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Chamber reports pandemic impacts; staff updates on prospects, MnDOT speed study and ambulance grants
Summary
The Harmony Chamber reported steep drops in visitor inquiries and postponed its 125th celebration; EDA staff updated the board on MnDOT speed study outreach, potential downtown building renovations, industrial prospects, and two grant applications — about $23,000 for ambulance hazard pay/PPE and about $22,000 for a motorized cot and lift.
At the May 7 meeting the chamber representative, Melissa Vander Plas, told the EDA board the chamber has been meeting every other week to respond to fast-changing pandemic conditions. Vander Plas said visitor center inquiries and Explore Minnesota referrals were down sharply compared with a typical year; the chamber postponed the 125th celebration to 2021 but is considering a limited Fourth of July event with social-distancing measures and noted concerns about volunteer availability for events because many volunteers fall into higher‑risk categories.
EDA staff member Chris Giesen updated the board on several community and prospect matters: he relayed that the board’s resolution concerning a speed study on Highway 52 had been sent to MnDOT with no response yet; two downtown buildings may need major renovations in the near term; staff reported two new industrial-park prospects and ongoing contact with Dairyland. Giesen also said he had helped the ambulance department apply for an approximately $23,000 grant for hazard pay and PPE and an approximately $22,000 USDA grant to purchase a motorized cot and lift for a new ambulance rig. The board reviewed the monthly CEDA grant report and asked staff to follow up with Harmony Telephone about planned 2020 fiber‑optic internet installation.
