Canadian company backs out

By Sara QuamThe Canadian company, eSecure Peripherals, won’t be expanding in Luverne after all.The city of Luverne wasn’t backing a request from owner Allan Brown to use tax breaks from Job Opportunity Building Zones to get the company here.The Luverne Economic Development Authority discussed it Tuesday as part of its meeting but had gone over the request in depth earlier.The city didn’t want to go through the cost of applying for JOBZ benefits through the state, which would also require school and county approval, because Brown committed to only a six-month lease.Brown said in a letter to the city that he didn’t want to invest in real estate in order to save money per month by renting inexpensively.He said the money "would be better spent on salaries than on debt payment."In the end, the city said it would apply for JOBZ benefits only after Brown committed long-term to Luverne."Our caution was by no means a lack of commitment to Luverne," Brown wrote.The company designs and manufactures vending machine "cards" and their accompanying software.The most common use for eSecure is vending machines and food services. People who work for a large factory or hospital with a cafeteria, for example, can use the cards to deduct meal charges from their paychecks.The card and systems can also track what people buy in order to keep adequate supply inventories. Some businesses use eSecure to prevent employee theft when using supplies. Other uses include controlling access to items, protecting items, dispensing items in convenient locations, and generating reports and audits.Goodbye from Mayor GustLuverne Mayor Glen Gust led his final Economic Development Authority meeting Tuesday morning.He said the past four years have brought good things to the city: Continental Western deciding to stay in town; Border City Legislation Passing: Job Opportunity Building Zones passing; the hospital expanding; Total Card Inc. coming to town; the residential building boom, and the fact that there are no empty buildings on Main Street.Gust said, "We’ve had a great board here, so good luck and keep moving forward."In other business, Tuesday, the LEDA:
Learned that Corey Stratton of the former Cor-Tech Manufacturing would be closing on a contract for deed with the city, settling all debt on a loan from the city for the building.
Decided to continue working with Midwest Fire to expand to the 612 West Hatting building formerly occupied by Exsito. The city still owes $135,000 on a loan for the building. Midwest Fire has said it plans to hire five additional employees in 2005.
Received confirmation that the custom motorcycle parts company, Twisted Chopper, intends to relocate to Luverne.
Accepted an offer to buy 4,000 glass jars left by the former Exsito business for $576.