Progress Edition 2023 SEPTEMBER 2 & 6, 2023
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Described as upscale, the Pinehurst Apartments will include a state-of-the-art exercise room, pet washing stations, game room, community room, and apartments with in-home laundry and private balconies or patios.
CHALLENGES IN A TIGHT LABOR MARKET ABOUND
but so does optimism about the future
A look at the lakes region’s growth, wages, worker shortages, affordable housing and where workers will come from in the future Renee Richardson Brainerd Dispatch Brainerd nother busy summer season draws to a close across the lakes region punctuating a year of growth and construction as area cities upgrade infrastructure, housing options rise and new businesses join the community while others expand. “I’ve had lots of conversations with business owners and managers,” said Matt Kilian, Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce president, when asked about the lakes area’s economy and development. “By nearly all accounts, business continues to boom in the lakes area.” Area resorts scrambling with the late snowmelt were ready for the start of the tourist season with Memorial Day weekend, Kilian noted. And the Highway 371 Welcome Center, south of Brainerd, had more than 2,000 more visitors in June and July than last year.
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For video, see brainerddispatch. com “The ability for people to work remotely has definitely extended our tourism season into the fall,” Kilian said. “... Overall, I don’t foresee any reason why our economy won’t keep going strong in 2024. We have a diverse set of industries so our eggs are not all in one basket. Through COVID, we’ve also learned how to quickly adapt and overcome challenges, which makes us more resilient and better connected as a community. I’d expect local business revenues and employee wages will continue to increase although maybe not quite at the rate we’ve seen over the past few years.” In a regional profile of economic development of the multi-county area, the Department of Employment and
Economic Development reported wages were climbing across the board for all workers due to rising demand and a tight labor market. “While wages were still lowest for the youngest workers who tend to fill lower-skilled, less-than-fulltime jobs in industries like retail trade and Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch accommodation and The Lofts at Novotny will include a community room with serving kitchen, outdoor food services, the two community patio, climate-controlled storage options for residents and 33 tuck youngest age groups under and detached garages. enjoyed the fastest downtown Brainerd other places gaining in Brainerd on June percentage increase with the building new owners like the 612 1, 2023. Lexington in wages from 2010 now for sale, creating Station as it becomes the Manufacturing makes to 2020. Wages were a new opportunity. Blue Oyster in Brainerd parts and components highest for workers and the former Baxter between 45 and 64 years And there is renewed for the largest door Cafe as it becomes of age,” DEED reported. interest in reopening manufacturers in Ippin Ramen and Hiring signs dominate the Northwind Grille North America. “We and providing another Sushi. Dunkin’ Donuts the landscape from love being a member option for breakfast in announced its plans to manufacturing to of the Brainerd lakes the community. redevelop a corner in service to fast food. community and In addition, more Brainerd with a new The inability to hire being able to provide intrepid small business location. staff was a key piece jobs for its hardowners took a chance In retail, Hobby Lobby working people,” Mike in the closing of the and opened stores with and Michaels both Northwind Grille Dillon, Lexington new shops like High opened their new stores Manufacturing and the Sawmill Inn Wheel Confectionary in in Baxter this year. restaurants in Brainerd president, stated in Ironton, Wood, Wax and In manufacturing, and listed as a reason a news release this Wearables in downtown for the closure of Lexington summer. the Loide Oils and Brainerd or Play it Again Manufacturing PROGRESS: PAGE 2 Vinegars store in Sports in Baxter and celebrated 25 years
Table of Contents Optimism abounds for the future of the labor market ............................. 1 Meet the Maremma sheepdogs of Pequot Lakes ................................... 9 It’s a boom period for area handymen .................................................... 9 Bear Trax Store & Hardware is more than just a little store ..................17 Readers submit their favorite area small businesses.............................17 Businesses cautiously optimistic about workforce shortage .................18 Small business booms in Little Falls .................................................... 25
Keeping it natural and relaxed at Woodlore Cider .................................25 Since 1964 YDE’s has filled a niche ..................................................... 33 Jenkins Industrial Park opens opportunities ......................................... 33 Employees key to Elite Fence and Deck’s success ............................. 33 Manufacturing expands in Brainerd area ..............................................41 Revolv Manufacturing spins into rotomolding success ..........................41 For companion videos and photo galleries to go with the stories profiled in the annual Progress Labor Day edition go to the Dispatch homepage www.brainerddispatch.com where readers, viewers and listeners will find links to videos and photos. Readers can also connect with Dispatch stories via a daily podcast, the Brainerd Dispatch Minute.