About

The Koochiching Economic Development Authority (KEDA) was created by statute in 2000 as a joint powers development authority between the City of International Falls and Koochiching County. The KEDA was created to centralize and coordinate the economic development efforts throughout Koochiching County.

Focus

-Job Retention

-Creation

-Diversification

Meeting & Membership

The KEDA meets monthly and its membership consists of two Koochiching County Commissioners, two members of the International Falls City Council, one state legislator, and two at-large members from Koochiching County.

Purpose

The KEDA is the point of contact for businesses looking to start, expand, or locate in Koochiching and can assist in site selection, economic assistance, workforce information, and simplifying the process.

Partnerships

-The county’s revolving loan fund (KOOCHCO)

-The Small Business Development Center

-Rainy River Community College

-Other local and regional loan funds and development agencies.

In these times of globalization and challenging business environment, Koochiching County can provide not only a competitive location to conduct business but also offer the balance of a high quality of life. The KEDA understands the changing dynamic of business needs and continues to evolve to provide the essential groundwork for business success including:

-Four business/industrial parks totaling more than 100 acres.

-Foreign Trade Zone designation (County-wide).

-High-speed telecommunications including fiber.

-International Airport with multiple commercial flights to Minneapolis daily.

-Rainy River Community College offers custom workforce training.

-Low tax rates relative to other areas.

-Customs port of entry for vehicle and rail traffic.

-Affordable housing.

The KEDA has a variety of tools to assist business start-up, expansion, or relocation including:

-Foreign Trade Zones

-Gap financing

-Workforce training assistance

-Access to local and regional loan funds/programs

-Tax increment financing

-Tax Abatement

-Business Park Incentives

Mission Statement

The Koochiching Economic Development Authority’s mission is to recruit new business and encourage expansion and business retention in Koochiching County.

Organization and Role Statement

The Koochiching Economic Development Authority is a non-profit economic development authority for Koochiching County. The organization is comprised of two county commissioners, two elected officials from the City of International Falls, two at-large representatives and an elected state representative. Its function is to coordinate the various economic development efforts throughout Koochiching County.

KEDA Board Members

-Allen Rasmussen – Chairman

-Mike Hanson – Vice Chairman

-Commissioner Brian McBride – Treasurer

-Commissioner Wade Pavleck

-Councilor Walt Buller

-Mayor Harley Droba