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Executive Summary STAKEHOLDER AND EMPLOYER INPUT During the on -site visit Ady Advantage conducted interviews with nearly 20 stakeholders to gain input. The stakeholders included a mix of local businesses, local economic developers, educational institutions and workforce representatives, real estate representatives, etc. These individuals provided input on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the region. The following key themes emerged: • Positive perceptions of the county revolve around doing business in the county and quality of life. Proximity to Minneapolis/St. Paul is a benefit to businesses as well as residents from a quality of life perspective. Other business advantages include supply chain opportunities, work ethic of employees and business engagement in the community. From a quality of life perspective, perceptions are that Anoka County has a variety of housing options available and good public schools. Many of the communities are also perceived to be safe with low crime and low poverty. • The biggest negative perception of the county is that anything north of Minneapolis/St. Paul is extremely remote and rural, and that there is only blue collarjobs in this area. • Talent is currently one of the biggest challenges for local employers, both attracting and retaining talent. The local educational institutions in the region have done a good job of responding to employers' needs, however, employers are competing for labor with Minneapolis/St. Paul. • The biggest opportunities that stakeholders see for the county include changing the negative perceptions of the county, continuing to improve transportation infrastructure and developing clarity and cohesiveness between the cities and the county. Voltedge, Inc. dba Ady Advantage 1 301 S. Blount St, Suite 103 1 Madison, WI 53703 1 608.663.9218 1 AdyAdvantage.com