Welcome to the October issue of the GSDC's Developing News!
In this issue, we'll cover:
Q & A with GSDC Staff - Gail Cruikshank
Minnesota Young American Leaders Program
Elevate Your Workspace Webinar Series
Changing Our Region's Storytelling Narrative" Industry Innovators Forum
EPIC VIP
Investor Spotlight - Granite Partners
This month we are featuring Gail Cruikshank who joined the GSDC in June 2014 as the newly created Talent Director. Gail drives economic growth and fosters business development in the Greater St. Cloud region through the workforce lens. Her expertise has been vital to supporting our businesses with recruitment, retention and development of a strong team partnering with education partners to help prepare our students for careers of tomorrow right here in our community.
Can you share some highlights from what you've been working on?
One initiative I'm particularly proud of is the expansion of the Minnesota Young American Leaders Program (MYALP), which, since 2019, has identified 35 leaders dedicated to building a welcoming community and supporting regional growth. Additionally, I’m excited about the progress of our career and college readiness initiative, which helps students align their skills and passions for future success. This effort is supported by programs like EPIC, Employer Advisories, and mentoring, all made possible through strong community engagement.
What upcoming projects are you most excited about?
I am excited to collaborate with St. Cloud State University and KIVU to assist international and immigrant students in navigating U.S. employment opportunities after graduation. This initiative provides local employers with passionate, skilled talent to support regional growth. Additionally, I am thrilled by the interest in our Innovation Award for Employer of Choice, which highlights outstanding employer initiatives focused on their most valuable asset—people.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
As a career HR professional, my role as Talent Director focuses on connection and collaboration. Helping partners connect to resources that drive their success is incredibly rewarding. Our community is filled with talented, passionate individuals, and when we bring their ideas or needs together, it strengthens us all, creating a community where we are proud to live, work, and engage.
Aspiring leaders in the Greater St. Cloud region are invited to apply for the 2025 Minnesota Young American Leaders Program (MYALP), a workshop from May 18-25, 2025, at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. This Harvard Business School initiative enhances leadership through cross-sector collaboration.
The GSDC is again serving as the MYALP selection partner in the Greater St. Cloud region.
Over 40 attended our first lunchtime learning webinar titled "Ignite and Sustain: A Strategic Approach to Developing, Implementing, and Sustaining Employee Engagement" on Sept. 19. If you missed, the presentation/webinar are available here.
A big thank you to presenter Mardi Noyes, Vice President of Human Resources, and the Microbiologics team for leading this webinar. They shared best practices and valuable insights on fostering a positive workplace culture, effective leadership practices, and strategies for maintaining high engagement in a hybrid work environment.
The next webinars in the series are:
11/20/24 - "Authentic Leadership and Trust: Building Genuine Connections for Lasting Success"
1/15/25 - "Clear and Confident: Mastering Communications through Clarity, Change, and Transparency"
3/19/25 - "Tailored Benefits: Customizing Compensation and Benefits for Maximum Impact"
5/14/24 - "Unlocking Potential: Employee Growth and Development"
On Sept. 11, nearly 50 attendees gathered at The Clearing in Sauk Rapids for the "Changing Our Region's Storytelling Narrative" Industry Innovators Forum. Two significant GSDC regional marketing initiatives aimed at talent attraction and retention were introduced. The forum featured a preview of a new talent attraction video campaign, showcasing stories from locals, newcomers, and returnees, targeting a broad range of talent set to launch later this fall. Also, stay tuned for another exciting announcement later this fall about a brand-new TV series that will showcase our region in 2025!
You're invited to EPIC VIP, a unique opportunity to experience EPIC (Exploring Potential Interests & Careers) during Student Day. If you're looking to make a real impact—whether by getting your business or team involved, offering financial support, advocating in political spaces, or expanding EPIC to your own community—this event is for you.
Join us for an inside look at how EPIC shapes the future workforce. Hear directly from EPIC Coordinator, Emily Davis, along with schools and businesses already involved, and witness students in action as they dive into hands-on career exploration.
This is your chance to explore EPIC’s transformative potential without any commitment—just inspiration. Please register by Oct. 18!
Granite Partners, based in St. Cloud, MN, is a private investment firm focused on acquiring and growing Minnesota-based companies, particularly when owners retire. Founded in 2002, it emphasizes long-term local ownership and sustainability. The firm manages a diverse portfolio across industries, supporting businesses with global reach while maintaining local roots.
Thank you Rick Bauerly and the Granite Partners team for your on-going investment in the GSDC! You and our nearly 160 corporate, advocate-level, and public partner investors are making a big difference in the Greater St. Cloud community!
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