Efforts to make a new joint economic development plan for the area started Tuesday with initial roundtable discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of the community and how the community could grow in the future.

Stakeholders from various businesses and local governments met with representatives of Ady Advantage, the consultant firm selected to develop the plan, at the Albert Lea Business Development Center. The firm, out of Madison, Wisconsin, specializes in economic development and site selection for economic development organizations.

The plan is being sought through a partnership with the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, the city of Albert Lea, Freeborn County and the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau.

During the first roundtable, the group identified the city’s lakes, historic downtown, location, strong sense of community and education opportunities among some of the areas assets.

Brad Kirchner of U.S. Bank said the downtown is “taking off hugely” and malls are being repurposed.

Tami Staker, owner of Whimzy, said the growth in the downtown is a testament of how investments have paid off. She said there still need to be more entertainment venues and restaurants in the downtown and an expansion in hours that downtown businesses are open.

Tricia Dahl of Mayo Clinic Health System said the Blue Zones Project has changed the tone of how people approach the community and created a focus on walkability and healthy living.

Sarah Nelson of Intego Insurance said there is an increased focus on outdoor activities available in Albert Lea, though there is still room for the word of that to spread.

Some of the areas discussed where there could be improvements included opportunities for young adults ages 20s to 30s, affordable housing, messaging of the community’s successes, transportation and child care. There is also a low unemployment, creating challenges for companies to find employees.

When asked about improvements that could be made, Dustin Trail of Trail’s Travel Center said he thinks work needs to be done to streamline the process for building permits to make it easier for businesses looking to expand.

Kevin Dulitz of intellicents said he thinks there needs to be an increased effort to teach high school students and Riverland students of the benefits of two-year degrees.

Lori Broghammer of ITC Midwest talked about how much easier it was for her company to build new transmission lines in Iowa compared to how it was to build the same length of line in Minnesota.

She also said she thinks Albert Lea needs a convention center.

Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen said she would like to see bison at Myre-Big Island State Park that would bring in visitors. She would also like to see restaurants on the lakes and an RV Park.

Bryan Skogheim of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services said he thinks one of the greatest assets of Albert Lea is its businesses, and more needs to be done to help businesses find employees. He thinks workforce is one of the biggest things holding businesses back from expanding.

Ryon McCamish of Big Nose Marketing, said he thinks Albert Lea is missing opportunities for more technology-based businesses, that could attract younger people to the community.

Dennis Dieser of the Albert Lea Family Y, who is also on the Albert Lea school board, said he thinks local governments need to work together better as a cohesive unit.

Kirchner also discussed the importance of choices for residents and for competition.

Other roundtable discussions were slated for the afternoon.

Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Executive Director Phillip Johnson said the roundtable discussions were just one part of the process for Ady Advantage, and there will be later opportunities for the public to provide input on the strategic plan, including a presentation of the draft report, once ready.

Look to the Tribune for more information about these opportunities as they are scheduled.