We are pleased to announce the addition of three new members to our Board of Directors: Emily Coborn Wright of Coborn’s, Inc., Ryan Cross of BCI Construction, Inc., and Steve Windfeldt of Preferred Credit, Inc.
“Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective and understanding of the Greater St. Cloud region, as well as a deep commitment to our community”, says Joan Schatz, CEO of Park Industries and GSDC Chair of the Board of Directors. “Their diverse backgrounds and experiences will undoubtedly bring tremendous benefits to the board, and I am excited to see the contributions they will make. I am looking forward to working with them and am confident that their insights and ideas will help us achieve our goals.”
We express our sincere appreciation to our three departing board members: Paul Pfeiffer of Anderson Trucking Service, Inc., Dave Meyer of Coborn’s, Inc., and Danny Lane of Associated Wholesale Grocers, and thank them for their invaluable contributions and dedicated service in advancing economic development within the Greater St. Cloud community.
FastLane94 Trailblazer Challenge
On April 11, 5 area innovators pitched their business ideas to the judges in the FastLane94 Trailblazer Challenge, a competition open to all West Central, Minnesota, residents with plans for a new company or businesses that have been incorporated for less than a year.
ModernKind, based in Zimmerman, was the challenge winner. Their innovative solution tackles the issue of plastic waste and leaky travel shampoo bottles by offering a premium shampoo powder housed in a sleek and eco-friendly refillable aluminum container. They won a $4,000 cash prize to help develop their company and was awarded automatic semifinalist status in the University of Minnesota’s prestigious MNCup business competition.
The other finalists are listed below in alphabetical order:
● Adapdom, based in Sauk Rapids, has developed a revolutionary compression support glove that offers comprehensive relief for individuals dealing with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other challenging hand and wrist conditions.
● Better Greens, based in Buffalo, cultivates and provides access to an array of vibrant African vegetables, ensuring their availability to the African immigrant communities. They offer comprehensive support and resources to empower African immigrant farmers in Minnesota, fostering successful agricultural ventures.
● FamliCare, based in Alexandria, offers relief to weary dementia caregivers through their all-encompassing app. This innovative tool aids in precise organization, purposeful collaboration, and sheds light on the inevitable challenges ahead as they navigate through each stage of caring for their loved ones.
● Grandpa Jimmy's Ice Hole Trap, based in Alexandra, introduces a revolutionary foot-controlled device for ice fishing. This innovative tool acts as a secure barrier at the base of the fishing hole, ensuring that elusive fish stay captured, making the retrieval process effortless.
The challenge is organized by the GSDC, in partnership with peer organizations in Fergus Falls, Brainerd, Fargo/Moorhead, and ILT Studios.
April GSDC Roundtables
In April, GSDC hosted two roundtables facilitating discussions among investors and community leaders about topics impacting the region's business community. Led by a moderator, these sessions encouraged active participation and the exchange of insights to promote growth, enhance workforce development, and address challenges.
The April 23 event, with over 20 participants, focused on misconceptions about AI and its practical business applications. We're grateful to the St. Cloud State University (SCSU) Welcome Center for hosting, and we appreciate the contributions of presenters Mary Clifford, Mark Gill, David Blanchard, and Abe Hedtke, all from SCSU.
The April 30 event, with over 35 attendees, delved into the landscape and priorities of higher education in our region. We thank Preferred Credit, Inc. (PCI) for hosting, and acknowledge the valuable insights shared by panel presenters Presidents Brian Bruess (CSB/SJU), Lori Kloos (SCTCC), and Robbyn Wacker, Ph.D. (SCSU).
Thrive Minnesota Launch
We are excited to announce Thrive Minnesota, a dynamic startup and small business support program, offered through GSDC, officially launched on April 1st. This innovative initiative is designed to assist entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from idea to exit.
Thrive MN offers a range of valuable resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners located within a 20-mile radius of St. Cloud, encompassing areas of Sherburne, Stearns, Benton, and Wright counties.
Our services include:
Free 1:1 Growth Strategy Coaching: Personalized guidance tailored to each business’ needs
Quarterly Resource Matchmaking Events: Connect with essential resources and partners
Bi-Weekly Startup and Small Business Ecosystem Building Events: Learn, network, and thrive in our vibrant communities
Future Resource Library: Access valuable tools and insights to support your journey
Lean Startup Scholarships: Free 10-week virtual courses to identify and validate your idea through ILT Academy
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur with ambitious aspirations or a seasoned business owner planning your next move, Thrive Minnesota will pair you with a seasoned Growth Strategist to help you achieve your goals.
The GSDC has been granted $280,000 by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for its Small Business Assistance Partnership program. Moreover, the organization has received $75,000 in grants from various foundations to further support these efforts.
This month, we shine the spotlight on our esteemed corporate-level investor, Coldspring.
With over 125 years of legacy, Coldspring is a global leader in quarrying natural stone and bronze and transforming them into stunning structures and memorials. Operating almost 30 quarries across the nation and fabrication facilities in Minnesota, California, and New York, Coldspring serves the memorial and commercial construction industries.
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