cathy mehelich

The St. Cloud Economic Development Director says the city saw more businesses open in 2020 than those that closed.

Local officials say jobs in the St. Cloud area have stabilized. Economic Development Director Cathy Mehelich says the area's largest private employers are reporting a steady workforce. She says the only real negative over the past year was the layoffs at Creative Memories.

New Flyer is planning to expand, and is looking for financial support from local governments. The nearly $5 million project would add 12,000 square feet to the St. Cloud facility, and add 136 new jobs in the next two years.

The St. Cloud Economic Development Authority will consider some tax incentives for a German manufacturing company that plans to create a plant here.

The city of St. Cloud will use a temporary provision outlined in the 2010 Minnesota Jobs Bill to try to spur economic growth. It allows cities which have cash balances in their tax increment financing districts to offer forgivable loans for certain construction projects or major renovations.

St. Cloud's newly created Economic Development Authority is holding meetings this week to develop a strategic plan for its future. EDA Director Cathy Mehelich says this is a new organization and they need a clear set of goals and initiatives.