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