News + Announcements

by Kelly Wilkens

Featuring a wide-range of accomplishments over the past year while appreciating the internal growth the company has achieved, CEDA’s 2024 Annual Report underscores the organization’s commitment to rural economic development across Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

A few highlights found in the report include:

A total of $9,709,993.36 in funding secured for CEDA communities and partner organizations. This was attained through 89 successful grant applications, written by CEDA team members and the CEDA Grants Department.

With continued growth, CEDA reworked their internal organizational structure to better serve their team. Through this reorganization, new executive leadership was announced with Courtney Bergey Swanson as Chief Mission Officer and James Hanke as Chief Operations Officer. Regional Manager positions were added and departments were more clearly defined, offering transparency for career development and progression.

CEDA’s Rural Capacity Program has seen the creation of Revolving Loan Funds, a Commercial Facade Program, the development of state and federal grant applications, business outreach, community surveys, the development of structured BR&E programs, and more. This program was funded by the Minnesota Legislature to assist 18 non-metro, rural cities with a population under 3,000 with select economic development initiatives.

Achievements in each of the 53 communities and counties CEDA contracts with are recognized, as well as highlights from CEDA’s Strategic Initiatives division and Workforce Development. While this work is ongoing, this report celebrates achievements CEDA’s team members have accomplished for the communities they serve. The complete 2024 Annual Report can be found here.

By Katelynne Kratz

The Rural Capacity Program (RCP) continues to drive economic revitalization in 18 cities across Greater Minnesota, providing crucial technical assistance and financial support. Each city has received 150 hours of technical assistance, totaling 2,700 CEDA staff hours, along with $15,000 in funding, amounting to $270,000 invested directly into rural economic development.

CEDA’s collaboration with these cities has led to notable achievements, including the creation of Revolving Loan Fund Programs, the development of large grant applications such as DNR and USDA grants, and the launch of business outreach, website integrations, and Commercial Façade Programs. In many cases, the initial $15,000 investment has attracted additional private and public funding, amplifying the program’s impact. Notable success stories include:

• Danvers: Utilized their $15,000 fund to support downtown business renovations, researched grants to repurpose a former bank into a community center, and developed a Community Impressions Report.
• Vergas: Launched a $50,000 Commercial Rehabilitation Program, secured $10,000 inlocal contributions, and obtained a $25,000 matching grant to further economic growth.
• Elmore: Secured $50,000 for a downtown activity park, established a business revolving loan fund with $15,000 in private investment, and hosted a successful holiday vendor fair to support local commerce.

The value of the RCP is reflected in feedback from community leaders:

“The program absolutely has helped the city determine the legitimate need for a child care facility and greatly helped begin and coordinate discussions with private enterprise to potentially locate a child care facility in the city.” 

— City of Buhl

“Having someone whose job it is to spend time on these efforts is invaluable. The rest of us all have other jobs and are doing this work as volunteers. It is great to have someone with experience and contacts dedicated to it.” 

— City of New York Mills

Advocacy for Continued Support

With Round 1 nearing completion, efforts are underway to expand the program to 20 communities in Round 2. Senator Nelson and Representative Pursell have authored a bill to secure continued funding, ensuring RCP’s positive impact reaches even more rural cities.

On Monday, February 17th, RCP Manager Amy Schaefer, along with interns Katelynne Kratz and Macey Becker, and CEDA staff member Celia Simpson, met with senators at the Capitol to advocate for the bill. Their goal was to identify co-authors and rally support, highlighting the tangible success stories and economic benefits the program has brought to Greater Minnesota. These conversations helped build momentum and solidify legislative backing for the initiative.

The Rural Capacity Program has proven that dedicated staff time, strategic investment, and strong community collaboration can drive real economic progress. By securing continued funding, CEDA can empower more communities, attract additional resources, and reinforce the resilience of rural Minnesota’s small towns. The program serves as a testament to what’s possible when communities have the tools and support they need to thrive.

by Laura Mitteness

Parkers Prairie has secured a $15,000 grant from the CEDA Rural Capacity Program (RCP) to help establish a revolving loan fund (RLF) through its Economic Development Authority (EDA). These funds will match a USDA-Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) application to maximize the fund’s impact in its first year.

Since its establishment in 2023, the Parkers Prairie EDA has prioritized local economic growth. The new RLF will provide local businesses with essential gap financing, keeping development within the community.

Having worked with the Parkers Prairie EDA through the RCP, I’ve seen their dedication firsthand. They have been a fantastic community to work with—positive, proactive, and committed to making a difference. Their enthusiasm for economic development has made this process impactful and rewarding. Supporting small businesses through gap financing is a significant step toward long-term economic stability.

This initiative is just the beginning. Parkers Prairie’s commitment to local growth ensures that businesses will continue to benefit from this resource for years to come.

By Jack Wheeler

Le Sueur-Henderson High School recently acquired two new sets of Virtual Reality Goggles thanks to support from Community and Economic Development Associates, South Central Service Cooperative, and The Future Ready CTE Grant. The goggles allow for a new range of applications previously unavailable for students and allow for simulation in the hospital setting.

The program offers 30+ interactive simulations including checking vitals, cleaning and sanitizing equipment, working with patients, and even denture care. Students have the opportunity to interact with the virtual patients, and experience the hospital setting without leaving the classroom. One student, Porter, described the equipment as useful, “We learn about the skills on paper, but it is nice to be able to practice them in a hospital setting. It is the perfect balance between classroom and clinic!”

Health teacher Beth Wagner enjoys using the new technology because students can experiment on their own, and the simulation “teleports you to the location you are supposed to be, which easily guides the students through the process.” Simulations also allow for students to learn at their own pace, and test their skills with specialised training and exam modes.

The equipment can be used for a variety of applications as well, including automotive, engineering, culinary and hospitality, and the arts.