A Look at Economic Development Activity
Greetings! I am your newest feature writer for The Extra. Look for my article each month for an inside look at the most current, edge of your seat, hot off the press economic development activities in the community. I have been on staff with the City of Moorhead as the Economic Development Director for the past year and a half.
Let me take a moment to introduce myself. Before coming to Moorhead I was a bank manager with private sector experience working with small to large companies on pro-growth strategies. I’m an advocate for a competitive private enterprise market that stimulates economic vitality.
Over the past several years the Fargo-Moorhead region has experienced substantial private sector investment in development and redevelopment projects. The region weathered the “Great Recession” well, with a slight leveling off during the 2008 to 2012 time period. Today, the business climate is the strongest it has been in years with financial institutions more willing to lend, investors willing to take risks, and folks like you committed to putting your dollars back into the goods and services being sold right here in our community.
Moorhead is a growing community in a growing metropolitan area. It is absolutely crystal clear that many great things are happening in our backyards. Sometimes we need a reminder that this is an outstanding place to live, raise a family, work, and enjoy the beautiful natural resources along with a superb arts and culture scene. In the past two years we have had significant development in nearly every corner of the City. Here are some examples of recent expansions of existing business and new businesses choosing to call Moorhead home.
Sam’s Club
Menard’s
Sanford Medical
Creative Care for Reaching Independence expansion
Grizzly’s Wood Fired Grill opened in the former Bennigan’s
Microtel Hotel
D&M Industries, a national leader in manufacturing doors and windows expanded in the Industrial Park
Hornbacher’s Foods and Paces Lodging broke ground on their new project off 8th Street South and 40th Avenue South
Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead’s only brewery expanded into a full-service taproom
Moorhead Billiards demolished portions of the former Coach’s/Trader and Trapper site to redevelop it into a sports and entertainment venue with restaurant and bar
Ken Martin of MIG Entertainment announced plans for a multi-venue entertainment complex on 30th Avenue South in the former Sunmart space
Rustica Eatery and Tavern moved into the former John Alexander’s and Juano’s space at the Kassenborg Building on Main Avenue and 4th Street
The Moorhead Center Mall with new leadership has seen increased traffic, new storefronts, and special events
If you have not taken a second look at Moorhead lately, I encourage you to take another glance. This is Moorhead’s time as citizens, developers, and as entrepreneurs to take our community to the next level. We are moving forward and eagerly welcome you along!
Surviving in Style Fashion Show
FM Breast Friends, a local breast cancer support group, is partnering with the Moorhead Center Mall for a fundraiser fashion show. “Surviving in Style” will feature area breast cancer survivors and/or family members to reveal the latest and greatest in fashion. Local WDAY News Anchor Kerstin Kealy will be hosting the event along with Natalie Sparrow (owner of Ultimage Image Model & Talent) whom will be the choreographer.
Fall fashion provided by Herbergers, The Classic, Christopher & Banks along with MISS Boutique. Hair & Makeup created by Mane Impressions, Lisa McDonald and Violet Deilke.
Surviving in Style will be held Saturday, October 11 from 11 – 2 in the commons area (near City Hall) of Moorhead Center Mall. Free burger baskets sponsored by Vic’s Lounge from 12 – 2.
All money raised will go to the FM Breast Friends group.
Narcotics Trafficking Arrests
Two arrested locally trafficking large amounts of Marijuana
On Thursday October 2nd, 2014 Moorhead Police arrested Thomas Lloyd Schultz and Jesse Wayne Kuehl (Both 26 year old and from Fargo) during a traffic stop as a result of an on-going drug investigation involving Investigators from the Moorhead Police Department and Cass County Drug Task Force. Police seized 1 ½ pounds of Marijuana ($5,000 value), $2,725 U.S. Currency, and a 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue as a result of this investigation. Both are being held in the Clay County Jail pending a Long Form Complaint for Felony 4th and 5th Degree Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Conspiracy.
These two individuals are part of a group that has been trafficking large amounts of Marijuana into the Fargo-Moorhead area from the West Coast of the United States. Multiple arrests have been made within the past year reference to members of this organization. The investigation remains on-going into the members and activities of this group.
On June 17th, 2014, Moorhead Police had arrested Thomas Schultz as a result of a patrol traffic stop. Seized at that time was just under 5 pounds of Marijuana, $10,660 U.S. Currency, and a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette.
Concordia to present
Homecoming Concert
Concordia Music Organizations presents the Concordia College Homecoming Concert at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 in Memorial Auditorium.
The concert will begin with The Concordia Band, under the direction Dr. Peter Haberman ’97, performing works by Shostakovich and Mackey. Next will be The Concordia Orchestra, conducted by Foster Beyers, performing works by Strauss and Beethoven. The concert will conclude with The Concordia Choir, conducted by Michael Smith, performing works by Bach and Berger, among others, and bringing the concert to a close with F. Melius Christiansen’s arrangement of “Beautiful Savior.” The concert is free and open to the public.
Early Morning Fire Burns
Roof Off South Moorhead Duplex
Early damage estimate is at least $105,000.
At 4:21 am on Saturday, October 4th, Moorhead Fire crews were dispatched to a fire on the deck of a duplex at 3541 10th Street South in Moorhead. The homeowner discovered the fire who alerted one other occupant of the home and neighbors in the adjoining unit of the duplex who called 911. The fire progressed rapidly, extending to the vinyl siding, through the soffit and into the attic. Crews arrived to find the back side of the house on fire with flames extending through the roof vents.
Fire damaged the entire roof, a portion of which collapsed into house. The remaining portions of the home suffered extensive damage from smoke, water and collapse debris. Early damage estimate is at least $105,000. All occupants escaped the building safely. One firefighter was evaluated for minor injuries and released at the scene by F-M Ambulance. The adjoining unit suffered some water damage with a firewall separating the units remaining intact during the fire.
The fire was caused by discarded smoking materials. The Moorhead Fire Department reminds residents to use a sturdy ashtray or can with a wide base, filled with sand or water to collect cigarette butts. Put it out, all the way, every time. Do not store or use cigarette receptacles near vinyl siding.