Featuring Our Own:
(Chamber A -Z) SOUTHWEST INDUSTRIAL PARK PATIENTLY AWAITS SUITORS Friday, March 05, 2021
written by Patrick Lapinski from Golden Shovel photos by John Decock (Todd County Deputy) 
Attracting new business development is the most exciting, and challenging, aspect of being an economic development director. Long Prairie city administrator Ted Gray feels confident that the business will come because he has a shovel-ready solution at hand; Long Prairie’s Southwest Industrial Park.
Southwest Industrial Park consists of 20 lots ranging in size from 1 to 5 acres each. The park is accessed just two blocks off of US HWY 71 on 6th Avenue Southwest by a 10-ton all weather road. Southwest Industrial Park encompasses just over 50 acres of land with utilities (water, sewer, natural gas, electric, high-speed broadband) in place. Conveniently located, the park is a short distance from several US Trunk Highways (71, 27, 287), with Interstate 94 less than twenty miles away.
The Long Prairie community is home to one of the most diverse populations in Minnesota outside of the major metropolitan areas. The city has a distinct, hard-working, well-educated labor force. Presently, many of the industries adjacent to the park are ag-related, including meat packing and processing plants. “We’re looking for developers, whether it’s warehousing, machining, or manufacturing,” says Gray. He admits it is hard to predict what type of business will find Long Prairie attractive to its needs and culture, but he is proud of the fact that Long Prairie has a very inclusive community. “We have a reputation for being diverse,” says Gray, which is something hard to find in outstate Minnesota.
Rainbow Rider building
When it was built, Southwest Industrial Park was either ahead of its time, or just behind it. The park was built on the premise that when the city’s first, smaller industrial park filled, this would be the next location. The development of the Southwest Industrial Park lots came on the heels of a number of local companies splitting off into similar services and needing space to develop. Had the Southwest Industrial Park been open at the time it could possibly be full too, says then city administrator Dave Venekamp. Since then, Long Prairie city officials have patiently waited for the next wave of investment.
Incubator building - used by Minnesota Fresh
“We're trying to find any possible fits within the confines of what that lot represents, based off of the zoning in what we're interested in,” says Gray. “If a dry industry that comes fits those parameters, we're gonna do whatever we can to try to sell this place to them, to make them want to stay. We have a vested interest as a community and try to fill those spots.” Gray says he’s open to any and all businesses that are interested in coming to Long Prairie. “We'd be open to make it work. We have a diverse community that’s definitely willing to work.”
Todd County Impound
Finding the available space, along with a good workforce in a safe, non-congested area is increasingly difficult. With Southwest Industrial Park, Long Prairie hopes to attract businesses looking to build new, expand current operations, or move out of expensive urban settings. Interested parties are encouraged to call city administrator Gray.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Long Prairie City Hall 615 Lake Street South Long Prairie, MN 56347 Phone: 320.732.2167 FAX: 320.732.2847 Email: info@longprairie.govoffice.com City Hall Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Electronic Sign Use and Fees Schedule
Please click the link above to download our Sign Use Policy and Fee Schedule. If you would like to use the sign (either as a Chamber Member or as a non-member) please fill out the last page of the form and enclose any payment (non-member) for use of the sign and return to the Chamber office. Thank you. - Places to stay
- Places to eat -Specialty shops - Things to do 
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Chamber Director: Luan Thomas-Brunkhorst
Chamber Office Hours: IN & OUT OF THE OFFICE due to visits etc. Monday - Friday 9am - 3:00pm Please contact me at (320) 732-2514. chamber@longprairie.org Location: @ the LP Library 42 3rd Street North (click on red for google map) Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese.
