Community

Name: Jessica Pellinen
Price range: $$

Floodwood, MN

Floodwood – Minnesota

Nestled at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 2 and State Highway 73, Floodwood is a charming small city located just 45 miles west of Duluth.

The city calls itself “The Catfish Capital of the World”, a nickname it gave itself following the introduction of its annual Catfish Days festival.

County: Saint Louis County
Region: North East MN
Zip Code: 55736
City Website

Jessica Pellinen

Regional Manager

Community Support Program

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.

Chokio, MN

Chokio – Minnesota

Chokio is a name derived from a Dakota language or Sioux word meaning “the middle.”

County: Stevens County
Region: West Central
Zip Code: 56221

Laura Mitteness

Community and Business Development Specialist

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.

Lester Prairie, MN

Lester Prairie – Minnesota

Lester Prairie had its beginnings when the Great Northern Railroad built its line in December of 1886.

The City of Lester Prairie was founded in 1886 and named in honor of Mrs. Maria Lester and her family who settled here. Prairie for the little prairie on which is was situated, surrounded by heavily wooded land.

County: McLeod

Zip Code: 55354

Region: Central MN

City Website

Sarah Safstrom

Community and Business Development Specialist

Nobles County, MN

Lester Prairie, MN

Email Sarah

Sarah is a Community and Business Development Specialist with CEDA. Prior to joining CEDA, Sarah dedicated more than 20 years to working and volunteering with healthcare, government, and civic organizations throughout Lancaster County, Nebraska. She is passionate about rural communities and takes great pride in supporting their growth and resilience. Sarah holds two master's degrees—one in Public Health and another in Healthcare Administration. With her diverse background and strong sense of purpose, Sarah is committed to strengthening community connections and helping rural areas thrive.

Originally from a small rural community in Nebraska, she spent many years living and working in Lincoln before moving to Minnesota.

Vergas, MN

Vergas – Minnesota

Vergas claims it is home of the World’s Largest Loon, Minnesota’s state bird.

County: Otter Tail

Region: West Central

Zip Code: 56587

City Website

Jordan Grossman

Regional Manager

Community Support Program

Pelican Rapids, MN

Vergas, MN

Email Jordan

Jordan became a member of the CEDA team in June 2023. Jordan holds an Associates Degree in Business: Marketing and Management as well as certifications in Human Resources. In addition, Jordan worked in the government sector before joining CEDA for four years. Her work experience helped Jordan become an expert in government operations, budgeting, and databases.

Jordan grew up in the rural town of Nevis, Minn., with a population of 337 people and understands the needs of small town municipalities and businesses’. She enjoys seeing them prosper and is excited to create strong relationships with small businesses and residents with a goal to cultivate economic growth and social responsibility. In her free time Jordan enjoys spending time with her family, watching her children's sporting events, traveling, lake days and downhill skiing.

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.

County: Waseca

Region: South Central

Zip Code: 56048

City Website

Katelynne Kratz

Community and Business Development Specialist

Janesville, MN

Email Katelynne

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.