The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) consists of two separate agencies. They are the Albert Lea Port Authority and Greater Jobs Inc. The Port Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Minnesota. It was created in 1987 by the Albert Lea City Council. Greater Jobs Inc. is a private not for profit development corporation created in 1943 as Jobs Inc. Our mission is to create jobs and enhance the tax base of the City of Albert Lea and all of Freeborn County. In September 2003, a decision was made by Board members to combine the various local economic development entities into one organization in order to function in a more seamless manner, and to utilize the strengths of each organization. At that time, the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency was created. Today ALEDA serves as the mechanism where the county, city and the private sector work together for economic development in Albert Lea and Freeborn County.
