Article by: Mary Kennedy
This Spring, CEDA team member Tara Kohl helped the Frazee, MN Economic Development Authority (EDA) create a work plan using the Results Based Approach method. Kohl, along with Karen Pifher of Becker County Energize, facilitated a meeting to gather local business and community input. This data was used in addition to the EDA board member’s input to formulate a work plan for the upcoming year. “At the community meeting, we started with sharing our goal, which is planning for the growth and development of our business district,” said Kohl. Kohl and Pifher provided the group with indicators of a successful business district in Frazee such as the number of businesses, and the number of community attractions, which helped guide discussion. The next step was to ask the group for input on indicators that would make Frazee the best place to live, work, and play. Additionally, the group provided input on factors that would positively or negatively affect the outcome of the goal, and offered insight on ideas and projects that would aid in the EDA’s success. Due to the success of this approach, Kohl anticipates the EDA utilizing community involvement components in future processes as well.
