Mantorville – Minnesota
Manterville is about 18 miles west of Rochester.
Located along the South Branch of the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River. Known as the source for Mantorville Limestone.
Mantorville, MN
City
Cannon Falls, MN
Cannon Falls – Minnesota
Cannon Falls is located between the Twin Cities and Rochester.
Cannon Falls offers a vibrant business environment with a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, convenient accessibility and flexible incentives. The robust local economy features a solid lineup of businesses in manufacturing, food processing, financial services and transportation and logistics.
Laura Qualey
Laura joined CEDA in March 2020, bringing a dynamic background in sales, marketing, management, retail, and business development. Growing up with two entrepreneurial parents, she developed a deep passion for helping business owners and entrepreneurs succeed—especially in rural communities where strong local economies make all the difference.
Beyond her work, Laura is an active community leader. She volunteers for the Local FEAST! events in Rochester and Cannon Falls, serves on the Cannon Falls Area Schools Marketing Committee, and chairs the board of the Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership. She firmly believes that no matter your age or how long you've been in business, a solid succession plan is essential for long-term success.
When she's not working to support businesses and communities, Laura enjoys time with her daughter, Mattie, and her two energetic grandchildren, Ella and Noah, who keep her entertained and on her toes. At home in Cannon Falls, she shares her space with Millie, her lively Malshipoo, who makes sure there's never a dull moment.
Blue Earth, MN
Blue Earth – Minnesota
Blue Earth is located at the intersection of Highways 169 and 90.
An ideal combination of rural community and progressive capabilities, Blue Earth is proud to be home to nearly 300 businesses, both large and small. Blue Earth offers an ideal location for distribution centers.
Amy Schaefer
Amy joined the CEDA team in July of 2020 as an Economic & Business Specialist for the City of Blue Earth. Amy brings a strong background in clerical work and municipal utility billing, along with a passion for rural community growth and sustainability. She is a community advocate and an involved community member, volunteering her time and energy with various boards and organizations. Amy is from Buffalo Center, Iowa, where she and her husband Marty raise three boys, Max, Charlie, and Henry. In her free time, Amy enjoys camping, walking, and watching her sons play football, basketball and baseball.
Benson, MN
Benson – Minnesota
Benson is located about 130 miles west of the Twin Cities.
Benson is located along the Chippewa River and is the county seat for Swift County.
Hillary Tweed
Hillary Tweed is the Vice President of the MN Community Support Program at CEDA, bringing over a decade of experience in the field. With a strong foundation in business administration and accounting, Hillary has successfully led various initiatives that promote economic growth and community prosperity. Her commitment to economic development is deeply rooted in her upbringing in a small town, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities. Holding a Bachelor's in Business Administration, Hillary is driven by a philosophy of collaboration and innovation, believing in the importance of partnerships to create resilient communities.
Outside of work, she is actively involved in community service and enjoys quilting, reading, and traveling.
Laura Mitteness
Laura joined the CEDA team in October 2023 as a Community and Business Development Specialist in the Cities of Benson and Murdock. She graduated from Mayville State University with a degree in Mathematics Education and decided after a decade of teaching to make a change. She grew up in a small town of Ada, MN in the Red River Valley where small-town development is key to the town’s survival. This knowledge and strong connection to her small town drives her passion for development in the communities she serves. She is excited to build strong relationships within her communities and help them thrive!
Laura lives outside of Benson with her husband and two young girls. If she is not watching some new show or movie on TV, she is playing with her kids outside or helping her husband with the cattle on his family farm.
Spring Grove, MN
Spring Grove – Minnesota
Spring Grove is located about 32 miles southwest of La Crosse, WI.
Spring Grove is projected to grow over the next ten years.
Watch the 2020 Regional Development Tour Video of Spring Grove
Rebecca Charles
Rebecca joined the CEDA team in May of 2017. Rebecca has a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Wales, Swansea, and Bachelor of Science in Political Science from South Dakota State University. She has spent the past 15 years working on/leading political campaigns for both local and national candidates, as well as issue based campaigns.
Rebecca’s interest in rural economic development stems from her experiences working with rural communities during her political career, where she heard about the needs and difficulties facing rural communities across the nation. She has a strong desire to help to make positive changes for rural America.
Jayme Longmire
Jayme grew up in Holmen, WI (go Pack!) and attended the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education. After living and working in Austin, TX for almost seven years, Jayme and her husband Patrick moved back to the midwest in 2017 to Spring Grove, MN, where Patrick grew up and his family owned and operated the local grocery store. There, Jayme and Patrick both became novice entrepreneurs, starting and operating retail and food service companies; one of which turned into Fat Pat's Brewery, of which Jayme is an owner.
Business development and management, marketing, and community support and communication is what Jayme has become passionate about over the years. She is looking forward to helping Spring Grove develop further and prosper for years to come!
