Community Development: Resource Guide

Business Retention & Expansion International

Business Retention & Expansion International (BREI) is a professional association for business retention and expansion, a fundamental strategy for economic sustainability and growth. BREI's mission is to provide leadership resources, education and networking opportunities in business retention and expansion. The BREI Web site includes articles, case studies, reports, sample surveys and links to additional business retention and expansion resources.

Synchronist

The Synchronist System is a software tool to organize, analyze and report company information, giving community decision-makers insight into the dynamics of the local economy.  Alliant Energy subscribes to the system and can request access for our communities to the interview tools and data entry.  Our staff can then pull reports as requested.  Partnership Program funding assistance is also available for full subscriptions to the system.  Ask your Economic and Community Development Manager for more information.

University of Minnesota Extension Business Retention & Expansion Strategies

Through a central office located in the University of Minnesota's Extension Service and a network of Regional Extension Educators and Certified Business Retention & Expansion Consultants, the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Strategies program assists Minnesota communities interested in improving their local economies. The program brings local leaders and development groups together with Extension professionals and University faculty to help communities explore options for strengthening local businesses. The Web site includes community successes, reports, surveys and research on BR&E strategies and programs.