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Draft EDC Minutes <br />August 21, 2015 <br />Page 2 of 6 <br /> <br />developer didn’t think luxury apartments would fit the business model for this area. <br />However, they are a grade below luxury. Commissioner Freichels mentioned how much <br />he enjoyed the developer tour and learned of the new trends in modern apartments. <br /> <br />Business Retention & Expansion Visit (BR&E) Updates <br /> <br />Coordinator Beeman informed the Commission that he has been very busy visiting <br />businesses in the past month. Nine businesses were visited. <br /> <br />Zero Gravity: Started because the owners wanted to start a business that fit the lifestyle <br />of their five kids that was fun. They were looking at installing a commercial kitchen but <br />found that it was cost prohibitive. They are, however, looking at starting their second <br />location soon. <br /> <br />Jonco Die: They manufacture steel rule cutting dies. The industry is moving to digital <br />technology. They moved to Mounds View from Minneapolis in 2000 because of Eminent <br />Domain. The company staff expressed their appreciation of Mounds View accepting <br />them with open arms during that time when they needed space right away. They like the <br />current location near I-35W but have a concern with high schools no longer offering shop <br />classes which make it hard to recruit qualified candidates. Coordinator Beeman said this <br />is a common comment with local manufacturing companies. <br /> <br />UL: They test medical devices and certify them. With branches all across the country, <br />their fastest growing markets are the Asian markets. They test and certify any type of <br />electronic devices. <br /> <br />ACE Supply Company, Inc.: They distribute HVAC parts with contractors in the 40 mile <br />radius as their largest customers. They specialize in sheet metal and say their industry is <br />growing. <br /> <br />Midway Industrial Supply: The company has been in Mounds View for the past 30 years. <br />In 2012 they sold the business to a private equity firm in Milwaukee. They recently built a <br />new facility in Kansas City, Missouri where they have room to grow since they are <br />maxed out in their Mounds View building. Their one concern is the City of Mounds View <br />not allowing them to expand the building a few years ago and instead, forcing them to <br />build a three car garage. Their business has doubled in the past six years and at this <br />rate, they will be looking for a new building soon. <br /> <br />Min Valco: They are another HVAC distributor of parts like gas valves, building controls, <br />and pneumatic Honeywell parts. They receive much walk-in traffic and have been in <br />Mounds View for the past 15 years. They like the location near I-35W and their only <br />concern is they think Mounds View needs more dining facilities. <br /> <br />J & W Instruments, Inc.: They distribute gauges, valves, meters, and other control <br />devices in a five state region. They have been in Mounds View for 30 years and they are <br />looking for a more modern building. <br /> <br />Trailwood Transportation Inc.: Started in 1929 hauling live cattle and transitioned into <br />hauling candy and chocolate, then transitioned again in 2012 to warehousing for