Viroqua – Wisconsin
Viroqua is the county seat of Vernon County, Wisconsin.
The town was originally named “Farwell” after Leonard J. Farwell, second Governor of Wisconsin, but it was renamed “Viroqua” in 1854.
Viroqua, WI
City
Janesville, MN
Janesville – Minnesota
Janesville is located in Waseca County in Minnesota.
The city of Janesville was established in 1856. A post office called Janesville has been in operation since 1858. The city was named for Mrs. Jane Sprague, an early settler.
Katelynne Kratz
Katelynne Kratz joined the CEDA team as an intern in October 2024. After graduating from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with her Master's in Public Administration and Community Management in May 2025, she transitioned to a full-time position as a Community and Business Development Specialist for the City of Janesville. Katelynne is passionate about strengthening rural communities through sustainable economic development and community-driven initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys supporting the Minnesota Lynx by going to every home game and spending time with her cat, Temmie.
Remer, MN
Remer – Minnesota
The city was named for its first postmaster, William P. Remer.
Remer is also the location of the Thunder Lake Lodge, where Al Capone stayed on his vacations to Minnesota.
Jessica Pellinen
Jessica joined the CEDA team in April of 2024. Her degree is in business and she has owned and operated a small business of her own. She also has experience in real estate, program development and management, fundraising, event planning and working with volunteers. Growing up and currently living just outside of a small community, she understands the needs and challenges they face. She is excited and passionate about bringing people together for a common goal and utilizing everyone’s skills and talents to accomplish big things. Her hobbies include gardening, barn quilt painting, and spending time with family.
Glencoe, MN
Glencoe – Minnesota
Glencoe is the county seat of McLeod County, Minnesota,
Glencoe was laid out in 1855 and named after Glen Coe in Scotland.
Michael Monson
Michael joined CEDA in February of 2023. He received a B.A. in Business with an emphasis in Marketing from Bethel University. Prior to joining CEDA, Michael worked in different areas of marketing and supported small businesses through various programs. He also grew up in a small town in Minnesota and loves bringing his passion for rural communities to his work with CEDA.
Wells, MN
Wells – Minnesota
The Village of Wells was established in 1869, but was not incorporated until March 6, 1871.
Hallie Raimann
Originally from New Ulm, Minnesota, and now proud to call Wells home, Hallie brings a rich and diverse background to her role as Community and Business Development Specialist. From a foundation in science to roles in education, non-profit leadership, and local business, she offers a unique blend of experience and heart that make her a natural fit for building strong community ties.
In her role, she collaborates with the City of Wells through the EDA and HRA boards and partners with the local school district to support career development for students. She is passionate about helping people find their path and creating meaningful connections between education, business, and community growth.
As a mom of two daughters, Hallie is actively involved in the Wells community and enjoys supporting local community, school, and sports programs. She serves on various activity boards and volunteers her time whenever she can. Outside of work, she loves watching her children's activities, traveling whenever it fits into her schedule, experiencing new foods, and spending time with family and friends.
