Becker County Board meets new economic development specialist

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – Becker County has a new economic development specialist and he is tasked with improving development opportunities across the county and increasing the lakes area economic foot print.

Cody Piper formally introduced himself to the Becker County Board during their regular meeting on July 5 and gave them an update on how his first couple months on the job have been going.

“A lot of my time has been centered around just benchmarking and verifying the county economic development functions to similar neighboring counties, as well as, across the state,” said Piper. “Just to ensure that we are providing valuable resources and opportunities to our communities, residents, businesses and prospects.”

He also said he’s been a resident of Becker County for a majority of his life and has worked for the county in other capacities for about five years, most recently, from county assessor’s office.

Piper said he’s been trying to do a lot of outreach to businesses and community groups to lay the seeds for future networking opportunities.

“I’ve been doing a lot of outreach just to establish and re-establish connections with those communities, local and regional organizations, I’ve also introduced myself to some private businesses,” he said. “I’ve also attended some membership organization conferences that I’m a part of. These provide learning and networking with industry peers and opportunities to connect with our state and regional resources, funding mechanisms, education on legislative avenues and guidance for Greater Minnesota Counties like ours.”

Lastly, Piper said, his office has moved to the first floor of the Becker County Courthouse and he is ready for walk-ins.

“The prior office, which was up on the third floor courtside, and we move it down here to the first floor, towards DMV,” said Piper. “So that’s going to be more accessible for the public. It’s pretty much open now, up and running. It’s there and invite you to swing in and if you have further questions, or just want to have a conversation or discussion.”

Be sure to check out the Becker County Economic Development Authority website for access to county, regional and statewide development programs, as well as, resources and data focused on Becker County.