07-27-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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From: Paul Terry [mailto:paul.terry@hero-health.org] Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 2:08 PM To: Adam Edwards <aedwards@ci.orono.mn.us> Subject: Orono Parks Commission and a Long Lake Rowing Facility To the Orono Parks Commission, This email is offered in support of the proposed addition of a rowing facility at Summit Park on Long Lake. I anticipate that you are receiving considerable support from sports and fitness enthusiasts, from parents who understand the value of youth sports and from the many who are eager to see Long Lake flourish as a community with diverse and inclusive recreational offerings. This email is to affirm each of these as terrific reasons for you to support a new rowing facility but also to appeal to the commission about the vital role that our parks and Long Lake/Orono's recreational offerings contribute to the business well-being of these and surrounding communities. I have had the pleasure of being the CEO of three different organizations based here in the Twin Cities. When it comes to retaining talent that already works in Minnesota and, in particular, relating to the challenge of attracting and recruiting talent from around the nation to come work for us in Minnesota, I have routinely touted the active, hearty Minnesota lifestyle and the beauty and inimitable charm and allure of our Minnesota lakes. My work relates to worksite health promotion research and the relationship between healthy living and worker engagement and productivity. The evidence that has amassed over the past two decades shows that companies with robust health and well-being offerings and opportunities regularly out perform those without a focus on employee well-being. As I'm sure you already appreciate, recruiting top talent has gotten ever more difficult in a low unemployment economy. I anticipate you also know that the twin cities has a unique need for technical talent in the healthcare, technology and food science fields as well as in our highly competitive universities. Related to this, you may not know that rowing is one of those lifetime sports that appeals mightily to these kinds of professionals who love to stretch themselves physically and emotionally as a way to keep in top mental shape for their work demands. My current role as a Fellow in a healthcare related think tank includes convening leaders from around the nation who are committed to building private and public partnerships that improve community health. Businesses are increasingly eager to engage with community leaders such as those of you serving on the Parks Commission because they believe that healthy communities play a central role in growing healthy businesses. Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer other information about the business benefits of supporting sports facilities such as the rowing center you are considering for Long Lake. With thanks for your work on behalf of the community. Paul Terry