Luis Bunuel Community Meetings
STAY TUNED: Some of these meetings may be postponed and/or done electronically or conference via conference calls. City Council meetings 1st and 3rd Monday @ 7pm at City Hall Phone #: 1-320-639-0030 Participant #: 990092 EDA board meetings 3rd Wednesday @ 4:30 at City Hall Phone #: 1-320-639-0030 Participant #: 990092 LP Area Chamber of Commerce Board meetings: 4th Wednesday @ 4:30pm at City Hall Phone #: 1-320-639-0030 Participant #: 990092 Todd County Commissioners meetings (1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month 9-11am) Location: Todd County Historic Courthouse https://www.co.todd.mn.us/government/board-meeting-information/ Go to You Tube and subscribe to the Todd County Minnesota channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_75dJI-Oqp6k-38I4yLFQ School Board meetings (4th Monday of the month- due to COVID-19 2nd and 4th Mondays 6pm) Livestream on the School Website and Facebook 15min before start. http://www.lpge.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LPGESchool Vaccine Information/Scheduling:
COVID Testing Sites
CentraCare Long Prairie https://covid19.centracare.com/what-is-covid-19-/covid-19-testing/ Coborn's Pharmacy in Long Prairie: Free, contactless, drive-thru COVID testing now available at between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. by appointment only through November 30, 2020: https://www.coborns.com/pharmacy Other Testing sites in MN https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/if-sick/testing-locations/index.jsp Do I need a COVID test? https://doineedacovid19test.com/ Mask update:
Masks are available at City Hall from 8am-4:30pm. They are FREE OF CHARGE for businesses and organizations. If you need a digital and/or print materials related to the #MaskUpMN campaign, you can download them. Click on this link: Minnesota COVID-19 Response: Share Our Message For Businesses. If you have any questions about Masks and frequently asked questions, Click on this link: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/facecoverfaq.html Education, Schools and Community Ed Websites
Senior Center ActivitiesSENIOR NEWS
Seniors Echoes:
Long Prairie Senior Center - 320 732-2282 Manager: Jodi Dixon Email: lpseniorcenter@gmail.com
There will be lunches served on Thursdays See calendar below 
Hilltop Kitchen
APRIL MENU @ Hilltop Regional Kitchen in Eagle Bend Address: 131 Park Ave NW, Eagle Bend, MN 56446 Phone: (218) 738-5563 
Upcoming Chamber & Community Events
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CARING FOR YOURSELF OR OTHERS AT HOME
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POSTPONED/CANCELED/CLOSED
MORE CALENDAR EVENTS: Click - Events Calendar
Welcome New 2021 Chamber Members !
Ona's Alterations - owner Ona Reinbold (Jan)
CIFCA- Community Integrated Family Care Advocates (Jan)
Hensley Inc. - Trucking (Feb)
Hayley & Ray boutique (Feb)
Thunder Lodge (new ownership- Feb)
Lennes Bros. Electric Inc. (Feb)
Les Levin- individual (Feb)
Lending Hands Community Services (March)
Eternal Arrangements by Erin (March)
Enterprise CP (March)
Golpen LTD (April)
Salon Serenity (April)
Ona's Alterations - owner Ona Reinbold (Jan)
CIFCA- Community Integrated Family Care Advocates (Jan)
Hensley Inc. - Trucking (Feb)
Hayley & Ray boutique (Feb)
Thunder Lodge (new ownership- Feb)
Lennes Bros. Electric Inc. (Feb)
Les Levin- individual (Feb)
Lending Hands Community Services (March)
Eternal Arrangements by Erin (March)
Enterprise CP (March)
Golpen LTD (April)
Salon Serenity (April)
History of Long Prairie
Like to know more about the history of Long Prairie?
Click here for photos collected by Jeff Lucas.
- More historic photos
- Historical Videos
Long Prairie Area Tourism
Click here or the button below to request information about activities/events in our area.
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Community GardenWant More Information on Community Gardens? Call City Hall 320 732-2514 Follow this link for photos and more information about the Community Gardens.
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Click on the Made in Minnesota photo to learn more about products and suppliers who are right here in Minnesota!
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