City of Battle Lake

EDA Mission Statement:  “The mission of the Battle Lake Economic Development Authority is to promote diverse Economic Development and enhance quality of life through the retention and growth of business, industry & services in the Battle Lake area.”

1. Goals

   1. Complete Hatchery Row Redevelopment. 
   2. Foster the relationship with area townships for economic development growth – invite members of Everts and Clitherall Townships to participate in EDA meetings by sending email packets and inviting them to attend meetings.  Invite them to the March EDA meeting and provide breakfast either at City Hall or at Shoreline. 
   3. Continue Business, Retention and Expansion Process
      • Continued communication with Network Battle Lake – work with them on projects as needed.
      • Continued communication with the Lakes Area Community Center Board. 
      • Business communication – hold an annual breakfast & and business appreciation meeting each year in February and follow up with a newspaper article detailing the work of the EDA.
      • On-going yearly surveys to businesses.    
   4. Continued work on a group advertising & marketing campaign.
   5. Keep the website up to date with information on the EDA. 
   6. Assist businesses with staffing needs by working with Otter Tail County’s job opening portal. 
   7. Provide training opportunities for area businesses. 
   8. Fully utilize all real estate within City limits for residential and commercial expansion. 

    Ongoing Priorities

   1. Keep an inventory of available commercial property on the City’s website by including a link to area realtors. 
   2. Reach out to prospective businesses when members have heard of possible interest in the community.
   3. Identify business gaps in the community and seek prospective business owners.
   4. Broadband – continue to work with the County on options and reach out to internet suppliers to hear about future projects and priorities. 
   5. Housing – work on both single-family and multifamily options including new locations to expand housing. Look at public/private partnerships for development.   
   6. Support the school.
   7. Parking – educating the businesses and public on availability – keep a map in the Battle Lake brochure.
   8. On-going training for business owners.
   9. Continue the working relationship with surrounding communities, employers, and partners - i.e., Tri-City Living, Otter Tail Tourism, Otter Tail County Community Development Agency and Live Wide Open.
   10. Continue to meet quarterly with the business/community collaboration and the LACC. 

    

EDA Commissioners are: Marjorie Quammen, Rich Bullard, Josie Thomopoulos, Rob Nudell, Sean Belmont, Steve Young, and Randy Dorn with Val Martin serving as Economic Development Director. 

 

If you are interested in starting a business in Battle Lake, we can help!  Please contact Val Martin @ City Hall.  218-864-0424  e-mail:  cityclerk@battlelakemn.org

 

Helpful links: 

A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota offered by MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development

 Small Business Development Center is available to help you at no cost: 

• Discuss your goals and objectives
• Provide background of your situation
• Discuss risks and opportunities
• Talk about cash flow and financial needs
• Receive marketing advice
• Review current business and operation plans
• Provide tools to assess your situation
• Outline an action plan

West Central Initiative provides "gap" financing for qualifying businesses.  You'll also find additional business resources on this page. 

Small Business Administration provides loans and resources for new and existing businesses. 

First National Bank of Henning, Ottertail and Battle Lake is your local lender.  Contact Randy Dorn at 218-864-5275   e-mail: randy.dorn@fnbhenning.com

City of Battle Lake provides business subsidies for qualifying businesses.  Please contact Val Martin for more information cityclerk@battlelakemn.org  You can also view the application by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page. 

 

If you are interested in commercial property for sale in Battle Lake, please contact one of our realtors:

Century 21

Weichert Realty/Paulson Land Company

Trilogy Real Estate