2023 EDA Annual Report

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2023 EDA ANNUAL REPORT!

The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) had a very busy 2023! The year began in recovery mode from the December 2022 fire, when EDA and City staff immediately began assembling economic development tools to support redevelopment. In addition to a $250k state recovery grant and a state sales tax exemption on building materials, EDA staff successfully authored a $313k DEED Redevelopment grant and began preparatory documentation for tax increment financing that will pave the way for a new, three-story, mixed-use building. Staff have also been working to identify a new hardware store owner and store location, meeting with three different franchise brands and a number of interested entrepreneurs.

Over the past few years, the EDA has been working hard to attract more dining establishments to the community, and in fall 2023, Fiesta Rosita opened in downtown Spring Grove! Marketing efforts and the creation of the Restaurant Challenge program brought in more than 25 interested parties, and of those 25, eight were given tours of vacant spaces, five requested and received support on business planning and financing, and we assisted two with negotiating a potential lease agreement. Ultimately Fiesta Rosita was able to occupy the former Doc’s and Norski’s spaces, and hungry Spring Grove residents rejoiced. Fat Pat’s Brewery, who received Restaurant Challenge grant funding, will open in a new downtown location in spring 2024.

In addition to business development, the Spring Grove EDA has also dedicated staff time to the Spring Grove 2030 subcommittee, administering an $80k grant from the Blandin Foundation. Grant funds are currently being used for community engagement, planning, and a feasibility study for community and cultural center amenities.

“How do you grow a small town? Spring Grove is finding out.” This was the title of an article published on the front page of the Star Tribune newspaper in late 2023. Despite the challenges in recovering from the fire and the layoffs at Northern Engraving, there remains a feeling of hope and progress in Spring Grove.

We have a lot to be proud of! Thank you for your continued support of the Spring Grove EDA and dedication to the City of Spring Grove.

With gratitude,

Courtney Bergey Swanson and Rebecca Charles