JOBS

SUCCESS STORIES

2019 GFF Annual Report

Dedicated to growing and supporting the local business community, the team at Greater Fergus Falls takes pride in removing barriers for existing businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators alike.

Because it takes a great deal of time, effort and energy to expand an existing business or start from scratch, we believe it is important to recognize the individuals and businesses that have chosen to invest in our community.

SUCCESS STORIES

Working together, we've been able to accomplish tremendous economic development progress since our inception in July 2018.

In the Fall of 2017, there were approximately 20+ vacancies in downtown Fergus Falls.

By the Fall of 2020, there are 5+/- vacancies.

A total of twelve new businesses have opened their doors downtown, including:

Valley Christian Couseling
Uncle Eddie's Ice Cream
Balance Gymnastics
Dandelion & Burdock
Creative Handmade/Soapworks
Peney Cakes (pop-up)
Sugar High Bakery (pop-up), & more!

In the Fall of 2019, there was approximately 480k sq. ft. of former big box space.

By the Fall of 2020, 127,500 sq. ft. has been purchased and occupied/future plans to occupy.

The following buildings

have sold:

Former Target (89k sq.f.t)
Former Shopko (32k sq.ft)
Former El Tequila's (6k sq. ft)

We have seen a continuous increase in interest in our available properties, through the creation of our online commercial and industrial property database:

sites.greaterfergusfalls.com

INCREASE IN LOCAL SALES TAX REVENUE

In 2016, a total of $1.26MM was generated in local sales tax revenue.

GFF launched a proactive, strategic marketing approach to support local business, and draw attention to available opportunities in our community.

Total annual sales tax:

2018: $1.29MM (1.5% increase)
2019: $1.33MM (4.24% increase)
2020: $MM+ (Sept) - on pace to exceed previous year, despite pandemic

INCREASE IN THE OPENING OF

NEW BUSINESSES

Because our population doesn't support common site selection critera for large chain businesses, a focus has been placed on assisting local entrepreneurs opening their doors.

GFF launched an Entrepreneur Intiative to support local start-ups, and we've seen numerous new businesses open their doors.

Sugarbomb
Luna Mountain Marketing
Subzero Insulation
Pure Aesthetics
Fox Consulting
Papacito's Burritos
Balance Gymnastics Center
Uncle Eddie's Ice Cream
Ruby Pinoy Foods
Dandelion & Burdock
Otter Cove Children's Museum & more!

A REDUCTION IN DOWNTOWN VACANCIES

A REDUCTION IN BIG BOX VACANCIES

HIGHLIGHTS

To support our mission of growing our area's business community, we are excited to feature examples of the economic activity that has occured in our community below.

DR. SHAUNA OVERGAARD

& NANCY XIÀORONG VALENTINE
Two Fergus Falls Women Selected for LaunchMinnesota ILT Academy
Overgaard and XiàRong Valentine chosen to represent our region in State recognized entrepreneur academy for 2021.

Learn more..
FERGUS FALLS DELIVERY SERVICE
General Delivery Service Offers Flat Rate Delivery Fee
Matt Stoltenburg launches business to offer grocery, restaurant take-out, prescriptions and pick-ups to community.

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SHOREMASTER
Fergus Falls Manufacturer Acquires Neptune Boat Lifts
ShoreMaster now offers the largest portfolio of waterfront equipment for fresh and salt water markets in North America.

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CALLA LILY DESIGNS
Business Owner Launches Virtual Celebration & Giveaway
Owner, Jamie Wallace, celebrates ten years of business in Fergus Falls as a full-service interior design firm.

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BOSS MOM'S CRAFTING
Another New Face in Downtown Fergus Falls
Abby Barry turns hobby into wholesale and retail business, opening downtown November 30th.

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JK OUTDOORS
JK Sports Expands Footprint by 4,000 SF, Adds Products
Local business adds outdoor, hunting and firearm merchandise to expand selection.

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FARMERS STATE BANK
Established Regional Bank Adds Fergus Falls Location
Local bankers Kellen Shebeck and Darren Krein add location to support growing customer base.

