News + Announcements

Article by: Courtney Bergey Swanson

Entrepreneurs in Greater Minnesota are invited to join the Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN), a new CEDA-led program made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Through HEN, CEDA’s professional staff will 1) provide free, individualized coaching to a cohort of rural entrepreneurs, and 2) develop a series of workshops aimed to educate, connect, and support businesses in greater Minnesota. Eligible entrepreneurs are invited to apply through March 6, 2020.

For more information on upcoming workshops or to complete an online application for the Harvest Entrepreneur Network, visit https://www.cedausa.com/agricultural-resources/.

Article by: Nicholas Ouellette

In 2019, CEDA had the opportunity to conduct research and create a report on the Cannon Roots project for the City of Cannon Falls. The Cannon Roots project represents a community-wide mission and brand for local foods producers, businesses, and residents of Cannon Falls to establish the city as a go-to food destination in the region. CEDA team members found the prospect of creating a plan for the food economy intriguing. Agricultural and good businesses are intertwined with our personal and work lives, and not to mention integral to the livelihoods of many Minnesotans.

As part of the research process, CEDA team members Courtney Bergey-Swanson and Nicholas Ouellette conducted site visits in Cannon Falls. The site visit was important as they allow the CEDA team to develop a deeper understanding of the local food economy in Cannon Falls. Swanson and Ouellette also conducted interviews with local food economy leaders. Determining the local perspectives on the Cannon Falls food economy, as well as local attitudes towards growth and brand development, was important so the final report and recommended actions reflect the values and aspirations of the Cannon Falls community.

The aim of the report, submitted in September, is to provide objectives and actionable items for Cannon Falls to consider for the foundation and long-term success of Cannon Roots and the food economy in Cannon Falls. Some key aspects of the plan include recommendations for local engagement, tourism, foods sector infrastructure, business assistance, and beautification/signage projects amongst a total of 30 objectives and 80 actionable items outlined in the report. The CEDA team appreciates the opportunity we had to work on Cannon Roots, and are excited for the opportunities it presents to local foods businesses and the City of Cannon Falls!

West Concord, MN has begun working to develop two parcels of land, 2.5 acres and 8 acres, for new housing. The City currently owns 3 lots in the Mathias Subdivision, where buildable lots have been selling regularly for the past two years.

The new lots will be on two properties adjacent to the existing subdivision. One lot grouping is the site of a former charter school; the other is agricultural land being purchased from a local resident. The City is working with the CEDA team to develop an RFP to invite developers, interested in either or both parcels, with the intent for a developer to manage the entire project as their market research sees fit.

The new housing will aid the City in attracting both a workforce for local businesses as well as to take part in the growth being experienced in regional centers including Owatonna, MN. CEDA is working to build relationships with the business community in the regional centers to highlight the opportunity for workforce housing in communities such as West Concord. 

Article by: Nicholas Ouellette

There was plenty to celebrate at Trail Creek Coffee Roasters on Small Business Saturday this year. Trail Creek Coffee Roasters were officially welcomed to the business community with a ribbon cutting ceremony organized by the Kasson Chamber of Commerce. The ribbon cutting also coincided with the coffee roasters new food license and installation of their new sign above the entrance to the roastery.

The roasters new Temporary Food Stand License from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will allow them to prepare and sell espresso drinks at a variety of events and locations throughout the year. You can find Trail Creek Coffee Roasters at the indoor Rochester Farmers Market at Graham Arenas throughout the winter. Looking forward to 2020, the roasters hope to be at events throughout the region such as the Dodge County Business Expo and Thursdays Downtown. Trail Creek Coffee will continue to sell beans and drip coffee from their roastery, you can find more information about products and hours on their website.

The new Trail Creek Coffee Roasters sign was installed in partnership with the Kasson EDA through their Business Façade Improvement Program. The program provides matching grants to businesses looking to improve the exterior aesthetics of their building. CEDA team member Nicholas Ouellette assisted the business through this application process and award.

You can visit Trail Creek Coffee Roasters in Kasson to resupply on coffee beans, sample their drip coffee, and maybe catch some roasting in action! They are located in Kasson’s old library building just off of Main Street. You will easily spot their building, now adorned with their new sign!