Welcome to the February edition of GSC's Developing News!

Here's a quick look at the big things that are happening now:

• Explore the New GSC Website
• My Town S2, E4 Tops 78K Views - Help Keep It Moving
• Regional Economic Developers & Projects Win Big at EDAM
  
• Nominate A St. Cloud 5 Under 40 Leader
• Celebrate Foley’s Completed Main Street Grant Project

We are excited to share we launched our new website that reflects a clearer, more unified regional identity.

Guided by the belief that vision drives progress, Greater St. Cloud connects people, ideas, and opportunities to support steady economic growth across Central Minnesota. The refreshed brand, anchored by the tagline “Regional Currents, Guided By Vision,” highlights the strength and shared purpose of the region.

A key feature of the new website is the Regional Progress Dashboard, offering real-time data from sources such as the U.S. Census and Federal Reserve. The dashboard tracks regional indicators, goals, and progress, increasing transparency and turning data into action.

While the look is new, the mission remains the same: strengthening regional competitiveness and supporting the people and businesses that move Central Minnesota forward.  

The winners of the Excellence in Economic Development Awards were announced on January 22 at the Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) Winter Conference, honoring projects and professionals who went above and beyond—or overcame major challenges—over the past year.

This year, the Greater St. Cloud region took home the majority of the awards, highlighting its leadership, innovation, and impact on economic development across Minnesota.

Our own Leslie Dingmann, Business Development Director, won Economic Developer of the Year.  Watch Leslie's video

Brian Fleming, Sherburne County Economic Development Authority won Emerging Professional of the Year  Watch Brian's video

The House Food and Tap in St. Joseph won Project of the Year (Greater Minnesota).  Watch The House Food and Tap video

The St. Cloud Times, in partnership with LocalIQ and Greater St. Cloud, is accepting nominations for the 20th Annual 5 Under 40 Awards, honoring standout professionals under age 40 who demonstrate leadership, career excellence, and meaningful community impact. 

Colleagues, employers, community members—and individuals themselves—are encouraged to nominate individuals who:

• Are under 40 years old as of December 31, 2025
• Work primarily within 30 miles of St. Cloud
• Hold a leadership role in a for-profit business, nonprofit organization, or (new in 2026) a government entity.

Submit a nomination by 12 PM on March 3.  The nomination must include:

• Name and contact information of the nominator  

• Nominee’s name, contact information, and place of work

• A detailed statement describing the nominee’s achievements, influence, and leadership potential (This narrative is critical, as it is the primary factor used by judges) 

Register now for the 5 Under 40 Celebration

Tuesday, April 28  I  4 - 7 PM  I  Granite Innovations

The event is free and open to the public; registration is required.

Falcon National Bank and Granite Partners are proud sponsors of the 5 Under 40 program and celebration event.

The first completed project supported through Greater St. Cloud’s Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant—in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the City of Foley—marks an important milestone for downtown Foley. GSC invested $37,680 toward a $173,785 total project to renovate the historic property at 201 4th Avenue N.

A long-standing downtown anchor, the building has been redeveloped into a modern financial services office with a two-bedroom apartment on the upper level—preserving its historic character while adding daytime activity and much-needed housing. Nearly all renovation work was completed by small, local contractors, keeping investment dollars in the region.

This public-private partnership is projected to increase the tax base by 25% and create 2–3 full-time equivalent jobs, while bringing new life to a building that sat vacant for more than five years. The project highlights how targeted reinvestment can strengthen Foley’s downtown and support continued revitalization.

• January St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report
• CentraCare Earth Day Run  I  April 17 & 18  I  Downtown St. Cloud 
  Learn more/Register here
• 13th Annual Diversity Conference  I  April 21  I  8 AM - 12 PM  I  Harvester Square  Register here