At a meeting held on Thursday, July 14, the Blue Earth Economic Development Authority (EDA) discussed what comes next after a tough blow to the community.

About half a year ago, Dr. Bob Bogan, current owner-operator of Makotah Veterinary Clinic, chose to gift his clinic to Dr. Zach Adams in exchange for Dr. Adams’ commitment to serving as a veterinarian in the Faribault County area.

EDA specialist Amy Schaefer shared that unfortunately, Dr. Adams recently decided to vacate his position at the clinic.

According to Schaefer, Dr. Adams cited significant health issues as the reason behind his abrupt departure.

Schaefer acknowledged the news was disappointing for Dr. Bogan, who has entertained hopes of retiring for many years now. He still does not wish to do so, however, until Blue Earth and its surrounding area is ensured stable veterinary care following his departure from the profession.

Schaefer assured the EDA, “We’re moving forward with a positive outlook. (Dr. Adams) wasn’t the right fit, so we’re just going to keep exploring ideas and avenues to regenerate interest.” 

City administrator Mary Kennedy pointed out that all is not lost.

“We did it. We got someone to come here. Everything we got in place worked. Don’t overlook that,” she urged the EDA.

Schaefer noted the EDA still has several years to help Dr. Bogan locate his replacement. She explained Dr. Bogan had initially planned to maintain a three-year mentorship with his replacement, and he was only six months into his mentorship with Dr. Adams prior to Adams’ departure.

“He will adjust the contract to whoever takes over the clinic,” Schaefer said. “He would never just hand over the keys to the clinic and walk away.” 

EDA president Lissia Laehn inquired whether any of the previous candidates for the position are still interested.

“Two were notified,” Schaefer responded, adding that, unfortunately, neither are able to commit to the position at this time.

Schaefer said she is very interested in reaching out to nearby colleges to present the opportunity to fourth-year veterinary school students.

“They will be graduating in May, and time-wise that would be good,” Schaefer explained.

“I think when we add in this large animal portion, we are really searching for someone who has a unique skill set, and they’re rare,” Schaefer concluded. “But, we will help Dr. Bogan just as we did before, and it will all be fine, eventually.” 

In other business, the Blue Earth EDA: 

• Received an update from Mike Hahn, regional director for the South Central Business Development Center (SBDC) in Mankato.

Hahn summarized the services SBDC offers to the Region 9 area, including one-on-one consultation with small business owners about topics such as business plan development, marketing and expanding their business.

• Went into closed session to discuss a real estate transaction concerning the acquisition of land. The EDA took no specific action at this time.

• Voted to budget $81,640 next year to maintain Schaefer’s four-day-a-week CEDA contract with the city of Blue Earth.

• Approved a Commercial Improvement Loan request from Greg Jacobs, owner of Jake’s Body Shop.

Jacobs wants to update and repair the northern part of his building, as he hopes to expand his business some day.

Polos Drywall estimates the updates will cost $16,000. The EDA voted to loan Jacobs $5,000 in funds.

• Approved a Commercial Improvement Loan request from Laehn, owner of Heartland Rentals. Laehn abstained from the vote.

She intends to use the $575 in funds she was granted to partially cover the cost of replacing carpet on her stairs.

• Approved repairs to the Ag Center’s roof, which will cost an estimated $25,695.

Kennedy noted $13,350 of those funds will eventually be reimbursed by the Little Giants Early Learning Center.

• Approved the final draft of the new In-Home Childcare Provider Business Improvement Forgiveable Loan which will be offered to local childcare providers.

Grant money will be available to supplement the cost of maintaining and updating spaces used to operate in-home childcare businesses.

Available funds will cover 50 percent of project costs, up to a maximum of $5,000 per building, per 12-month period.