[0:00] Hello, I'm Mayor Myron Bailey and this [0:02] is your December mayor's moment. With [0:04] the new year rapidly approaching, it's [0:07] important to look back at the many [0:08] things our community has accomplished [0:10] and celebrated some of our successes [0:13] while also looking forward to what lies [0:15] ahead. This year, Cottage Grove welcomed [0:17] numerous new businesses including Mi [0:19] PBLO, Kasamea, Buffalo Wild Wings to Go, [0:23] Clo de Nino's Daycare, Gateway Fiber, [0:26] the Madison Porsche, Walmart's Grand [0:29] Reopening, and so many more. It's a sign [0:32] that not only our businesses are willing [0:34] to locate here in Cottage Grove, but [0:36] also that our community continues to [0:38] grow economically. And in support of [0:40] that commercial growth, the old saying, [0:42] rooftops before retail, comes to mind. [0:45] With new residents, a growing [0:47] population, and new housing [0:48] developments, commercial and industrial [0:51] businesses are continuing to view [0:52] Cottage Grove as a prime opportunity for [0:55] investment. The community saw Bluestem [0:57] Apartments open its doors and affordable [1:00] housing development for seniors. We are [1:02] also well on our way in the planning [1:04] process for wars, real estate equities, [1:07] and more. And when you add in the [1:09] continued single family new housing [1:11] developments, all of that investment [1:13] adds up to a growing city that can [1:15] support significant economic [1:17] development. That's part of the story I [1:19] tell every day when I'm getting phone [1:20] calls from prospective developers, [1:22] business owners, and representatives [1:24] from big and small companies looking to [1:27] potentially locate in Cottage Grove. I [1:29] have the incredible opportunity to share [1:31] more about past accomplishments and new [1:34] goals moving forward when I deliver the [1:36] annual state of the city address in [1:38] early 2026. And I look forward to that [1:41] important address every year. I want to [1:44] thank our residents for making Cottage [1:45] Grove special and thank past, present, [1:48] and future businesses for also making [1:50] Cottage Grove an excellent place to [1:52] live, work, and play. For this month's [1:54] mayor's moment, I'm Myron Bailey and [1:57] thank you for watching.