VIEWPOINT:

One Mayor's Perspective

 

Shakopee Mayor John Schmitt is a big supporter of a strong industrial base. In Shakopee, most industrial development takes place in the eastern portion of the city.

 

"The benefits include a strong hometown job base and the opportunity to be self-sustaining," Schmitt says, adding that his city offers incentives. "Our last economic assistance was based on a business with an average $35-per-hour rate for salary plus benefits."

 

Shakopee has everything from heavy industrial -- like Anchor Glass Co., Temple-Inland Paper Co. and Toro Co. -- to high-tech companies, including ADC Telecommunication's manufacturing operations and Seagate Technology's R&D facility. The city also is home to Rahr Malting Co., the largest single-site malt producer in the world, and a Kmart distribution center serving a five-state area.

 

"We've dedicated land for these types of uses," Schmitt says. "We consider ourselves the job center for Scott County. We've made a conscious effort to build a strong job base and have industrial land available. And because we're running slim on vacant industrial land, our long-term comprehensive plan includes plans for another park."

 

Schmitt credits Shakopee's business diversity to its large industrial base; the city is not dependent on one employer. "If something happens to the economy and a big company goes under, the impact on the community would be relatively limited," he says. He also says Shakopee's industrial businesses provide a solid tax base.

 

Lastly, Schmitt points to the trained workforce and management teams of Shakopee's industrial companies and their benefits to the community. For example, Seagate mentors high school students. "The amount of talent these companies bring has an impact on our community and school systems. It's a tremendous asset."

 

 

 

Return to the "Industrial Foundation" Feature