Last month marked three years since I had the privilege of joining Greater St. Cloud as CEO & President. Looking back, I'm struck less by how much has changed and more by what I've come to appreciate about this region.
Greater St. Cloud has never lacked good ideas or passionate people. What makes this region special is its willingness to come together around a shared vision and SHOW UP! Over the past three years, I've watched competitors become collaborators, organizations lean into regionalism, and leaders consistently ask, "How do we move the entire region forward?"
This past year has been especially meaningful. After completing a year-long strategic planning process with input from hundreds of investors, partners, and community leaders, we officially launched our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan in January. That plan has become our roadmap for how we think, prioritize, and measure success!
Together, we've also continued to build momentum in tangible ways. Evolving our role to strengthen the pipeline for future talent development; expanding entrepreneurial support through Thrive MN and StageWorks; strengthening regional collaboration through the formation of the Region 7W Economic Development District, and reimagining initiatives like St. Cloud Shines to tell our region's story in ways that attract talent, investment, and opportunity.
None of that happens because of one organization. It happens because hundreds of investors, volunteers, elected officials, educators, nonprofit leaders, businesses, and community champions continue to choose collaboration over competition. Every success we've celebrated has been a shared one!
Three years in, I'm more optimistic than ever about where we're headed. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your willingness to think beyond organizational boundaries. It's an honor to do this work alongside you, and I'm excited for what we'll accomplish together in the years ahead.
NeTia Bauman
Main Street Grant Spotlight: 706-708 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud
In 2025, GSC received a Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant from DEED to fund four projects in Downtown Foley and St. Cloud, which are now all complete. Over the next four months, we'll spotlight one project each month — starting with 706-708 West St. Germain.
The 706-708 storefront has anchored this downtown block in Downtown St. Cloud for over a century, from an 1860s blacksmith shop to a Red Owl Foodstore in the 1920s (now listed on the National Register of Historic Places) to Paddy's Game Shoppe, which closed in 2024.
Ryan Cross, CEO of BCI Construction, acquired the vacant building for a full rehab. A $199,000 Main Street grant helped leverage $852,915 in private investment for new mechanical systems, interior updates, masonry and roof repairs, ADA restrooms, and a restored historic facade.
The building is now home to four tenants — BCI Construction, Commercial Realty Solutions, Fluid Interiors, and Headwaters — bringing this historic property back to life in downtown St. Cloud.
Next month: Wirth Center for the Performing Arts - 11 7th Ave., N., St. Cloud
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference Comes to St. Joseph Sept. 17-18
CEC Conference in Red Wing, MN. Photo credit: University of Minnesota
Join us in St. Joseph Sept. 17-18 for the University of Minnesota Extension's 7th Annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference. Last year's event drew nearly 100 entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development professionals, and community champions to share collaborative, community-based approaches to supporting entrepreneurship.
Our own Business Development Director, Leslie Dingmann, has been busy serving on the planning committee, and we couldn't be more excited to help bring this event to Central Minnesota.
Q2 Impact Brief/Video: See the Difference We're Making
Q2 2026 brought real momentum — from hosting our first Investor Experience Forum to selecting DisruptHR St. Cloud 2.0 speakers, opening Innovation and Employer of Choice Award applications, recognizing Gail Cruikshank with SCSU's 2026 External Partner Award, capping the quarter with a $50,000 FAME USA Catalyst Grant, and much more.
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