The Rogers City Council on June 25 approved a resolution supporting the submission of a Job Creation Fund application on behalf of Heliene, a Canadian-based solar panel manufacturer.
The company is exploring the potential lease of a 200,000-square-foot building at 13225 Brockton Lane, which was occupied by Graco until it was vacated a few months ago.
“The proposed business would occupy the entire building and is projected to add approximately 182 jobs within a two-year period,” said a memo to the council from Brett Angell, Rogers Community Development director.
The staff recommended approval of the resolution, Angell said, adding that the company would become one of the top five employers in Rogers.
The proposed jobs will include production workers, engineers and managerial staff, Angell said, adding that wages would range from $22-$50 per hour, he said.
The proposed investment of $16 million in the project would include $4 million in site and building improvements, and $12 million in machinery and equipment, according to Angell.
A public hearing on the resolution is slated for the July 9 City Council meeting.
The company is pursuing financial incentives through the Department of Employment and Economic Development Job Creation Fund and Minnesota Investment Fund. The business has received a $500,000 JCF offer from DEED, Angell said.
“The Job Creation Fund is a grant program geared towards manufacturers within the state that are either new to the state or expanding and making significant job creation and capital expenditures,” Angell’s memo said.
“These are state dollars only and the city is not required to act as a pass-through for the JCF program,” Angell’s memo said.
“The city’s only role is support,” he told the council. “There is no levy impact.”
“This is exciting; it’s awesome,” Mayor Rick Ihli said. “Jobs with a decent hourly wage.”
Thumbs Up After School Program
The council also heard a presentation from representatives of the Thumbs Up After School Program.
The program, new to Rogers in February 2022, is offered for students in grades 5-12 from 2:15-5 p.m. each Wednesday at the Rogers Activity Center. It is walking distance from the middle school and the high school, and also is open to teens who don’t go to Rogers schools or are home-schooled.
The program’s focus is young people who are struggling with mental health issues, said Katie Shatusky, executive director. “We are partnering with several school districts,” she said, adding that the program originated as a 5K run in downtown Elk River. Afterschool activities have been offered in Elk River since then.
“There is a need for safe spaces for teens to be creative,” said Kate Swanson, program and operations manager, adding that the group appeals to young people without athletics or other extra-curricular activities
Activities include painting, trivia, bingo, video game tournaments, board games, cookie decorating, movies and popcorn, and puzzles.
“It’s been working really well,” Swanson said. “The kids really love activities.”
A therapy dog from You’re Not Alone comes to each session, and CAER food shelf provides healthy snacks and beverages.
Swanson said 300 middle school students came to a test meeting, prior to the program’s opening in Rogers. Between Feb. 7 and June 5, 427 teens visited the Rogers program, averaging 21-40 students each week. The largest age groups attending have been students in grades 5, 7 and 9, she said.
“It’s a place of belonging, a place for teens who are looking to meet other teens,” Shatusky said.
Information about Thumbs Up was communicated through the school district, social media, community events, and seventh-grade health classes.
“This is important to a lot of people, and to the community,” Ihli said.
“It’s a great addition to the community,” Councilor Amy Enga said.
The group’s main fundraiser will be Sept. 21 in Elk River. Another fundraiser is scheduled next year, Feb. 22, in Rogers.
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