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Why not work

where you can play?

Your dream begins with BLAEDC

The Greater Brainerd Lakes Area is one of the fastest-growing regions in Minnesota. Stories abound of corporate employees fleeing the stress of an unbalanced work/home life in favor of a slower pace nestled in nature. With the help and support of the Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC), businesses are offering their employees a relaxed atmosphere enhanced by extraordinary natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Brainerd Lakes Area is the perfect place to expand or relocate a business or start a new venture.

Locate your business in the Greater Brainerd Lakes Area and grow with us.

The Greater Brainerd Lakes Area is a vacation destination. But don’t let all the lakes, trees, and golf courses fool you, this area is also a thriving regional business hub. A growing number of companies have realized the many benefits of locating in this area and are working together to energize the community. Come join them!

Start here.

Your dream begins with BLAEDC

You’re beginning to believe your dream can be a reality. But where do you start? We’re here to help by sharing necessary steps, identifying key resources, and connecting you with a supportive community of like-minded professionals. We know what it takes to build a business in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Begin with us.

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Photo courtesy of Randall R Harrison

Since 1987, BLAEDC has actively supported the economic vitality of our communities.

WE BELIEVE IN THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA as a great place to work, play, and raise a family. We support the vitality of our communities through traditional economic development efforts as well as innovative lending, recruiting, and other programs for businesses.

We’re a non-profit organization led by local business leaders. We are funded by community partners and members who believe in our mission. Through this funding we provide free and low-cost services to businesses looking to move, expand or start in Crow Wing County.

Grow here.

Your hard work is paying off. What’s next?

Your business is growing. You’re checking off goals and adding new ones to the list. BLAEDC can help you make decisions about developing new products and services, moving into new markets, or expanding your facilities — plus much more. We’re here for whatever you’re checking off next. Ready? Let’s grow!

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Photo courtesy of Grandview Lodge

Thank you to our Executive Sponsors.

Move here.

Why not work where you play?

There’s a lot to love about the Brainerd Lakes Area. The recreational opportunities are well-known, but look a little closer and you’ll find a talented workforce, award-winning schools, and a world-class broadband infrastructure. You’ll also find easy access to other markets, including Minneapolis/St. Paul.

BLAEDC can be your guide when you’re ready to make the move, or even when you’re simply ready to ask “Why don’t I work where I play?”

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Photo courtesy of Chuck Carlson

Proudly serving these communities.

Brainerd/Baxter

Area

Cuyuna Lakes

Area

Lakes Region

Area

What People Are Saying About Us

“Tyler and the team at BLAEDC have been advocates for funding sources that enhances economic growth through fiber broadband deployments.  They have supported local initiatives, state grant programs and federal resource funding as they see the importance of infrastructure in our rural communities.  BLAEDC is also an excellent resource for connecting business leaders and networking business relationships.”

Kristi Westbrock
CTC

“BLAEDC’s knowledge of the Brainerd Lakes area was a key part in helping us find a location for our new service center that will help us continue providing reliable natural gas service to our customers. We appreciate their dedication, professionalism and commitment to our project.”

Mark Osendorf
Xcel Energy

“The BLAEDC staff, led by Tyler Glynn, has made their organization available for assistance on several occasions. One recent one was assisting Crow Wing County in the distribution of the Federal Cares Act funds. Their due diligence assisting business’s with understanding and meeting the criteria for application was invaluable to the business community and Crow Wing County. This is an outstanding organization with great staff and leadership.”

Steve Barrows
CWC Commissioner

“Pequot Tool & Mfg. started working with BLAEDC back in the late 1980’s with our parents.  BLAEDC helped them find affordable financing to build a new building and add machinery and expand our our business, so we could bring on new employees to grow our sales.   Today, we see value in BLAEDC helping us find key people, to continue to help grow our business.”

Karlo Goerges
CEO, Pequot Tool and Mfg., Inc.

“Navigating complex financing paths can be stifling.  BLAEDC is very instrumental in making those connections as well as business contacts and site selection.”

Tom and Ellen Haglin
Owners, LINDAR Corporation/Avantech

“BLAEDC has been instrumental in helping us develop relationships that led us to locate and more importantly grow our business in the Brainerd Lakes area over the last 20 years.”

Mike Dillon
President, Lexington Manufacturing

“BLAEDC was instrumental in our move to Baxter.  Mike and Sheila met with us to connect us to organizations and individuals in this area that paved the way to a smooth transition for our family.  Mike not only introduced us to business contacts, but also set up meetings for us to meet with the school district and tour Forestview Middle School at which both our children will attend this fall.  We appreciated the warm welcome to the Baxter/Brainerd area!”

Brad and Paula Chapulis
Baxter Residents