The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, along with the city of Albert Lea, Freeborn County, Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau plan to develop a joint five-year economic development strategic plan, according to a press release.

The process will be led by Ady Advantage, a specialized economic development and site selection consultant that works with economic development organizations and relocating and expanding companies. The company uses knowledge of what business need to help craft strategies for business and talent recruitment, retention and expansion.

“We have a rare opportunity with our new community leaders to collaborate on a strategic plan with Ady Advantage,” said Sarah Nelson, ALEDA board president. “The fresh ideas and revived energy will be channeled into (creating) a plan that provides guardrails and guidelines for projects — it will provide focus.”

A series of stakeholder engagement activities including roundtable discussions will be conducted Oct. 8. ALEDA invites local business owners and business leaders to be a part of the process.

Later, opportunities for public input will be available, including a presentation to the community of the draft report once ready. The dates of the presentation will be announced later this fall.

Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. said he is looking forward to the collaboration in the community and the opportunity to invite residents to give their feedback on the plan.

“The plan will give us expectations and benchmarks to evaluate the progress our community makes toward securing our future and will lay out the goals of our community and how those goals will be achieved,” Rasmussen said.

Freeborn County Board Chairman Chris Shoff said the opportunity is a good one for the county to get involved in economic development.

“A better growth rate and a better local economy can directly affect the county budget,” Shoff said.

Interested business owners and leaders should contact Noelle Hagen at 373-3930 or noellehagen@growalbertlea.com to participate Oct. 8.