Cris Gastner

Eyota MN

Article by Cathy Enerson

            What to do when a major highway bypasses your downtown is an ongoing issue for many communities. In Eyota Highway 42 and Highway 14 each boarder the historic downtown, however neither highway runs through the historic business district. Another issue is the downtown can’t be easily seen from the highways. The Eyota Economic Development Authority has purchased and is using way finding signs to direct visitors to businesses and public facilities located in the historic downtown. The EDA did long term planning for additional signage throughout the city including the preliminary planning, surveying and budgeting for a City entrance sign.

 

The city of Eyota also has had a very positive working relationship with AgStar lately. AgStar was able to assist the Eyota EDA with funding needed for a feasibility study on the City owned assisted living center known as Arbor Gardens. The purpose of the study is to gather demographics, compare nearby facilities and work towards continued improvements at Arbor Gardens. The EDA plans to use this data for land purchases, facility expansion needs, and to forecast what amenities the upcoming generations will request at assisted living centers. Wifi was recently added to the facility, but that is only a fraction of what will be expected by the new generation moving to assisted living centers. Eyota plans to stay current with the needs of future generations and will offer those entering the assisted living center a high quality of life.

 

Lanesboro and Mabel MN

Article by Michelle Vrieze

The Cities of Lanesboro and Mabel were awarded $449,000 for a 2012 Minnesota Small Cities Development Program grant.  The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development received a total of 73 applications and awarded 31 Minnesota communities a total of $16.85 million in grants.  CEDA was the author of this application and will also be the administrator of the funds.

These funds will be used for rehabilitating existing housing stock for low-to-moderate-income residents in the communities of Lanesboro and Mabel and will also address commercial revitalization in the Lanesboro downtown district.   Michelle Vrieze a Community and Business Development Specialist with CEDA stated “These funds help improve slum and blighted properties in small communities, where they could not otherwise afford, along with creating jobs for local contractors.”

Chatfield MN 

The Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of two members to their Board of Directors – Dave Grewe, Senior Vice President/Senior Regional Lender/ SBA Manager, Merchants Bank – Winona, and Elaine Garry, CEO/President, People’s Energy Cooperative, Oronoco, MN.

 

Mr. Grewe has worked in the financial industry for the past 27 years.   Mr. Grewe’s experience with SBA financing will be a valuable asset to the organization and team members.

Ms. Garry possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Management (emphasis in Finance and Human Resources).  She is also certified as a Senior Human Resource Professional (SPHR).   Ms. Garry’s experience in rural utilities and human resources will also be a valuable asset to CEDA and our team members.

 

“With the addition of Mr. Grewe and Ms. Garry, the Board of Directors continues to be represented by leaders in many diverse fields including:  finance,  utilities, city administration,  retail,  health care and manufacturing”, states Ron Zeigler, CEO/President of CEDA.  “The Board of Directors is a visionary group that has a passion for improving the lives and economic conditions of those businesses, governments and people that choose to reside in ruralAmerica.”