ALEXANDRIA: There are many ways to measure how an economy is doing. Some are more complicated than others, but one method is to measure the total amount of spending being done at local businesses. A retail trade analysis report conducted by the University of Minnesota for Alexandria in 2012 also provides some key statistics on how Fergus Falls’ business climate is fairing.
While the data shows Alexandria remains ahead of Fergus Falsome massive improvements. Gross retail and service sales in Fergus Falls rose from approximately $475 million in 2009 to nearly $600 million in 2012, showing steady growth as the city moved out of the recession. With more money being spent, it comes as little surprise that many entrepreneurs are taking this chance to start new businesses.
“It is beyond exciting,” Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Workman said. “It is like Christmas for Fergus Falls. It is really exciting. I love the spirit of entrepreneurship.”Workman, who has been with the Chamber for eight years, said she has never seen as many news business pop up as she has recently.
