TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:

An Inventory of Its Star City Program Files at the Minnesota Historical Society

Government Records

OVERVIEW


	Creator:	Minnesota. Department of Trade and Economic Development.
	Title:	Star City Program Files.
	Dates:	1981-1997.
	Language:	Materials in English.
	Abstract:	The majority of these records comprise the individual application files. There are also a small number of administrative files, that include general program information and presentation materials, a training manual, and a video.
	Quantity:	10.2 cubic feet (10 boxes and 1 partial box), 57 master video files: MOV (171.7 GB), and 57 user video files: MP4 (9.9 GB).
	Location:	See Detailed Description for shelf locations.

In 1981, the Star City Program was established by the Trade and Economic Development Department to help those Minnesota communities with a population between 1,500 and 20,000 develop their organizational, marketing and problem solving abilities through a rigorous course in economic development. Professional staff worked one-on-one with community leaders to implement an economic development strategy that would successfully retain and attract business and employment. A "Star City" designation was achieved following completion of a four phase process of organization, information gathering, planning and marketing. The application process often exceeded eighteen months. In 1987, the program was renamed the Star Program and expanded to accept applications from multi-community economic development units comprising larger cities, counties, or clusters of communities. Prior to the program's end in 1997, 143 jurisdictions were designated star cities/communities and were allowed to display "Star City/Community" signs [Minn. Stat. 173.085].

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SCOPE AND CONTENTS

Ten to fifteen minute marketing videos accompanied many of the applications. They are digitized and are available separately at the end of the records. Although they contain much of the same information as the application, they offer a unique visual understanding of the local culture.

The individual application files may include general information about the community and the quality of life there, local government designation, community profiles, one and five year plans, labor surveys, information on community assets and constraints, capital improvements, industry and financing, business retention, and presentational materials. Any general correspondence has been placed in the front of each jurisdiction's folder, before the actual application. Files for several jurisdictions designated "star cities" are missing from these records. They were most likely never returned following their loan to other communities to use as models, a common practice of the program administration. There are also files for several jurisdictions that never completed the application process.

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ARRANGEMENT

Divided into three sections: administrative files (1985-1992), application files (1981-1997), and video recordings (1981-1997). The latter two are arranged alphabetically by community name.

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ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Availability:

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item and/or series here]. Minnesota. Department of Trade and Economic Development. Star City Program Files. Minnesota Historical Society.

See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Accession Information:

Accession numbers: 998-10; 998-69

Location of Master Files:

Digital masters of the videocassettes are maintained on the Society's secure digital collections storage servers and are managed and preserved in accordance with archival best practices.

The original videocassettes were disposed after the material was digitally reformatted into mov files.

Processing Information:

Legacy Amendment logo

Processed by: Angela Goertz, July 1997

Digitization and encoding by April Rodriguez, April 17, 2023.

Digital video transferred from the master videocassettes by the Minnesota Historical Society for preservation purposes (April 2023).

Digitization was made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008.

Boxes 113.A.3.2F and 113.A.3.3B were vacated after videocassettes were digitized and disposed.

Catalog ID number: 990017349720104294

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

ADMINISTRATIVE FILES, 1985-1992. 3 folders.

Location

Box

114.C.7.1B

General Information, 1989.

Training manual, 1985.

Presentation, 1985-1992.

See also: "What is a Star City" video (box 11).

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STAR CITIES, 1981-1997.

For city files comprising two folders or more, the folders are individually itemized only if the additional folders are supplemental to the application itself. The videos noted in the file list are housed in boxes 11-12.

Location

Box

114.C.7.1B

Ada, 1993.

See also video.

Aitkin, 1986-1990. 2 folders:

See also video.

Application, 1990.

Aitkin Company Economic Assessment, 1986.

Albany, 1989.

See also video.

Albert Lea, 1990. 2 folders.

Alexandria, 1987.

See also video.

Annandale, 1989.

See also video. DTED says Annandale was never designated as a Star City.

Anoka, 1985. 2 folders.

Apple Valley, 1985. 2 folders.

