Interest from a company for a cold weather testing cold cell to be located in the International Falls facility was presented Wednesday to the Koochiching Economic Development Authority Board by Director Paul Nevanen.
The board agreed to form a subcommittee to structure the possible agreement.
Nevanen, who serves as the cold weather testing coordinator, explained that he is collaborating with a former cold weather testing customer that is looking to consolidate all its testing in the Falls.
The company — which he did not disclose — is interested in establishing a portable or fixed-option cold cell in addition to the 1,900-square-foot cell currently located at the facility.
“Part of our preliminary discussion is, in order for us to commit to something like this, we’d need a multi-year commitment,” Nevanen said of the interested client. “Initially, they were not open to the idea, but the last time we talked, they said they would be open to a five- to 10-year agreement.”
The company requested Nevanen determine cost figures for the cell, which he is working on.
He added that the cell may be constructed in a modular way so that it is movable.
“This could be a tremendous opportunity,” board member Mike Hanson said. “We have to jump on this or at least investigate more thoroughly.”
Nevanen said a conference call with the interested party is scheduled for later this month and he will have more details at the board’s next meeting.
In other business, the board agreed to give $500 to the Best Prep Minnesota Business Venture program.
Nevanen explained that the program is a one-week summer residential opportunity where high school students learn about business, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career direction.
“My recommendation is to sponsor this program to some degree,” Nevanen said. “Leadership starts with young people.”
Students from the county’s schools — International Falls, Littlefork-Big Falls and Indus — have been attending the program since 2008.
While the exact cost per student to attend the retreat was unclear, the board decided to give $500 to the program rather than a specific student.
“I would hate to pick and choose,” Hanson said.
Chairman Allen Rasmussen said the board would like to hear from a student who attends the retreat to reflect on their experience.
So far, one student from Falls High School has expressed interest in the program and Nevanen said school officials plan to have more sign up.
Jenny Dougherty, business counselor with the local Small Business Development Center reported that as of Jan. 1, she has 13 new clients, four of which have started a business.
She explained that a majority of her clients are using her one-on-one counseling services for accounting and budgeting assistance and that the bulk of them are in the International Falls area.
Nevanen provided the board with updates regarding foreign trade zone site development.
He explained that Koochiching County Engineer Doug Grindall will begin seeking bids for rock blasting in the FTZ, with support coming from Falls City Council and Ranier City Council.
Board member Gail Rognerud said the county will recover costs of the blasting by reusing the crushed materials for roads and site preparation.
“Will Hoyt, with the county highway department, has established a plan, at least in terms of defining a footprint and elevations, and we continue to work with Dave Serrano who is part of our team in working with wetlands,” Nevanen said. “I think we’ve got a pretty good handle on it in terms of planning and zoning.”
