Green light given to Reed's expansion in Walker Industrial Park - The Pilot Independent: News
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G r e e n light g i v e n t o R e e d ' s e x p a n s i o n in W a l k e r
Industrial Park
staff reports [email protected]
| Posted: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 9:05 am
In a joint meeting with the Cass County Board of Commissioners and Housing and Redevelopment
Authority (HRA) Aug. 6, a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district with authorized for an expansion o f
Reed's Family Outdoor Outfitters.
A combined warehouse and distribution center of 36,000 square feet will be built in Shingobee Township
in the Walker Industrial Park. Ten new jobs will be created over a two year period to fulfill and distribute
the orders from their website sales.
"Supporting a local business helps them expand and grow here. When government is supportive and
willing to work with local businesses, they (business owners) will become our best advocates for new
development," explained Gail Leverson, executive director of Cass County Economic Development
Corporation.
"Together we can all make a difference," stated Adam Arnold, owner of Reed's.
Reed's currently has employees driving 25-40 miles to work there. Arnold sees future job growth with
internet and national sales.
According to a summary from the Cass County Economic Development Corporation, Reed's has
between 33 and 45 employees.
Arnold provided a photo o f the proposed new buildings and explanation that they are planning
construction of a smaller warehouse project. He went on to state that, "With county and township
support, we can build the full distribution center project, as we have envisioned it."
After a review of the TIF plan by David Drown Associate Traci Ryan, Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk
asked about the bonding and indebtedness o f the county. Ryan provided an explanation of Pay as You
Go TIF and some different scenarios of risk for the county. It was also explained to the commissioners
that there was minimal risk in this type o f TIF plan as opposed to bonding. She explained what the
typical recourse would be for the county i f the project were to be in default.
Ryan then went on to explain that since this TIF district would be located in a township rather than a city,
legally a TIF needed to flow through the H R A Board.
"We are happy that we can partner on this project," stated Scott Wilson, executive director of the Cass
County HRA.
"Shingobee Township supports this 100 percent. It is good for the county, good for the township and for
3ur neighbors — the city of Walker," Ken Bresley said on behalf of the township. Bresley then presented
a resolution and letter of support from the township.
http://www.walkermn.com/news/article_79d314e4-0421 -11 e3-9b 19-001 a4bcf887a.html?mode=pr...
8/16/2013
Green light given to Reed's expansion in Walker Industrial Park - The Pilot Independent: News
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Chairman Dick Downham asked for public comment, and when no comment was heard, a motion was
made to close the public hearing.
Cass County HRA Board members Mike Nethercutt and Jean Klein motioned to approve their supporting
resolution. This was followed by motions from Commissioners Jim Dowson and Bob Kangas, and a vote
which approved creating a TIF District for the distribution center project.
http://www.walkermn.com/news/article_79d314e4-0421 -11 e3-9b 19-001 a4bcf887a.html?mode=pr...
8/16/2013