Arlington, 1990. 2 folders.

Austin, 1986. 2 folders.

Babbitt, 1985. 2 folders.

See also video.

Location

Box

114.C.7.2F

Becker, 1991.

See also video.

Belle Plaine, 1988.

Bemidji, 1988.

Benson, 1983.

Big Lake, 1989.

[Blooming Prairie: Video only.]

Blue Earth, 1986. 2 folders.

Brainerd Lakes Area, 1991-1992.

Buffalo, 1985-1986.

Byron, 1990. 2 folders.

See also video.

[Caledonia: Video only.]

Cambridge, 1987. 2 folders.

Cannon Falls, 1989.

Centerville, 1993.

Champlin, 1986.

See also video.

Chaska, 1982.

[Chisholm: Video only.]

Cold Spring, 1989-1993. 2 folders.

Cook County, 1984. 2 folders.

Location

Box

114.C.7.3B

Coon Rapids, 1988. 2 folders.

See also video.

Cottage Grove, 1984-1988.

Crookston, 1990-1997. 3 folders.

See also video.

[Crystal: Video only.]

Cuyuna Range (Including Crosby, Ironton, Deerwood, Emily, Cuyuna, Riverton, Trommald, and Bay Lake), 1990.

See also video.

Delano, 1982-1990.

Detroit Lakes, 1989.

See also video.

Dilworth, 1989-1991.

See also video.

[Dodge Center: Video only.]

East Grand Forks, 1988-1989.

See also video.

East Range (includes Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, and White), 1984. 2 folders.

[Elk River: Video only.]

Eveleth, 1986.

Fairmont, 1990. 2 folders.

Faribault, 1981-1989. 2 folders.

Location

Box

114.C.7.4F

Faribault, 1981-1989.

Faribault County, 1985-1987. 2 folders.

Fergus Falls, 1982.

Fosston, 1985-1986.

Fulda, 1989. 2 folders.

Glencoe, 1988.

See also video.

Gonvick, 1987.

See also video. DTED says Gonvick was never designated as a Star City.

Grand Meadow, 1990. 2 folders.

See also video.

Grand Rapids, 1987.

Granite Falls, 1987.

Hallock, 1987.

Henning, 1989.

See also video.

Hibbing, 1985. 2 folders.

See also video.

Houston County, 1984.

DTED says Houston was never designated as a Star County.

Hutchinson, 1993.

Re-certification of Star City status.

International Falls, 1991. 2 folders.

See also video.

Location

Box

114.C.7.5B

Inver Grove Heights, 1986-1990. 2 folders.

See also video. One folder is the re-certification of Star City status.

Jackson, 1989. 2 folders.

Janesville, 1988-1989. 2 folders.

Jordan, 1984.

DTED says Jordan was never designated as a Star City.

Kandiyohi County, 1991. 2 folders.

See also video.

Kasson, 1993. 2 folders.

Keewatin, 1987. 2 folders.

Lake City, 1986. 2 folders.

Lake Crystal, 1984-1990. 2 folders.

See also video.

Lakeville, 1984. 2 folders.

See also video.

Location

Box

108.I.16.6F

Le Center, 1987.

Le Sueur, 1982.

See also video.

Litchfield, 1986. 2 folders.

Long Prairie, 1986.

Madelia, 1990.

Mahnomen, 1990.

See also video.

Location

Box

114.C.7.6F

Mankato, 1992. 2 folders.

See also video.

Maple Grove, 1990.

Re-certification of Star City status.

Milaca, 1987.

Montevideo, 1981.

Monticello, 1986.

See also video. Re-certification of Star City status.

Mora, 1983-1985. 2 folders.

Mountain Iron, 1985.

Mower County, 1993.

See also video. Re-certification of Star City status.

New Brighton, 1986. 2 folders.

New London, 1991.

See also video.

New Ulm, 1987. 2 folders.

See also video.

New York Mills, 1993.

See also video.

Northfield, 1981.

Location

Box

114.C.7.7B

Norwood - Young America, 1987.

Oakdale, 1994.

