Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County approves economic development coordinator certification; grant covers most cost
Summary
The board approved county economic development coordinator Lehi Sauter attending International Economic Development Council certification courses; the Initiative Foundation will provide $5,000 and the county will pay the remaining balance from the 2025 economic development budget.
The Pine County Board approved training for Economic Development Coordinator Lehi Sauter to pursue International Economic Development Council (IEDC) certifications over the next two years, with partial grant funding.
The board authorized Sauter to enroll in IEDC courses leading to Certified Economic Developer and Entrepreneurship Development Professional credentials online. Meeting materials listed a total course and exam cost of $7,464, reduced to $6,035 because several courses were waived for prior experience. The Initiative Foundation will provide $5,000 toward the training; the remaining balance will be paid from the 2025 economic development budget, according to staff.
During brief discussion a board member asked whether the city of Pine City shares training costs; staff said the city pays the county for contracted economic development services and does not separately reimburse for training items. One speaker said, “So bottom line, it's costing That's $2,035,” reflecting an arithmetic discrepancy in the floor comments; staff did not state a different final county share on the record at the time of the vote.
A motion to approve the training and accept the grant support was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote with all commissioners present voting in favor.
