The head of Minnesota’s employment and economic development agency will visit International Falls Monday in an effort to learn more about the operations and challenges Boise Inc.’s paper mill faces.

Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Mark Phillips, appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton in January, will tour the mill and meet with mill officials Monday.

Local leaders note that Phillips, originally from northern Minnesota, likely knows much about the woods products industry, but say they look forward to providing him with a better understanding of the local mill.

Prior to his appointment, Phillips worked for Kraus-Anderson Construction and spent time earlier in his career with the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.

International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason said the visit stems from the attendance of local officials at the Governor’s Job Summit in St. Paul in October.

“Our goal, as the International Falls Economic Development Authority, when we went to the Governor’s Job Summit was to build a relationship with the relatively new commissioner and, of course, with the governor as it relates to jobs and our economy in International Falls,” she said. “We want him to know what’s working and where our greatest opportunities lie.”

Mason said Phillips will spend time at the Boise mill in an effort to gain an understanding of the business in greater detail, as well as the mill’s successes and struggles. She said its especially important that Phillips understand the challenges the mill faces, and where his department could provide assistance that continue to grow the business.

“He needs to know that the business is stable and profitable and ready to ratchet it up to the next level,” she said.

Lori Lyman, Boise public affairs manager, said mill leaders appreciate the opportunity to play host to Phillip’s visit.

She called the visit a chance to “showcase the operation and expertise of the employees.”

“DEED can shape the view of our facility as well as the economic development needs of our community,” she said.

Paul Nevanen, director of Koochiching County’s lead economic development agency, said Phillip’s visit is valuable to the community.

Nevanen said Phillip’s is familiar with the community and has visited in the past in a different capacity.

“It’s good that he can get on the ground, meet the folks at Boise, focusing on where they are at, especially coming on the heels of (mill manager) Bert Brown’s comments (that the mill is stable and profitable).”

Mason said Phillips needs to know what state rules, regulations and policies make it difficult for Boise and other businesses to operate.

“Some policies and regulations are hindrances and unreasonable, and some need to be there, but there is regulation that is unreasonable and contrary to the governor’s vision of job creation,” she said.

She said Phillips can carry the information back to the governor and Legislature.

“I hope the DEED commissioner learns a lot about the wood products industry... but also to learn more about our major employer,” she said. “It can only improve life for our citizens, the employees and the company.”

Mason said the city’s EDA wants to be proactive in creating a better business environment to help the community and state.

Nevanen said the visit is also in line with the governor’s pledge to do everything he can for manufacturing and industry to remain competitive.

“He needs to understand the competitive challenges the mill faces and the flavor of what they do and how they do it,” he said.

Phillip’s visit, he said, can build more awareness among state officials about the opportunities in International Falls.