See also video.

Olivia, 1984.

Osakis, 1981.

Paynesville, 1991.

[Pelican Rapids: Video only.]

Perham, 1990. 2 folders.

See also video.

Pine City, 1986. 2 folders.

Pine Island, 1988.

See also video. DTED says Pine Island was never designated as a Star City.

Plainview, 1987.

Princeton, 1992. 3 folders.

Prior Lake, 1991. 2 folders.

[Ramsey: Video only.]

Red Lake Falls, 1988.

See also video.

Redwood Falls, 1987.

Location

Box

114.C.7.8F

Renville, 1994.

Rochester, 1986. 2 folders.

Roseau, 1990. 2 folders.

See also video.

Rosemount, 1990.

Saint James, 1986. 2 folders.

Saint Peter, 1984. 2 folders.

Sandstone, 1995.

Savage, 1996.

Shakopee, 1987.

See also video.

Slayton, 1988.

Sleepy Eye, 1988-1989.

See also video.

Spring Valley, 1987.

Staples, 1989. 2 folders.

See also video.

Location

Box

114.C.7.9B

Stephen, 1990. 2 folders.

Stevens County, 1988-1990.

Stillwater Area (includes Bayport, Baytown, Oak Park Heights), 1989. 3 folders.

See also video.

[Tyler: Video only.]

Thief River Falls, 1985.

Tracy, 1984.

Two Harbors, 1988.

See also video.

Vadnais Heights, 1986.

Virginia, 1985. 2 folders.

Wadena, 1989. 2 folders.

Warren, 1989.

See also video.

Waseca, 1983-1984. 2 folders.

Watertown, 1989.

See also video.

Location

Box

114.C.7.10F

Wells, 1989. 2 folders.

West Saint Paul, 1989. 2 folders.

See also video.

White Bear Township, 1997.

White Bear Lake, 1985. 2 folders.

Willmar, 1991.

See also video.

Windom, 1988. 2 folders.

See also video.

Winona, 1987-1995. 3 folders.

Winthrop, 1990.

See also video.

Woodbury, 1985. 2 folders.

Worthington, 1993.

Zumbrota, 1993.

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VIDEOS

Location

Internet

What is a Star City? 1990. 1 master video file (19 minutes, 3 seconds): MOV (4.3 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (188.3 MB).

Digital video

Ada, undated. 1 master video file (11 minutes, 34 seconds): MOV (2.6 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (113.7 MB).

Produced by the Ada Economic Development Authority.

Digital video

Aitkin, undated. 1 master video file (8 minutes, 47 seconds): MOV (2 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (86.8 MB).

Digital video

Albany, undated. 1 master video file (7 minutes): MOV (1.6 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (62.1 MB).

Digital video

Alexandria, undated. 1 master video file (11 minutes, 59 seconds): MOV (2.7 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (118 MB).

Container note: Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

Digital video

Annandale, undated. 1 master video file (10 minutes, 03 seconds): MOV (2.2 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (99 MB).

Container note: Annandale scenes and Annandale elev. project (from Mural Tullah Froyen).

Note: Intermittent video distortion.

Digital video

Babbitt, 1994. 1 master video file (24 minutes, 46 seconds): MOV (5.6 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (245.4 MB).

Digital video

Becker, undated. 1 master video file (9 minutes, 38 seconds): MOV (2.2 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (94.4 MB).

Digital video

Blooming Prairie, November 26, 1990. 1 master video file (12 minutes, 41 seconds): MOV (2.8 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (125 MB).

Container note: Blooming Prairie Economic Development Authority and Blooming Prairie Public Schools.

Digital video

Byron, undated. 1 master video file (6 minutes, 54 seconds): MOV (1.5 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (67.3 MB).

Digital video

Caledonia, undated. 1 master video file (12 minutes, 39 seconds): MOV (2.8 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (124.6 MB).

Digital video

Champlin, 1991. 1 master video file (10 minutes, 45 seconds): MOV (2.4 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (106 MB).

Container note: QCTV-33 Productions and City of Champlin.

