Today is a Great Day to do Business in Moorhead
By Jamee Larson
Throughout the Red River Valley, there are countless organizations working behind the scenes to secure a high quality of life for an ever-increasing population. Their efforts bring about the kind of progress and change people clamor for, though often with little credit and recognition. It is because of their dedication that the region continues to be a place of success and opportunity. One of those organizations is the Moorhead Business Association. Established in 2010, the MBA is dedicated to increasing the visibility and profitability of its members by advocating for a positive business environment within the city of Moorhead. In three short years, the organization has grown from a handful of members to over 100. “We are definitely moving forward,” said Executive Director Chuck Chadwick. “We have made great strides in a relatively short time.”
In 1958, a group of businessmen identified several economic development needs for the City of Moorhead and formed the Greater Moorhead Development Corporation to attract business, light industry, and jobs to the city. The GMDC became involved in the original industrial park and the Center Mall in downtown Moorhead. In the later years, the organization was primarily involved behind the scenes providing financing and land acquisition for start-ups. Fifty years after its inception, a renewed focus on business retention and expansion led to a GMDC approved grant that established the MBA. Since 2010, the MBA has operated behind the mission to create a friendly and successful business environment within the city.
Because of its location, the City of Moorhead is often compared to the City of Fargo. Many people erroneously believe that the only thing separating the two cities is the Red River. In reality, however, the cities are vastly different in terms of city and state governments. That is not to say that either city/state is better or worse than the other, but a side-by-side comparison is not reasonable unless those legislative differences are taken into account. One can look to the cities of Grand Forks (ND) / East Grand Forks (MN) and Wahpeton (ND) / Breckenridge (MN) to see similar situations in terms of bedroom communities that parallel state lines.
Organizations like the MBA see the city’s location in terms of both opportunities and challenges. They believe that Moorhead can thrive within its own borders and continue to be more than just Fargo’s tag-along. Moorhead is currently home to over 800 small businesses (defined by employing ten or fewer employees). Many members of the business community felt they were not being served, that their voice was getting lost in the political shuffle. The MBA was born out of a desire for a group that focused solely on Moorhead businesses. “We try to tell their story,” Chadwick said, adding that the MBA understands that a main solution to the city’s current and future economic issues lies in a strong and vibrant local business sector.
The MBA believes that their main economic development strategy should focus on helping existing businesses survive and prosper. Although new businesses are always welcome in any city, the heart and soul often exists within businesses that have stood the test of time. It is those businesses that often provide the base from which the city can grow and prosper. “We want to focus on improving the businesses we already have,” Chadwick explained. “Our mission is to help those businesses survive, grow, and be profitable.”
Because the business community in Moorhead is centered largely around small businesses, it can be difficult to secure a place on the political table. Small businesses are often run by owner/operators who also participate in everyday operations. Taking time to attend meetings or political-related events often means lost productivity and/or profits. On the other hand, large businesses often employ people whose duties include such activities. As a result, large businesses often have the loudest voice in political discussions, even though decisions affect businesses across the board. Enter the MBA. “We want everyone’s input to be heard,” Chadwick said. “We are members of the Chamber of Commerce and the Moorhead Economic Development Authority. We speak for Moorhead.”
Even though the MBA has grown to include over 100 members, Chadwick knows that there are many businesses who still are not involved. “We want to convince all businesses that there is a place for them,” he said. “We need input from everyone to move the Moorhead business community forward.” Change of any kind takes time and more importantly, participation. It is easy to point out problems; it is something else to help solve them. Businesses that participate in the MBA are provided with an avenue to address the issues and concerns that affect their daily operations. “With the MBA supporting and facilitating specific issues, we can synergize the needs of individual businesses and help influence the governing bodies of Moorhead,” Chadwick explained.
The MBA has covered a great deal of ground since its inception. Progress, however, requires continual movement. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.” Chadwick estimates that the MBA has accomplished 80% of its initial goals. That doesn’t mean that he is satisfied. “We need to figure out where we go from here,” he said. “We want to continue moving forward.”
MBA membership is open to any interested individuals or groups (regardless of size) who are interested in ensuring that “It is a great day to do business in Moorhead” continues to be a reality, not just a collection of words. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. Likewise, it takes the business community working together to keep the City of Moorhead and the surrounding area moving forward.
More information about the Moorhead Business Association can be found at www.moorheadbusinessassociation.org.