Southeast

Name: Kurt Meister
Price range: $$

Zumbrota, MN

Zumbrota – Minnesota

Zumbrota is located between the Twin Cities and Rochester off Highway 52.

Located along the North Fork of the Zumbro River and is home to the last functioning covered bridge in the state of Minnesota.

County: Goodhue
Region: Southeast MN
Zip Code: 55992
City Website

Kurt Meister

Community & Business Development Specialist

Kurt became a member of the CEDA team in July of 2022. As a graduate of South Dakota State University in Brookings (Go Jackrabbits!!) with a Bachelor of Arts in History, and a Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota, Kurt taught AP and regular Human Geography at John Marshall High School in Rochester for 23 years.

Kurt grew up in the community of Hamilton, Illinois and is passionate in helping small communities succeed. His father was a 3rd generation small business owner (Meister Music - Keokuk, IA) which will aid Kurt as he helps the community of Zumbrota in its growth.

Winnebago, MN

Winnebago – Minnesota

Winnebago is located approximately 35 miles south of Mankato on US Highway 169.

Winnebago statement.

County: Faribault
Region: South Central MN
Zip Code: 56098
City Website

Macey Becker

Community and Economic Development Specialist

Email Macey

Macey Becker joined the CEDA team in October 2024 as an intern, and in March 2025, transitioned into a part-time role as a Community and Economic Development Specialist for the City of Winnebago. She is passionate about supporting economic and community growth in rural areas and is excited to make a lasting impact. Macey will graduate in May 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, equipping her with the skills to help communities and businesses thrive.

West Concord, MN

West Concord – Minnesota

West Concord is located 31 miles northwest of Rochester.

Named after Concord, New Hampshire.

County: Dodge
Region: Southeast MN
Zip Code: 55985
City Website

Todd Kieffer

Community & Business Development Specialist

Todd brings nearly three decades of experience in education to his role in economic development, having spent 29 years as both a teacher and an elementary principal — 14 years in the classroom and 15 in leadership. Beyond education, Todd also coached varsity baseball for 12 years, football for 5 years, and girls' basketball for 4 years, reflecting his deep commitment to community engagement and youth development.

Following his time in education, Todd transitioned into the sales industry, supporting schools, colleges, and local organizations with custom apparel and uniforms, including developing website-based platforms to promote and sell local swag.

Now serving as a community and economic development professional with CEDA, Todd has embraced the wide-ranging and evolving challenges of rural development. He credits his time at CEDA with reigniting his passion for learning, as every day brings new opportunities to support unique community needs. What Todd enjoys most about his role is helping communities tell their stories and working alongside them to turn ideas into action.

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

Jayme Longmire

Community and Business Development Specialist

Rushford Village, MN

Spring Grove, MN

Email Jayme

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!

Le Roy, MN

LeRoy – Minnesota

LeRoy is located about 38 miles south of Rochester.

Small town located near the Iowa border. Lake Louise State Park is just outside of the town.

County: Mower
Region: Southeast MN
Zip Code: 55951
City Website

Allison Whalen

Community & Business Development Specialist

LeRoy, MN

Fillmore County, MN

Email Allison

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.