,” a series of webvideos, offers an inside look at some of thepeople who make Northfield a unique com-munity. The nine segments highlight thecity’s rich history and traditions, it’s arts andcultural activities, its high quality educationand healthcare systems, and a number ofbusinesses that have chosen to locate here.Each webisode also features some of thequirky personalities that make Northfield anentertaining place to live, work, and play.The video project was sponsored by the

Economic Development Authority,Northfield’s two colleges – Carleton Collegeand St. Olaf College, Northfield Hospitalsand Clinics, the Northfield Area Chamber ofCommerce, and three local businesses.

You can find a link to the videos at ci.northfield.mn.us/assets/e/EDA/northfield_videos.html

Summer Events in NorthfieldTaste of NorthfieldJune 16 and 17

JuneBug Music FestivalJune 22–24

Crazy DazeJuly 28

Bridge Square Chamber Music FestivalAugust 18, 23, 25

Thursdays on the SquareThursday evenings

Riverwalk Market FairEvery Saturday June – October(food, farmers market, arts, crafts and street performers)

Defeat of Jesse James DaysSeptember 8-11

Economic Development Authority

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Home to two premier colleges, close to theTwin Cities and centered on a thriving river-front and downtown, Northfield, Minnesotais a great place to live and work. Home to awide range of businesses from large foodmanufacturing and distribution firms, tosmall high-tech start-ups, Northfield enjoysthe strength of a diversified local economy.

The City of Northfield and the NorthfieldEconomic Development Authority are com-mitted to helping current and prospectivebusinesses obtain the resources necessaryfor success.

Perkins Nearing Completion on ExpansionPerkins Specialized Transportation Contracting, Inc., isnearing completion of an 11,250 sq. ft. plant expansion to its65,000 sq. ft. facility in the Riverview Industrial Park. Thefirm is one of the nation’s top providers of specialized

transportation of oversized, “heavy haul” loads.“We’ve got a pretty good backlog of business booked, and I don’t see that changing,”

company president Neil Perkins said. “We’ll be moving into our new space in the earlysummer, and we’re still planning another major expansion a year or two down the road.”

Perkins relocated the firm to Northfield in 2007. Steady growth through the economicrecession has created the need for additional manufacturing space.

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTING

Northfield BusinessPark Master PlanningWith 530 acres recently annexed in the northwest corner of thecity and an annexation request covering another 450 acres underreview, Northfield is moving from land-locked to land-rich.

“Over the past ten or twenty years, the city has really grown,” says JodyGunderson, Northfield’s economic development director. “We reached apoint where we had virtually no developable parcels larger than a few acres.Businesses requiring land of any significant amount simply couldn’t considerlocating in Northfield.”In September 2009, the EDA hired Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc., to lead a

master planning process for the recently annexed “north” business park site,which sits just inside the border of Dakota County. That land, almost entirelyworking farmland, is ideally suited to logistics and light industrial uses, withrelatively flat topography and easy transportation access.In January, HKG extended its study to include the “south” parcel of approx-

imately 450 acres in Bridgewater Township. The property owners have initiatedan annexation request with the city.“These are two very different parcels of land,” said Jeff McMenimen, director

of design at HKG. “The south parcel has a number of interesting environmentaland topographical features that make it a very desirable development site forthe right kinds of uses. Northfield is in an enviable position to have two suchvaried resources to offer developers.”The master planning process will be completed over the next few months.

A separate initiative to revise the city’s comprehensive plan and LandDevelopment Code (LDC) will be concluded on a similar timeline.According to Gunderson, the timing is right. “With the LDC and the master

plans, we’ll have a lot more clarity about the direction development inNorthfield will go. As the economy comes back to life, we’re ready to attractnew businesses that want to put down roots in a great community.”

801 Washington StreetNorthfield, MN 55057

507-645-3018www.ci.northfield.mn.us/businesseda@ci.northfield.mn.us

Northfield Economic Development NewsS P R I N G 2 0 1 0

PHOTO: GRIFF WIGLEY

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Northfield’s Aurora Pharmaceutical, LLCis Another JOBZ SuccessAurora Pharmaceutical, LLC, honored by the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce as the2009 Northfield Business of the Year, has completed its new 62,500-square-foot veterinary

pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. The companybelieves the plant is the first new veterinary pharma-ceutical manufacturing facility built in the United Statesin the last twenty-five years.

