The Advance Thief River website is live!
The website is information central for the initiative of the same name, led by Jobs, Incorporated and its partners, the City of Thief River Falls and Pennington County.
Advance Thief River is focusing on four areas: business retention and expansion; business recruitment; supporting startup businesses; and increasing the pool of workforce talent. The focus was determined through a process which started with the 2018 Jobs, Inc. strategic plan. This was followed by a survey of community stakeholders and a gap analysis. A steering committee, comprised of representatives from Jobs, Inc., the City of Thief River Falls, Pennington County, Visit TRF, and the Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce helped to refine the focus and objectives.
Jobs, Incorporated has been in existence since 1955. It is a 501(c)6 nonprofit, led by a talented board of directors. There are ten Directors on the board and an additional seven Ex-Officio Directors. Together, this group brings a wealth of economic and business expertise to help Advance Thief River move the needle on its objectives. Read more about Jobs, Inc. board members here.
As a first step, Advance Thief River has published a website, a one-stop online location where businesses can learn about available commercial properties, financing programs, community information, and workforce characteristics. Individuals considering moving to the area can find information on available housing, housing finance, career opportunities, and the great quality of life the area provides.
Jobs, Inc. has contracted Michelle Landsverk, President of Landsverk and Associates, Inc., to coordinate Advance Thief River activities. “I’m very excited to be working in the Thief River area,” Landsverk said. “I have found the people to be passionate about their community. On top of that, they are not afraid to dream big and work hard to make those dreams reality.”
Landsverk was born and raised in Mahnomen, and for the last 29 years, has lived just outside of Fosston near the family dairy farm. She has been involved as a consultant in business and economic development since 2005.
