Fillmore County

Name: Rebecca Charles
Price range: $$

Fillmore County Economic Development Authority to host Agriculture Summit, Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

February 2, 2024 ·

by Chris Hahn, Fillmore County EDA and CEDA

Area farm families, businesses, and the public are invited to attend this free event at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center at 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN 55949, on March 14, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. A light breakfast and snacks will be provided, and sessions will run for approximately 30 minutes. This year’s schedule includes presentations on Hydroponics & Alternative Farming Methods, Woman-Owned Ag Entrepreneurship, Soil Conservation and Water Quality, Emotional Wellness for Agriculture Families, Understanding MN Sure, and Addressing Workforce and Labor Challenges.

“Events like the Agriculture Summit allow rural farm families and their neighbors to connect, share ideas, and learn together,” says Fillmore County EDA board member Sam Grabau. “Ensuring that our rural communities have information and access to resources helps build a better economic outlook for the entire area.”

Agriculture remains the primary economic driver in Fillmore County, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. The census, conducted every five years, counted over 1400 farms in Fillmore County, contributing around $291 million in agricultural products sold. Approximately 32% of all farms represent operations less than 50 acres in size, and with more than 375,500 acres dedicated to agriculture in Fillmore County, innovation and process improvements remain a critical part of the continued success of the agriculture industry.

Fillmore County EDA Director Chris Hahn states that, “our EDA believes it is important to connect local agriculture businesses and professionals with our farm families in Fillmore County and the neighboring communities,” adding that the goal is “to provide our area farm families and businesses with resources and provide real-world examples of successful agriculture entrepreneurs, and evolving business practices.”

The 2024 Fillmore County Agriculture Summit is presented by the Fillmore County Economic Development Authority, F & M Community Bank, First Southeast Bank, MiEnergy Cooperative, Dairyland Power Cooperative, and MiBroadband, in association with Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA), and GreenSeam.

The Fillmore County Agriculture Summit is a free event, but registration is requested to estimate the number of attendees. To register online, please go to 2024 Fillmore County Agriculture Summit Tickets, Thu, Mar 14, 2024, at 8:15 AM | Eventbrite.

If you have questions about the event, or to register via phone, please contact Chris Hahn, Fillmore County EDA Director, at 612-327-9729 chris.hahn@cedausa.com or Allison Whalen (CEDA) at 507-993-8688 or via email at allison.whalen@cedausa.com.

Rushford Village, MN

Rushford Village – Minnesota

Rushford Village surrounds the two cities of Peterson and Rushford Minnesota..

The City of Rushford Village is nestled in the Root River Valley between bluffs and State Forest Land and is near the Root River State Bike Trail and Root River.

County: Fillmore
Region: Southeast MN
Zip Code: 55962
City Website

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Rebecca Charles

Community and Business Development Specialist

Spring Grove Real Estate Group LLC

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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.

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Jayme Longmire

Community and Business Development Specialist

Rushford Village, MN

Spring Grove, MN

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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!

Fillmore County, MN

Fillmore County – Minnesota

Fillmore County is located in southeastern Minnesota.

Preston (county seat)
Canton
Chatfield (part)
Fountain
Harmony
Lanesboro
Mabel
Ostrander
Peterson
Rushford
Rushford Village
Spring Valley
Whalan
Wykoff

County Website

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Allison Whalen

Community & Business Development Specialist

Allison began her journey with CEDA as a Community and Business Development Specialist in October of 2023. As a lifelong resident of a small rural town and the daughter of a small business owner and entrepreneur, she spent her formative years working at her family's businesses. Here, she developed the soft skills required for successful interactions and leadership, and discovered her passion for marketing, branding, and communication.

Allison recognizes the value of community service, and the critical role small businesses play in the vitality of rural communities. She continues to advocate for and support rural small-town growth and sustainability, bringing her passion for economic development and strategic marketing to every project she undertakes.