Digital video

Chisholm, September 15, 1988. 1 master video file (11 minutes, 49 seconds): MOV (2.7 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (116.3 MB).

Container note: KDLH-TV.

Digital video

Coon Rapids, December 1988. 1 master video file (12 minutes, 5 seconds): MOV (2.7 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (119 MB).

Digital video

Crookston, December 8, 1993. 1 master video file (9 minutes, 13 seconds): MOV (2.1 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (2.6 GB).

Container note: Video Arts Studio Danielson & Associates.

Digital video

The Crystal connection, June 10, 1994. 1 master video file (10 minutes, 32 seconds): MOV (2.3 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (101.2 MB).

Container note: The City of Crystal and Northwest Community TV.

Digital video

Cuyuna Range, undated. 1 master video file (7 minutes, 57 seconds): MOV (1.8 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (78 GB).

Container note: CREDI Economic Development.

Digital video

Detroit Lakes, 1988. 1 master video file (17 minutes): MOV (3.8 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (168 MB).

Container note: Northern Video Productions.

Digital video

Consider Dilworth, undated. 1 master video file (7 minutes): MOV (1.5 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (68.3 MB).

Digital video

Dodge Center, undated.

Note: Issue with videotape, could not be played back.

East Grand Forks undated. 1 master video file (4 minutes, 55 seconds): MOV (1.1 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (47.5 MB).

Digital video

City of Elk River: Where a city and country flow together, 1994. 1 master video file (6 minutes, 39 seconds): MOV (1.5 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (64.8 MB).

Digital video

Glencoe: On the edge of a big city, October 1986. 1 master video file (12 minutes, 49 seconds): MOV (2.9 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (126.3 MB).

Container note: Glencoe Chamber of Commerce. Video Creations.

Note: Video quality issues, picture drops out momentarily at 1:05.

Digital video

Gonvick and Clearbrook, undated. 1 master video file (6 minutes, 39 seconds): MOV (1.5 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (64.8 MB).

Note: Video quality issues, picture drops out momentarily at 1:05.

Digital video

Grand Meadow, undated.

Note: Blank tape.

Henning, undated. 1 master video file (7 minutes, 2 seconds): MOV (1.6 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (68.6 MB).

Digital video

Hibbing: Where people make the difference, undated. 1 master video file (15 minutes, 55 seconds): MOV (3.6 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (157.1 MB).

Note: Audio dropout at 6:08. Video dropout at 14:47.

Container note: Hibbing Chamber Business Development Corporation. Produced by VCR Communications.

Digital video

International Falls: There's no place like this, undated. 1 master video file (8 minutes, 41 seconds): MOV (1.9 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (85 MB).

Digital video

South St. Paul Inver Grove Heights, March 10, 1990. 1 master video file (8 minutes, 39 seconds): MOV (1.9 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (84.6 MB).

Digital video

Kandiyohi County, November 1990. 1 master video file (12 minutes, 36 seconds): MOV (2.8 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (124.1 MB).

Container note: Kandiyohi County Economic Development Partnership. Dynamic Video Productions, Willmar, MN.

Digital video

Lake Crystal, undated. 1 master video file (8 minutes, 4 seconds): MOV (1.8 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (187.9 MB).

Digital video

Lakeville, undated. 1 master video file (8 minutes, 57 seconds): MOV (2 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (87.7 MB).

Digital video

Le Sueur, undated. 1 master video file (12 minutes, 43 seconds): MOV (2.9 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (125.2 MB).

Digital video

Mahnomen, 1990-1991. 1 master video file (21 minutes, 29 seconds): MOV (4.8 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (212.6 MB).

Container note: Northern Video Productions.

Digital video

Mankato, 1991. 1 master video file (13 minutes, 35 seconds): MOV (3.1 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (133.8 MB).

Container note: Produced by KEYC-TT for Immanuel-St. Joseph's Hospital and Valley Industrial Development Corporation.

Digital video

Monticello: A little mountain of big opportunities, 1991. 1 master video file (15 minutes, 09 seconds): MOV (3.4 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (149.3 MB).

