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