At only one place along its path to the gulf, does the Mississippi slow down to enjoy its shores - this pause is at Lake Pepin.

Imagine a year in the future. Lake City, situated among the beautiful scenic river bluffs of Southeastern Minnesota, continues to become known for its strong economic base as well as it's quiet serenity as Lake Pepin yields its gently rolling waves to the numerous sail boating enthusiasts. The tourists that are not summer residents travel the Great River Road not only to see the spectacular sites but also to take a trip back in history in rural Minnesota. A stroll down memory lane includes visits to an old-time candy store and then a leisurely stroll along the three mile river walk as the sun sets on another beautiful day that leaves you at peace with the world.

Your company can be part of this vision for our community. It is with sincere interest that I offer this letter concerning Lake City, Minnesota. Thank you for your interest in our community.

Lake City, a community with 5,000 residents, is located on the Mississippi River, 65 miles southeast of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Beautiful Lake Pepin, the widest spot on the Mississippi, forms the eastern edge of our community. Quality of life is unsurpassed in Lake City. Year round recreational opportunities are abundant with over 400 acres of parks, beaches, ball fields and tennis courts being maintained. Lake City public school's student ranking is consistently above the state average and 90% of the graduating senior class attends post-secondary education or training.

Currently, land is available for development. This land is flat, dry land with some of it being adjacent to the major north-south arterial of the Canadian Pacific  Railroad thus allowing for rail access should it be needed. The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is approximately one hour away. Because of Lake City and Minnesota's central location, it costs 11% less than the national average to transport finished products to the major population centers.

The City owned Lake City Marina is the largest small craft marina on the Mississippi housing over 625 boats up to 55 feet in length. Summer residents of the marina have a diverse background and bring approximately $3 million into the community annually. 25% of the marina's slip holders come from the Twin Cities, 25% from Rochester, 20% from Iowa, and 25% from Lake City area. Transient business is also brisk as there are up to 85 boats visiting during any given week. The typical "average" slip holder is middle class and in their mid-40s.


Incentives for development do exist and include: tax increment financing, industrial revenue bonds, employee and management training, revolving loan funds, challenge grant loan program, Minnesota Investment Fund and SBA financing. The City and the EDA have been successful in partnering with organizations in packaging programs and gaining public acceptance for such companies as Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Products, Pepin Heights Orchards, Pepin Manufacturing, Bud Meyer Truck Lines, Inc., Valley Craft, Inc. and others utilizing not only local resources but regional, state and federal resources and incentives as well. We are willing to listen and open to other development options of what incentives may be needed to complete a project that makes good business sense to become involved in. The Common Council of the City of Lake City has been receptive to utilize available incentives for increasing the tax base and attracting livable wage jobs in the community. As a project proceeds, the Economic Development Authority will be responsible for assembling a financing package that meets both the company's and the city's expectations to allow the project to move forward.

Lake City has a very stable diverse economic background with companies offering the following products or services: sleeves and pistons, fireplace products, materials handling/metal fabrication, wildlife art & gifts, flour mill, wind tunnels, printing, polyurethane products, recycling of pallets and apple orchards as Lake City area orchards produce 25% of the apples grown in Minnesota annually. Lake City is also known as the nation's largest producer of the Haralson - the most popular apple grown in Minnesota.
 
As you can tell, Lake City has a lot to offer. Our superior quality of life is due to our strong sense of community and family. People care and are not afraid to show it. Lake City has the amenities of a large city coupled with the small town atmosphere. The Lake City Economic Development Authority looks forward to the opportunity of working with and for your company to get the job done.

Sincerely,
Ron Zeigler
Executive Director