Consultant evaluates district to determine U.S.-readiness

The district will find out what it has–and what it needs–to attract U.S. businesses here next month after a consultant hired by the Rainy River Future Development Corp. finished his work here last week.
Jack Allston, of Paragon Decision Resources, wrapped up interviews with local businesses, municipal governments, and human resources after a “three-day whirlwind tour” last Wednesday through Friday, said Geoff Gillon of the RRFDC.
“He was here to evaluate how fit we are to accept a U.S. company. Last year, we set a goal to have five U.S. companies establish themselves here,” Gillon noted.
“He’s going to tell us our strengths and weaknesses, and basically where we stand,” he added.
Allston, a manager of site selection for the Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based firm, will use the data to compile a report, which Gillon expects to sometime in next month.
In the meantime, Allston is continuing to travel across Canada, competing similar evaluations elsewhere.