Fairmont and Martin County Are Partners in Economic Development

Fairmont, Minnesota, is supported by the Fairmont Economic Development Authority (FEDA), which works to grow existing businesses, attract new ones, and support current and future residents. However, FEDA doesn’t always operate on its own. Instead, it collaborates with other economic development teams at the county, region, and state levels. One essential partner is the Martin County Economic Development Agency (EDA).

“Our goal is to grow Fairmont and bring opportunities to the community,” says Ned Koppen, Economic Development Coordinator at FEDA. “If a business expands in greater Martin County, that job growth benefits everyone in the region. The increased salaries and employment, for example, can lead to increased spending at small businesses in Fairmont.”

Companies moving to the region might work with FEDA or the Martin County EDA, depending on their location goals. However, both departments do everything they can to support the best interests of Martin County residents. 

Multiple Communities in Martin County Are Growing

Fairmont is the largest city in Martin County. While the county itself has 20,000 residents, about 10,000 live in or around Fairmont. This city has the most amenities in the county, including a Walmart and county-level government offices.

However, other towns in Martin County shouldn’t be overlooked, and residents in those municipalities also want new jobs, businesses, and amenities to make life more enjoyable. CEDA works with various towns in the region to create opportunities for them. A few examples include:  

• Sherburn is building a brand-new K-12 school that will support additional families while providing modern learning experiences for students.  
• Truman owns multiple lots that are being prepared for future housing developments, allowing for population growth.  
• Trimont recently closed its assisted living facility, but the new owner is evaluating potential uses for the property. 
• Northrop is working to create a housing and redevelopment authority (HRA).

Even if these towns aren’t growing immediately, they are developing plans and infrastructure to support future growth. The Martin County EDA helps its community leaders reach their goals of providing better housing, education, and job opportunities for residents.

“We want to make sure these communities are worth living in,” says Amber Patten of CEDA, who serves as Economic and Business Development Specialist with Martin County. “I love helping the small towns and bringing new things to them.” 

FEDA Works With Martin County to Identify Tax Incentives

FEDA works on business attraction and expansion efforts to support the Fairmont economy, and often reaches out to the Martin County EDA to discuss incentive options. The city and county can offer tax abatements to relocating businesses, making Fairmont and Martin County appealing and profitable to relocate to. The FEDA and Martin County EDA teams will crunch the numbers and look for opportunities to support these new companies.  

“We want people to come to Martin County and want to help businesses that are just starting out,” says Patten. “We also want to help businesses that have been part of Martin County forever.”

Patten enjoys what she does as a supporter of Martin County. It allows her to work with communities across the region and assist them in various ways.

“Every day is something new,” she says. “One day I’m working on grants, the next day I’m working on a policy, and the next is a business visit.”

Her passion for Southeast Minnesota and excitement for economic development make her an asset to the Martin County EDA and a great partner for FEDA. Together, both agencies can continue to grow Fairmont and support the high quality of life here. 

Martin County Contracts Staffing With CEDA 

The Martin County EDA has a contract with the Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), which provides economic development services. CEDA started as the Southeastern Minnesota Development Corporation and has since expanded into Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

“We do everything from grant writing, planning, zoning, workforce development, and economic development work,” says Patten. “If I can’t find an answer to a problem, I know I can reach out to my colleagues.”

This hivemind is one of the benefits of contracting with CEDA. There are about 50 employees at CEDA, and Patten can use them to brainstorm solutions and find opportunities to move projects forward. Many team members have several years – if not decades – of experience in the economic development space. 

Learn More About Projects Managed by FEDA

There’s a lot going on across Fairmont, including projects that improve downtown buildings and increase housing inventory. These resources and support systems help individuals in Fairmont while encouraging business growth and development. Together, we can continue to create a Fairmont that residents are proud of and attract the next generation to Martin County.

Contact us to discuss programs and opportunities in the region.