Ellendale – Minnesota
Ellendale is located about 82 miles south of the Twin Cities.
Ellendale is located 14 miles south of Owatonna and 16 miles north of Albert Lea at Interstate 35 and Highway 30.
Ellendale, MN
Minnesota
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.
Kurt Meister
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.
Macey Becker
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.
Todd Kieffer
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.
Rebecca Charles
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.
Jayme Longmire
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!