Container note: Produced by Chris Lommel.

Digital video

Mower County, undated. 1 master video file (14 minutes, 24 seconds): MOV (3.2 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (142 MB).

Note: Poor video quality.

Digital video

New London, 1989. 1 master video file (10 minutes, 55 seconds): MOV (2.4 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (107.4 MB).

Container note: WRAC Willmar Regional Access Channel.

Digital video

New Ulm, 1987. 1 master video file (1 hour, 44 minutes): MOV (23.7 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (1 GB).

Container note: MCIP.

Digital video

New York Mills: An easy place to call home, 1992. 1 master video file (12 minutes, 23 seconds): MOV (2.8 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (121.7 MB).

Container note: Northern Cable Advertising.

Digital video

Oakdale: Access to the future, undated. 1 master video file (10 minutes, 6 seconds): MOV (2.3 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (99.4 MB).

Digital video

Pelican Rapids, undated. 1 master video file (8 minutes, 44 seconds): MOV (2 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (85.6 MB).

Digital video

Perham makes it happen!, undated. 1 master video file (13 minutes, 53 seconds): MOV (2 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (85.6 MB).

Digital video

Pine Island, audio track, undated. 1 master video file (13 minutes, 53 seconds): MOV (2 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (85.6 MB).

Note: No video, only audio was captured.

Digital video

Ramsey, undated. 1 master video file (12 minutes, 50 seconds): MOV (2.9 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (126.5 MB).

Digital video

Red Lake Falls, undated. 1 master video file (7 minutes, 55 seconds): MOV (1.8 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (77.5 MB).

Digital video

Roseau: Small city, great spirit, undated. 1 master video file (11 minutes, 34 seconds): MOV (2.6 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (113.7 MB).

Digital video

Shakopee: Off and running!, 1985. 1 master video file (12 minutes, 47 seconds): MOV (2.9 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (125.8 MB).

Container note: KMB Productions.

Digital video

Sleepy Eye...is taking pride, 1987. 1 master video file (8 minutes, 28 seconds): MOV (1.9 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (82.9 MB).

Container note: Emmanuel Productions.

Digital video

Staples: A closer look, undated. 1 master video file (15 minutes, 24 seconds): MOV (3.5 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (152.1 MB).

Digital video

Stillwater area, 1985. 1 master video file (14 minutes, 10 seconds): MOV (3.2 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (139.6 MB).

Digital video

Profit from the Two Harbors experience, undated. 1 master video file (11 minutes, 38 seconds): MOV (2.6 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (114.6 MB).

Container note: Produced by GTE Central Offices of Economic Development/Public Affairs for Two Harbors, Minnesota.

Digital video

Tyler, undated. 1 master video file (9 minutes, 38 seconds): MOV (2.1 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (96.8 MB).

Digital video

Warren, undated. 1 master video file (13 minutes, 44 seconds): MOV (3.1 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (135.5 MB).

Digital video

Watertown, undated. 1 master video file (6 minutes, 42 seconds): MOV (1.5 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (65.3 MB).

Digital video

Settling down in West Saint Paul, January 29, 1993. 1 master video file (15 minutes, 35 seconds): MOV (3.5 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (153.8 MB).

Container note: Producer NDC18.

Digital video

Willmar: Your opportunity for success, undated. 1 master video file (13 minutes, 47 seconds): MOV (3.1 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (136 MB).

Digital video

Windom, undated. 1 master video file (16 minutes, 35 seconds): MOV (3.7 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (163.7 MB).

Digital video

Winthrop, undated. 1 master video file (8 minutes, 29 seconds): MOV (1.9 GB) and 1 user video file: MP4 (83.2 MB).

Digital video

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CATALOG HEADINGS

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Topics:: Community development -- Minnesota.; Economic development projects -- Minnesota.; Rural development -- Minnesota.; State-local relations -- Minnesota.

Places:: Minnesota -- Economic conditions.

Document Types:: Digital moving image formats -- Minnesota.; Files (digital files) -- Minnesota.

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