Welcome to the November issue of the GSDC's Developing News!
In this issue, we'll cover:
2024 GSDC I-Award and Employer of Choice Winners
Niron Magnetics Announcement
Q&A Staff - Jennie Weber, Administrative & Program Specialist
Your Future Shines in Greater St. Cloud video
EPIC Student Day Wrap-Up
Investor Spotlight - Greenline Marketing
The GSDC proudly welcomed over 130 attendees to our All-Investors Meeting and I-Awards & Employer of Choice Awards event held on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Harvester Square.
At the event, we revealed the recipients of this year's I-Awards and Employer of Choice Award. The I-Award honors innovative achievements among for-profit and nonprofit organizations across Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties. The Employer of Choice Award acknowledges a business that has excelled in workforce development by cultivating a high-performing, positive environment with leading practices and innovations in staff retention and recruitment.
During the past 13 years, GSDC has awarded 68 outstanding organizations for their impactful creativity and innovation,
The 2024 I-Award winners are:
Stearns Bank - They launched an Islamic Banking Division (Stearns Salaam Banking) to better serve Islamic individuals, non-profits, and businesses so they can thrive financially while staying true to the principles of their faith.
Pinnacle Climate Technologies - They created the Heat Hog heater that delivers targeted, efficient warmth with features like adjustable tilt, a fuel-maximizing tank dock, and wide heat distribution through curved plaques that is ideal for outdoor comfort in challenging weather conditions.
St. Cloud Technical & Community College - They launched the Advanced Manufacturing Center that provides cutting-edge training that prepares students for careers in the rapidly evolving manufacturing sector, while also offering customized upskilling programs to help regional workers maintain a competitive edge.
Sartell Police Dept - They expanded their K-9 law enforcement program to include a K-9 therapy dog, Kimber, that supports community engagement and public relations, while also aiding in mental health support for victims of trauma and providing comfort to officers after critical incidents or challenging calls.
The 2024 Employer of Choice winner is:
DeZURIK. They have an exceptional focus on employee satisfaction, development, and safety. By fostering a supportive workplace culture, DeZURIK has achieved an impressive 96% retention rate. The company offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and numerous career growth opportunities, including a dedicated machining program that promotes internal advancement. Additionally, their DEED-supported Dual Training Grant has enabled employees to earn machining degrees while working, further reinforcing their commitment to workforce development.
Niron Magnetics' purchase of 79 acres from the City of Sartell is a major leap for economic development in the Greater St. Cloud region. Regional projects like this are rare and bring immediate, substantial impact to the local economy. Niron's new full-scale manufacturing plant will not only introduce 175 jobs but also fuel the green energy sector with its breakthrough, rare-earth-free magnets—essential for electric vehicles and wind turbines. This is a strategic win that underscores the area’s potential in high-tech, sustainable industries.
Congratulations to the Niron Magnetics and the City of Sartell on this incredible achievement!
This month we are featuring Jennie Weber who joined the GSDC on March 1, 2024 as the newly created Administrative & Program Specialist. Her expertise has been vital to supporting our always growing small business community.
Can you share some highlights from what you've been working on?
As the Program Specialist within the GSDC, I work to foster connections, provide resources, and support entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses in the Greater St. Cloud region. My role centers on creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive by facilitating access to growth-oriented resources, building partnerships, and championing initiatives that strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What upcoming projects are you most excited about?
I’m excited for our 4th Quarterly Resource Matchmaking event on Dec. 4 at The Clearing in Sauk Rapids, where we'll also wrap up this year’s Start.up Connects. These events are some of my favorites, especially with our experienced panel speakers sharing their entrepreneurial journeys. I look forward to the new year as we continue to work on expanding our entrepreneur ecosystem!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
My favorite part of my role is working with entrepreneurs and learning about their unique business ideas. It’s inspiring to see people push themselves and succeed. I also really enjoy all the connections I’ve made within the entrepreneurial, small business, and Greater St. Cloud economic ecosystem.
Check out our latest talent attraction campaign that features a documentary-style video, Your Future Shines in Greater St. Cloud. The video captures the unique stories of six community members, each offering insight into why they selected the Greater St. Cloud area for their careers, to start businesses, and to raise their families. These stories reflect a wide range of perspectives, including those of natives, rebounders, and transplants, each emphasizing the region’s potential for opportunity, growth, and a vibrant quality of life.
A huge thank you to Ayan Omar, Cassie and Vince Miles, Ashley Green, Mateo Mackabee, Ryan Cross, Emily Davis, John Walezko, and Brian Voerding for sharing their inspiring stories and for making Greater St. Cloud shine brighter!
EPIC Student Day on October 25, brought together 4,200 students from 42 school districts at the St. Cloud Technical and Community College for an immersive day of career exploration. Through hands-on activities and direct engagement with over 150 local businesses, students gained firsthand insight into the diverse career opportunities available in the Greater St. Cloud region. This event offered a unique chance for students to envision and actively explore their future in a broad range of industries.
Greenline Marketing is a digital marketing agency that specializes in enhancing businesses' online presence through services like website design, SEO, social media marketing, and online advertising. Greenline Marketing partners with the GSDC to manage the St. Cloud Shines regional marketing initiative, driving efforts to promote the region and showcase its growth opportunities.
Next "Mastering What Truly Drives Best-In-Class Workforce Webinar Series" - 11/20/24 - Authentic Leadership and Trust: Building Genuine Connections for Lasting Success. Webinar led by PCI. Register here
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