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ILT ACADEMY
Entrepreneur Certification & Business Pitch to Investors
GFF partners with ILT Academy and Launch MN to sponsor two area entrepreneurs.

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SIGN GUYS
New Business Fills Vacancies, Creates Jobs & More
Ryan Tungseth and Kip Johnson collaborate to offer one-stop-shop to local business community.

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M STATE EMPLOYEE TRAINING GRANT
Rural MN Concentrated Employee Program Offers Funding
Direct financial assistance to businesses to train current employees and improve economic competitiveness.
TREMOLO DESIGNS
Full Service Residential Design & Construction Management
Minnesota native Ken Rausch launches business to make it easier for people to create their ideal space for their family.

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GFF EXPANDS ENTREPRENEUR INITIATIVE
No Cost, One-on-One Confidential Business Consulting Available
GFF expands technical assistance and programming to entrepreneurs and existing businesses within 10-miles

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FORMER BIG BOX FILLED, REDEVELOPMENT ON HORIZON
Local Investors Purchase Former Shopko Building
GFF partners with local developers and City to change ordinance, resulting in the sale and occupancy of former Shopko building.

Learn more.
CREATIVE HANDMADE/SOAPWERKS
Local Entrepreneur Expands Business in Downtown
Jan and Chris Werkau expand retail presence and support over 20 local makers in downtown Fergus Falls. Opening late September 2020.

Learn more.
SUGAR HIGH BAKERY
Grab-n-Go Bakery To Open Pop-Up Location in Downtown
Opening day is Thursday, September 24th from 3pm-6pm at 123 E. Lincoln. Offering slices of signature pies, cheesecake and other gourmet baked goods.

Learn more.
FERGUS BREWING COMPANY
Fergus Brewing to Celebrate One Year Anniversary
90's inspired celebration with local food vendors, music and limited supply barrel-aged beer on September 12th from 3pm-11pm.
OTTER TAIL POWER COMPANY
OTP Plans to Build a Nearly 50-MW Solar Farm
Solar farm planned for around the soon to be retired OTP Hoot Lake Plant. Construction could begin as early as 2021.

Learn more.
RIVERS EDGE INVESTMENTS
Local Investment Group to Purchase City Lot
Investment group plans two-phased, mixed use development for former Shopko site.

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LA NAILS
20 Year Business Now Calls Downtown Home
Greater Fergus Falls works with Tiffany Nguyen and Tom Pham to find new location.

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PROTECTION PROS DISINFECTING SERVICES
Commercial Disinfecting Business Opens in Fergus Falls
Recognizing a need, Randy and Erin Halverson open a second business to offer complete, continuous, food-safe and environmentally responsible disinfecting services

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DANDELION & BURDOCK
New Retail Store Opens in Downtown Fergus Falls
Paul and Amy Hicks recognized a need for clothing (mens & womens), shoes, jewelry and more, so they decied to do something about it.

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OUTSTATE BREWING COMPANY
Local Brewery Expands Distribution Across Minnesota
In business for less than nine months, local brewery pivots business plan to increase distribution across the State.

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AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE
Free Training & Support to Businesses Offered
Annabelle Lee, owner of American Family Insurance, helps launch training in conjunction with gener8tor's start-up accelerator program.
PENEY CAKES
GFF's Entrepreneur Initiative Results in 2nd Pop-Up Shop
Peney Cakes owner relocates to Fergus Falls, opens business and store-front pop-up in downtown Fergus Falls.

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B. GOOD BRAND
Family Owned Start-Up Seeking Retailers
Locally owned CBD business is officially seeking retailers for their product, made in Otter Tail County

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BALANCE GYMNASTICS
GFF's Entrepreneur Initiative Results in Gymnastics Studio
Balance Gymnastics opens in former Shopko building in downtown Fergus Falls

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COOPER'S OFFICE SUPPLY, EXCEL PLASTICS & OTTER TAIL GLASS
Local Business Partner to Provide Additional PPE
Acrylic barriers created to protect community against COVID-19.

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SUGARBOMB
Start-up Kidpreneur Celebrates 2nd Season
Candy bundles, e-commerce and curbside pick-up kicks off for downtown business.
GFF'S PLAN IS "BRILLIANT"
Goal for Project 2 Fold is Reached in Six Hours
Community rallies to support local businesses impacted by COVID-19 while supporting ISD 544 famlies.

