CEDA

Community Economic Development Associates

Southeast

Blue Earth, MN

Blue Earth MN

Blue Earth – Minnesota

Blue Earth is located at the intersection of Highways 169 and 90.

An ideal combination of rural community and progressive capabilities, Blue Earth is proud to be home to nearly 300 businesses, both large and small. Blue Earth offers an ideal location for distribution centers. 

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Amy Schaefer

Amy Schaefer

Rural Capacity Program Manager
Blue Earth, MN
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Amy Schaefer is the Rural Capacity Program and Internship Program Manager at CEDA, where she has served Minnesota communities since 2020. In her role, Amy leads initiatives that strengthen local government capacity and develops internship opportunities that cultivate the next generation of community and economic development professionals.

With a background in municipal administration, utility billing, and economic development, Amy works closely with city leaders, businesses, and regional partners to support businesses, collaboration, and sustainable growth in rural communities.

Amy is passionate about relationship-building and connecting communities with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Dodge County, MN

Dodge County MN Economic Development

Dodge County – Minnesota

Dodge County is located in southeastern Minnesota.

  • Mantorville (county seat)
  • Blooming Prairie (part)
  • Claremont
  • Dodge Center
  • Hayfield
  • Kasson
  • West Concord
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Kurt Meister

Kurt Meister

Community and Business Development Specialist
Dodge County, MN
Hayfield, MN
Oronoco, MN
Zumbrota, MN
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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.

Fillmore County, MN

Fillmore County MN Economic Development

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
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Allison Whalen

Allison Whalen

Community and Business Development Specialist
Fillmore County, MN
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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.

Harmony, MN

Harmony MN EDA

Harmony – Minnesota

Harmony is known as “The biggest little town in southern Minnesota.

Located about 47 miles southeast of Rochester near the Iowa border. The EDA’s focus is on projects that make Harmony a better place to live, work, and do business.

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