CEDA
Community Economic Development Associates
Minnesota Highways 13 and 30 are two of the main routes in the city.
New Richland owes it origins to the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad which reached the area in 1877 and the Norwegian settlers who were attracted to the rich farmland of Waseca County.
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.
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 is a name derived from a Dakota language or Sioux word meaning “the middle.”
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 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.
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 claims it is home of the World’s Largest Loon, Minnesota’s state bird.
Jordan joined the CEDA team in June 2023, bringing a background in business, marketing, and human resources. She holds a degree in Business and certifications in Human Resources. Before joining CEDA, Jordan spent four years in the government sector, where she developed strong expertise in government operations, financial management, and communications.
Having grown up in the small rural community of Nevis, Minnesota, Jordan deeply understands the unique challenges small towns face. She believes that clear, proactive communication is essential for communities to fully capitalize on available funding and partnership opportunities. Jordan is passionate about serving as a connector—linking local leaders, organizations, and businesses with resources that drive sustainable economic growth. She takes pride in building relationships and opening doors for collaboration, ensuring that small-town voices are heard and supported.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending quality time with her family, cheering on her children at sporting events, traveling, enjoying days at the lake, and downhill skiing.
