EDC tells Moorhead council about site‑readiness, bioscience summit and regional economic gains

Joe Rassell, president and CEO of the Fargo‑Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (EDC), presented a Moorhead engagement packet to the Moorhead City Council on Aug. 10 and outlined programs intended to attract and retain employers in the region.

Rassell described the EDC’s document‑ready site program, certified industrial sites (including the Makara Industrial Park) and the organization’s role in bringing national site consultants to evaluate regional sites. “Our mission is to serve primary sector companies,” he told the council, saying the EDC supports firms that sell products and services beyond the region. He said the EDC’s funding is roughly split between private and public sources and that about 130 private organizations participate in the regional partnership.

Rassell highlighted workforce and talent initiatives, including a bioscience summit scheduled for Oct. 21 that brings high‑school and higher‑education students together with industry, and a smart‑book resource that compiles available assistance programs for businesses. He cited regional figures used in the packet: roughly 171 projects in recent years with about $9.2 billion in investment, and a sample analysis suggesting those cross‑border employee relationships contribute just shy of $200,000 annually in property‑tax revenue for Moorhead.

The EDC presentation also referenced ongoing attraction conversations around projects such as DG Fuels and noted targeted support for existing local companies. Council members asked follow‑up questions about the definitions and local implications; the EDC team offered to provide additional materials and to work with city staff on outreach.