Economic Development Authority
The Harmony Economic Development Authority was organized by the City Council and dedicated volunteers who wanted to encourage participation in community development issues.
The EDA’s focus is on projects that make Harmony a better place to live, work, and do business. EDA members serve as advocates for economic development and have been involved in other issues including housing, business development, and trail development. The board is made up of five volunteer members, two members of the City Council and three members from the community. Members serve six year terms and are appointed by the Mayor with approval from the City Council.
Lorena Reichert, EDA Coordinator
Current EDA Board Members:
Kerry Kingsley, President
Stuart Morem, Vice President
Greg Schieber, Secretary
Michael Himlie, Treasurer
Kyle Scheevel, Board Member
The Harmony EDA has taken on many projects over the years.
Currently, the most active program is its Revolving Loan Fund, which has provided about $1.3 million in low-interest loans to Harmony businesses since it was started in the late 1980s with a $100,000 state grant for an expansion at Harmony Enterprises. As loans are repaid to the EDA the fund grows, making even more dollars available to assist businesses in Harmony.
Under another program, the Home Construction Rebate program, the EDA grants a cash rebate of up to $20,000 to those who build a new home in Harmony.
The EDA works in close partnership with many organizations.
The EDA works with the Harmony City Council, Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce, the Harmony Area Community Foundation, and both state and federal government. The EDA can also provide free and confidential business planning, loan packaging, and marketing services to any Harmony business.
The EDA also has taken on a number of major development projects.
Demographics
Harmony Population:
• 1,043
Median Household Income:
• $64,883
Median Home Value:
• $202,016
Owner Occupied Homes:
• 76.3%
Median Age:
• 52.7
Educational Attainment:
• 31% High School Diploma
• 24.4% Some College
• 7.6% Associate Degree
• 17.9% Bachelor’s
• 9% Graduate/Profess
Workforce Inflow/Outflow
Every day, 400 people who live outside of Harmony travel to Harmony for work and 257 Harmony residents leave to work elsewhere. 58 residents both live and work in Harmony.
Distances
Highways:
• 0 miles (US Hwy 52)
• 0 miles (MN Hwy 139)
• 8 miles (MN Hwy 44)
• 14 miles (MN Hwy 16)
• 19 miles (US Hwy 63)
• 25 miles (MN Hwy 30)
• 25 miles (MN Hwy 74)
• 37 miles (Interstate 90)
Airports:
• 46 miles – Rochester Int’l
• 56 – LaCrosse, WI Regional
• 124 – Minneapolis/St. Paul Int’l
Cities:
• 11 miles – Preston, MN
• 13 miles – Lanesboro, MN
• 25 miles – Decorah, IA
• 47 miles – Rochester, MN
• 50 miles – Winona, MN
• 53 miles – La Crosse, WI
• 129 miles – Twin Cities, MN
Incentives
• Federal Opportunity Zone Qualified
• High Speed Fiber-Optic Internet
• Site Selection Assistance
• Revolving Loan Fund
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
• Tax Abatement
• Up to $20,000 Rebate to Build a New Home
Harmony will also discuss other incentives
to assist your unique project needs!
*All incentives are based on need, are subject to city policies, council approval, and applicable state laws. Some restrictions apply, contact City Hall for details.