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PROJECT 2 FOLD
Supporting Local Businesses and Families in Need
GFF partners with FF Downtown Riverfront Council to provide haircuts, movie tickets and bowling to ISD 544 students.

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RUBY'S PINOY FOODS
New Business Offers Famous Egg Rolls
First success story out of GFF's 'So you want to start a business' entrepreneur initiative

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SO YOU WANT TO START A BUSINESS?
GFF offers no-cost program for start-up businesses
Receive free one-on-one, confidential business coaching, mentoring, and training

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GFF AREA JOB PORTAL
Free online portal for job seekers and employers
Otter Tail County Area job seekers and employers encouraged to connect.

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DISTILLERIES MAKE SANITIZER
Production of Critical Supplies for COVID-19
Local distilleries step up to provide Lake Region Healthcare with sanitizer.

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GFF, LAKE REGION HEALTHCARE, EXCEL PLASTICS & SHORETEX
Production of Critical Supplies for COVID-19
Local manufacturers diversify services to step up to produce critical PPEs.

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MN COMPASS CHAMPION
2020 Minnesota Compass Champion
Measuring data trends about MN communities to guide programs, planning and policies that will benefit residents and communities.

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AURA FABRICATORS CERTIFIED BY WBENC
Women's Business Enterprise National Council Certification
Locally woman and minority owned Aura Fabricators Inc. receives national certification as a Women's Business Enterprise.

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UP NORTH TATTOO & ART
GALLERY
New Business / Tattoo, Piercing
Up North Tattoo & Art Gallery is now open for business in downtown Fergus Falls. GFF assisted this business with permitting and zoning requirements

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4TH GENERATION SHOE & LEATHER REPAIR
New Hobby Business
4th Generation Shoe & Leather Repair is a cobbler who provides shoe repair, zipper replacement and related services. GFF provided consulting and assistance to start the business.

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PAPACITO'S BURRITOS
New Business / Restaurant
Papacito's Burritos chooses Fergus Falls to open their 3rd restaurant location in Minnesota.

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TRAINING SERIES
Workforce Expansion / Retention
In conjunction with M State and West Central Initiative, Greater Fergus Falls is providing a business education training series centered on workforce development.
BUSINESS IS BOOMING
2019 Business Climate Success
Retail and business is booming in Fergus Falls. In 2019, Greater Fergus Falls helped several businesses with start-up efforts.

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COUNTRY FINANCIAL
Expansion / Gap Financing
Country Financial - Brian Riches Agency received gap financing for a business expansion and purchase of a new facility.

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WCI TRAINING GRANT
Workforce Training
In partnership with M State, GFF received a grant through West Central Initiatives to provide social media and Microsoft Office training.

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PURE AESTHETICS
Medical Aesthetic Practice
Pure Aesthetics is a medical aesthetic practice that promotes beautiful healthy skin. GFF provided consulting and assistance to help them succeed.

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MBFC GRANT
Technology Grant
Minnesota Business Finance Corporation (MBFC) recently awarded a grant to GFF to expand our website and online presence.

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CAR CHARGING STATION
Fergus Brewing Company
Continuing its’ progressive leadership, Fergus Brewing Company became the 2nd Fergus Falls business to offer a public electric car charging station.

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APPLETREE DENTAL
Dental Care Center
Appletree Dental's new state-of-the-art facility is the culmination of three years of work between several community partners.

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SUBZERO INSULATION
Spray Foam Provider
Along with the West Central Small Business Development Center, GFF assisted Mr. Randall in getting his new business started.

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VALLEY CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
Christian Counseling Center
Greater FF recently assisted Valley Christian Counseling in locating adequate space for a new office in Fergus Falls.

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SUGARBOMB
Pop-up Retail Boutique
Sugarbomb is a kid-owned and operated retail shop that sells over 100+ types of candy and regionally-made bath bombs.

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LUNA MOUNTAIN MARKETING
Digital Marketing Agency
Luna Mountain Marketing & Consulting specializes in social media marketing and restaurant consulting.

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