JEDC
Mission Statement
The mission of the Joint Economic Development Commission (JEDC) is to improve the quality of life for Beltrami County citizens by taking the initiative in identifying, encouraging and providing coordinated support to businesses that create quality jobs and improve the economic base of the community. This will be accomplished by providing assistance in the following areas: outside business recruitment, local business start-ups and local business expansion.
History of the JEDC
The JEDC saw its beginning in the fall of 1984 when forty business, agency, education and community leaders came together to decide how best to launch an aggressive, full-time business development program. This came at a time when a major manufacturing employer announced the closing of their plant that would leave over 600 workers without jobs. A temporary board of directors was established and work began on giving official status to the fledgling organization.
In April of 1985, the Joint Economic Development Commission was officially given status as a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit corporation. A grant was received from the Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Board to help fund the organization for a two-year time period. Additional operating funds were pledged by the City of Bemidji and Beltrami County to help fund the organization.
The JEDC operates under the leadership of a twenty-two member Board of Directors. The board is composed of members from government, education and private-sector businesses. Over half of the board members always come from the private sector and the City of Bemidji and Beltrami County have permanent positions on the board.
Since the JEDC opened for business more that twenty-four years ago, it has helped hundreds of companies throughout Beltrami County by providing over $2.5 million in gap financing and by providing other business assistance. It has also in recent years given birth to four new community organizations; Bemidji Area Forestry Affairs Council, Bemidji Bio!, Bemidji Leads! and Heroes & Legends.
Let us open doors for you!