Financial support from Minnesota’s JOBZ program,obtained through Northfield’s economic developmentdepartment, was a key element in making the facility a

reality. JOBZ provides tax incentives to non-retailbusinesses to encourage investment in facilities andequipment that will enable the business to increaseemployment. Aurora estimates that its new facilitywill generate as many as 100 new jobs over the nextseveral years.

Construction of the new facility, which is adjacent toa sister company, Cannon Valley Veterinary Clinic,along South Highway 3, was also assisted by the Cityof Northfield’s action to vacate a small strip of landnecessary to create a large enough parcel to accom-modate the building.

In an interview with the Northfield News, Aurora CEODr. Mike Strobel (right) reflected on the results of 30years as a local business: “Northfield has been agood community to be in, and we’re happy to havebeen honored [as Business of the Year].”

Business BriefsGRANTS HELP LOCAL BUSINESSESEXPAND PRODUCT LINES

Grants from the EDA’s Clement F.Shearer Micro Grant Fund havehelped several local businessesbuy new production equipment orrelocate in downtown Northfield.

Digs received funds to purchasenew equipment to increase produc-tion of its line of children’s clothing.The additional production capacitywill expand the store’s wholesalebusiness. The clothing is popularin high-end boutiques in the TwinCities and elsewhere.

Glass Garden Beads received agrant to purchase new equipmentto increase production of its uniqueline of bottle cap beads.

NEW DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES

Fit to be Tri’d opened at 306Division Street, selling runningshoes, clothing and equipment fortriathletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Fused, a nutrition and wellnessclub features a smoothie bar anda variety of nutrition supplements,opened at 200 Division Street.

Sisters Ugly, a clothing storeoffering a distinctive assortmentof women’s clothing relocatedfrom Bridge Square to 220Division Street.

Anytime Fitness is openingin a new location in thePhoenix Building, 618Division Street. CommunityResource Bank will open alocal branch in the samebuilding.

THE ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT TOOLBOX

The Economic DevelopmentToolbox is a useful, one-stopresource for online access to awide range of information andtools. From city codes, EDAgrant and loan programs, andlinks to our economic developmentpartners, the Toolbox is a greatplace to learn more about howNorthfield can help you growyour business.

Check out the Toolbox atwww.ci.northfield.mn.us/business/economicdevelopmenttoolbox

Which Businesses?U of M Extension Study Helps Identify MostEconomically Valuable Target Businesses

According to a recent report, Rice County: Economic FuturesWorkshop Final Report, produced by the University of MinnesotaExtension Center for Community Vitality, cereal and veterinarypharmaceutical manufacturing generated the most significanteffects on the local economy. The combined effects of directemployment, indirect employment attributable to companies’local suppliers, and the additional local spending by direct andindirect employees resulted in an employment boost of 1.25additional jobs for every direct employee hired by these firms.

“This type of survey is immensely important in identifying which industries to try to attract,and how to create incentives that produce the biggest bang for the buck,” said Northfieldeconomic development director Jody Gunderson. “If we can attract more companies inindustries with higher multiplier effects, we will build a much more stable employment baseand a stronger local economy.”

A PDF of the study is available on the EDA website, www.ci.northfield.mn.us/business.

PHOTOCOURTESYOFTHENORTHFIELDNEWS

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Home to two premier colleges, closeto the Twin Cities and centered on athriving riverfront and downtown,Northfield, Minnesota is a greatplace to live and work. Home to awide range of businesses from largefood manufacturing and distributionfirms, to small high-tech start-ups,Northfield enjoys the strength of adiversified local economy.

The City of Northfield and theNorthfield Economic DevelopmentAuthority are committed to helpingcurrent and prospective businessesobtain the resources necessary forsuccess.

Business Park Master Planning UpdateLed by a steering committee of citizen volunteers, planning consultants, Hoisington KoeglerGroup, Inc., continued to refine the master plans for two areas northwest and southwest ofthe city. The northwest area, 530 acres, was recently annexed into the city limits. The south-west area is in Bridgewater Township.

The revised plans are nearing the final stage for presentation to the Northfield City Council, whichwill also soon be considering a long-anticipated revision of the city’s land development code. Themaster plan presents 20-40 year plan for phased, mixed use development, while the land devel-opment code specifies the requirements and standards for development within the city limits.

The City Council is schedule to consider the master planning document in November.

Mayo Breaks Ground in NorthfieldWith a public ceremony on September 15, Mayo Clinic broke groundfor a new radiation oncology treatment center in Northfield.

