Argyle is the Perfect Place to Start a New Business

MARKIT Unit Train Facility Increases Capacity

MarKit County Grain, LLC constructed a shuttle loading grain elevator north of Argyle during the spring of 2006.  The concrete elevator was built by contractor Vigen Construction, Inc. of East Grand Forks.  A circular railroad loop track used for loadout operations was built during the summer months of 2006 by another Minnesota contractor, Railworks Track Systems, Inc.
Just four short years later, the 700,000 bushel capacity facility needed updating to afford more flexibility in the handling of the commodities.  Once again Vigen Construction, Inc. of East Grand Forks was contracted to do the work during the last week of March.  In five days of continuous work, a 900,000 bushel capacity series of concrete tanks were poured and completed.
According to General Manager Jim Fagerholt, MarKit County Grain now has the flexibility to coordinate and time the receiving and unloading of grain.  A 110-car unit train transports about 400,000 bushels of grain at a time.
MarKit County Grain, LLC is a partnership formed in 2005 between North Valley Grain, LLC and ADM-Benson Quinn.  North Valley Grain, LLC is made up of four local grain elevator companies consisting of Argyle Co-operative Warehouse Association, Farmers Elevator Company of Alvarado, Hallock Cooperative Elevator Company and Humboldt-St. Vincent Elevator Ass'n.
The MarKit County Grain unit train facility employs 7 full time workers.  The facility has been averaging 1 to 2 unit trains per month. 

********************************************************************************************** OTHER BUSINESS INCENTIVES:
Business Loans:

1. The local United Valley Bank is committed to helping our community grow and will consider business loans to all qualified applicants.
2. Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NWF) financing is available for business start-ups and expansions that create new jobs leading to long term community impact, diversification of the economy, and that leverage other sources of funds to increase total capital investment in the region.
3. NWF also can provide Equity Investments to encourage start-up businesses and the expansion of firms focusing on new and emerging technologies, techniques and products.
4. NWF also provides loans  to help entrepreneurs develop small businesses and self-employment opportunities.
5. Northwest Minnesota Regional Development Commission (RDC) offers Gap financing for certain qualified businesses.
6. Small Business Loans through the Minnesota Small Business Program, and SBA.