top of page

JOBS

SUCCESS STORIES

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.

bottom of page