The clinic, located on land leased from St. Olaf College immediately across North Avenuefrom Northfield Hospital and Family Medical Clinics, will serve patients from the southerntier of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, as well as Northfield and surrounding communities.The clinic is expected to open in the spring of 2011, employing approximately a dozen people.

In a Northfield News article published when Mayo announced its plans to build the $10million facility, Northfield Hospital administrator, Mark Henke, noted that “there’s a lot ofpatient and family benefit built into having this kind of center close to home. Patients fromour market have typically gone outside our service area to receive radiation treatments. [T]heidea that Mayo is going to put a new oncology facility here in Northfield is really good news.”

Northfield’s Economic Development Director, Jody Gunderson, described the new radiationoncology treatment center as a positive step in the long-term development of a health careand wellness campus in the northwest corner of the city. “We have nearly completed themaster planning of an large area recently annexed west of the hospital, and this newtreatment center is another positive step building momentum for the long-term developmentof the area. It’s great for patients who will no longer have to travel out of the area forservices, and it’s also a step forward for the city.”

801 Washington StreetNorthfield, MN 55057

507-645-3018www.ci.northfield.mn.us/businesseda@ci.northfield.mn.us

Northfield Economic Development NewsF A L L 2 0 1 0

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Northfield Honored forPrograms for YouthAmerica’s Promise Alliance namedNorthfield one of the Alliance’s 100Best Communities for Young People.

The city’s 2010 recognition marks the second consecutivewin for Northfield in the competition; Northfield won in the

2008, the last time the competition was held.

The 100 Best designation recognizes those communities that makeyouth a priority by implementing programs that help keep children in school and preparethem for college and the 21st century workforce.

“Through its innovative and far-reaching programs, Northfield is taking bold and effectivesteps to help their young people graduate and lead healthy, productive lives,” said MargueriteW. Kondracke, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO. “Northfield serves as anexample to inspire and educate other communities across the nation to tackle the challengesfacing their city and children, and to implement initiatives that give them the essentialresources they need to succeed in life.”

Among the Northfield programs and initiatives cited in the award were TORCH, a program toraise the high school graduation and postsecondary attendance rates of the community’sLatino and low-income students; the Mentoring Coalition, which pairs adults and localcollege students with nearly 200 young people; the Northfield Union of Youth, which bringstogether adults and youth at the nation’s longest-running youth-led youth center; and thePRIMEtime out-of-school collaborative, providing academic support, mentoring, workshops,field trips, and community building.

According to Healthy Community Initiative Executive Director, Zach Pruitt, “At a time whenyouth are under tremendous pressures, this award recognizes just how much Northfielddoes to help its youth succeed. It is truly a community-wide effort.”

Business Briefs

NEW DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES

PanPan Cafe, a pan-Asian restau-rant has opened at 303 DivisionStreet, serving an eclectic menu ofomelets, salads, and Asian-themedfavorites. PanPan Café is part of1001 Solutions, whose otherNorthfield restaurants includethe Contented Cow, Chapati, andButler’s Steak & Ale.

BUSINESS UPDATES

Riverwalk Market Fair suffered abrief disruption during the lateSeptember flood, but has comeback to life with a flourish. Fallfarmer’s market produce, bakedgoods, street performances, anda wide variety of artisan craftsand fine arts can be found down-town every Saturday morningthrough October.

THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTTOOLBOX

The Economic Development Toolboxis a useful, one-stop resource foronline access to a wide range ofinformation and tools. From citycodes, EDA grant and loan pro-grams, and links to our economicdevelopment partners, the Toolboxis a great place to learn more abouthow Northfield can help you growyour business.

Check out the Toolbox atwww.ci.northfield.mn.us/business/economicdevelopmenttoolbox

EDA Authorizes Emergency LoansThe city of Northfield was hit hard by flooding in late September, with downtown businessesalong the Cannon River suffering substantial damage to buildings and equipment, andsignificant loss of income. In a special meeting on October 1, the Economic DevelopmentAuthority approved a temporary change to the downtown development revolving loan fund toprovide affected business with access to $200,000 in loans funds.

“This was an extraordinary event,” said Economic Development Authority president, JenelleTeppen. “We need to use the financial tools at our disposal to help our downtown businessesweather this storm.”

P H OTO S T H I S PAG E CO U R T E SY O F G R I F F W I G L E Y

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