Happy New Year! It’s the tradition for out with the old and in with the new. It’s a time for change; a time to get rid of old stuff and replace it with new stuff. This is timely advice as we begin a new year. However, the advice doesn’t quite hold true in the economic development world because keeping the “old” and calling for the “new” must happen together. Retaining vs. Recruitment: Yes, new businesses are essential for communities to grow and prosper. We, of course, endorse and encourage programs and incentives to attract the new kid on the block as well. In fact, it’s vital to do so. Both forms of development are essential and work hand-in-hand, but they are, however, unique and different. One without the other creates stagnation.
It’s vitally important to note that retaining and expanding existing businesses is a proven economic development bet rather than just focusing on recruiting new ones from other towns. Research consistently shows that between 40% to 80% of new jobs are created by existing businesses. Proactive communities realize that businesses shouldn’t be taken for granted – if they relocate, they have a negative impact and leave a void in the community.
The “Moorhead Business Spotlight” is one way for the Moorhead Extra to recognize the importance of existing businesses and I am honored to be a small part in that recognition. For the past 46 weeks, the Moorhead Extra has allowed me to highlight existing businesses and organizations that are vital to our growing community.
Because the paper believes in the power of a vital business community and the importance of focusing on keeping and improving our local businesses, the “Moorhead Business Spotlight” will continue in 2015. As the legal newspaper for the State of Minnesota and as the official legal newspaper for the City of Moorhead, The Extra understands the importance of focusing on the old and as well as the new. Your Moorhead newspaper is dedicated to providing our community with all the local news that’s fit to print.
However, before we enter into the exciting 2015, let’s pause and once again recognize those “Moorhead Business Spotlights” of 2014. Moorhead is home to 800 small businesses, which is defined by employing 10 or fewer employees. We encourage you to submit suggestions for the 2015 Spotlights. Several have already been submitted, so don’t delay – send today!
2014 “Moorhead Business Spotlights”
Thanks to the following businesses for making “Today is a great day to do business in Moorhead.”
Moorhead Center Mall
Moorhead Drug
Heritage Snack Shack
Lemke Home Improvements
Moorhead Flooring and More
Travel Incorporate
Moorhead Fryn’ Pan
Dogs
Red River Excavating
Lloyd’s Auto Body
Harmon Glassdoctor
Hair With Care
MHD Public Library
Nereson’s “Big Lot”
Vic’s Bar and Grill
SIG Olson & Sons Plastering
Computer Wrench
State Bank of Hawley
Cherry Berry
Rick’s Electric
Farm Bureau Financial Services
All Star Bowl & Northsider
Camrud Foss Contrete
K-Bid.com
Art Museum
Radio Connections
Farmers Insurance
Park Christian School
Bell State Bank of MHD
Fiebiger, Swanson, West
702 Communications
Connections of Moorhead
Puffer’s Jewelers
Content & Contour
Cashwise of MHD
Karlsson Law Office
Bert’s Truck Equipment
Becky’s Sewing Center
PortaCo
MHD Antique Mall
Ken Norman, Attorney at Law
Paul Krabbenhoft – Coldwell Banker First Realty
Tom Holtgrewe, CPA
Centre for Hair & Wellness