APG Specialty Publications 01_METRO NORTH_RG_19_E-Mag | Page 7

BUSINESS
business resources for growing
companies selected for the program
by local economic development
representatives and entrepreneur
support organizations.
For businesses not at that stage, the
Open to Business program provides
free one-on-one counseling with
a business advisor for new and
expanding businesses.
Infinite Campus, Blaine
Aggressive Hydraulics, Cedar
Small businesses and fledgling
companies find Anoka County a
friendly place to start or grow a
business. Taxes here are among the
lowest in the state and business
incentives are high, with development
packages readily available for new and
growing businesses.
The MetroNorth Chamber of
Commerce is actively involved in a
new initiative to support regional
economic development. In partnership
with Anoka County, Connexus
Energy, and our 21 municipalities,
we are working together to better
support our existing businesses while
proactively seeking new companies to
locate in our region. With a dedicated
website, new brand, and stronger
alignment amongst stakeholders, we
are excited for the potential of this
effort.
Another program to help existing
businesses flourish is the Economic
Gardening program, which uses a
‘grow from within’ strategy. It provides
a suite of high-end, high-speed
WORKFORCE
We know that finding enough
qualified employees can be a
challenge. The MetroNorth Chamber
is working diligently to address this
issue. We have an active Workforce
Development Committee and
Foundation, both of which are
committed to ensuring a high-
quality workforce for north metro
employers. Our member businesses
are encouraged to post their job
openings on our website; if you are
searching for a new career, be sure to
visit metronorthchamber.org for local
openings.
Anoka County is helping employers
address this issue through its
participation in several job training
programs, such as their award-winning
FastTRAC Health Care Pathway
program which gives low income
adults with few job skills a pathway
to a good-paying career in health
care. Since its inception in 2011, 79%
of graduates have found jobs in the
health care industry.
Mate Precision Tooling, Anoka
Minco Products, Fridley
Spiral Manufacturing Company, Coon Rapids
If you are searching for a
new career, be sure to visit
metronorthchamber.org
for local openings.
Erickson Metals of Minnesota, Coon Rapids
MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce | Community Resource Guide | 7