The Hutchinson and Glencoe Area Chambers of Commerce are once again teaming up for their annual Farm Fatigue “Bucket of Thanks” event! Each fall, 300 buckets filled with snacks, wellness items, and safety gear are hand-delivered to farmers across McLeod County during harvest.

Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ is proud to support this community effort and encourages local businesses and individuals to join in!

Return forms and donations by September 5, 2025

Suggested items: Snacks, SPF products, bottled drinks, safety gear, and other on-the-go essentials. Monetary donations are also welcome!

For questions, contact the Hutchinson or Glencoe Chambers (details on flyer).

The post Hutchinson and Glencoe chambers kick off annual Farm Fatigue “Bucket of Thanks” event appeared first on Mid-Minnesota Rural Development Commission.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Katie Allison

Communications Manager

kallison@nado.org

Mid-Minnesota Development Commission Receives Two
National Association of Development Organizations 2024 Impact Awards

Washington, DC, October 24, 2024 – Mid-Minnesota Development Commission (Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­), which serves Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, and Renville Counties, has received two 2024 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for their Fare-Free Transit Pilot and Fraud Awareness & Prevention Project.

The Fare-Free Transit Pilot, made possible with generous support from the Willmar Area Community Foundation and with terrific collaboration from Central Community Transit, provided transit bus service, without fare, to riders who boarded and departed the bus at established stops along the community’s bus route, reducing cost barriers and creating efficiencies by encouraging more to use the route, rather than dial-a-ride service.

Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s Fraud Awareness & Prevention Project, made possible with substantial financial support from the Southwest Initiative Foundation, and in cooperation with local law enforcement and the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, included the development of materials and workshops to educate the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ region’s older residents and those who serve them, on the evolving tactics criminals are using to con people out of their savings. An abbreviated online recording of the workshop is available at mmrdc.org.

NADO is a Washington, DC-based membership association of regional development organizations that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery, and comprehensive strategies. The Impact Awards program recognizes regional development organizations and their partners for improving the economic and community competitiveness of our nation’s regions and local communities. 

Award-winning projects were recognized during NADO’s 2024 Annual Training Conference held in New Orleans, LA on October 21 – 24. The 2024 class of award recipients consists of 98 projects from 64 organizations spanning 21 states. These projects are presented in an interactive story map developed by NADO that includes project summaries, partners, and images. The map is available online at .

“NADO’s Impact Awards program offers an opportunity each year to celebrate the meaningful contributions our members make in the regions they serve,” said 2023-2024 NADO President Chris Brown. “This year’s awardees demonstrate the broad spectrum of services provided by regional development organizations. We thank our members for continuing to do this important work that helps build strong, vibrant, and resilient communities.”

The NADO Impact Awards are presented in honor of the late Aliceann Wohlbruck, who served as NADO’s first executive director for 24 years as a tireless champion for regional approaches to economic development in rural communities.

For more information about these award-winning projects, contact Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Executive Director Eric Day at Eric.Day@mmrdc.org.

About NADO

The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) promotes public policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through the regional strategies, coordination efforts, and program expertise of the nation’s regional development organizations. Learn more about NADO at .

The post Mid-Minnesota Development Commission Receives Two National Association of Development Organizations 2024 Impact Awards appeared first on Mid-Minnesota Rural Development Commission.

Contact: Eric Day, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Phone: (320) 235-8504

Email: eric.day@mmrdc.org

Blake Barnard Joins Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Now Serving as Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s New Transportation & Community Planner

Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ is pleased to welcome Blake Barnard to the regional development team. Barnard will apply his skills and experience as the organization’s new Transportation & Community Planner. “Blake has a natural curiosity and a knack for writing, both of which will serve him well in the planning role,” said Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Executive Director Eric Day. “He is going to really come into his own at Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­, as he helps our communities plan for thoughtful development”

Much of Barnard’s work will center on a longstanding MnDOT grant, through which Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ provides technical assistance for the planning and prioritization of various regional transportation projects. He will also lead and support other planning projects to help Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s communities ensure health, safety, sustainable growth, and a high standard of living. Prior to joining Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­, Barnard enjoyed success in estimating and project management roles in the manufacturing industry. He also brings business ownership and management experience and plans to apply this private sector lens to his public planning efforts.

Barnard resides with his wife and three children in Hutchinson, MN. In his free time, Blake enjoys running, volunteering, and organizing a local chess club.

To learn more about Mid-Minnesota Development Commission, visit MMRDC.org.

The post Blake Barnard Joins Mid-Minnesota Development Commission appeared first on Mid-Minnesota Rural Development Commission.

Contact: Eric Day, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Phone: (320) 235-8504

Email: eric.day@mmrdc.org

Mike Nicholas Appointed to Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Team

May 2024:  Mid-Minnesota Development Commission (Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­) is proud to announce the appointment of Mike Nicholas as the organization’s new Economic Developer. Nicholas, who has been serving as the Transportation and Community Planner since September of 2023, will transition into his new role effective immediately and will join Economic Developer Nate Reuss to support economic development initiatives.

Nicholas brings a fresh perspective to the economic development sector. His dedication to the region and his understanding of the local communities’ needs makes him an ideal fit for this position.

“Mike’s expertise in planning and community development, combined with his passion for economic growth, align perfectly with the Commission’s goals,” said Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Executive Director Eric Day. “We are confident that Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ will continue to thrive and bring new opportunities and foster continued growth in the region.”

In his new role, Nicholas will focus on supporting local businesses, and implementing strategies to enhance the economic vitality of the Mid Minnesota area. He will also assist stakeholders with grant applications, tackle issues such as housing and workforce development, and assist with the management of Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s three revolving loan funds. “I am honored to take on this new challenge and eager to contribute to the economic prosperity of our communities,” said Nicholas. “I look forward to collaborating with Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s partners to build an even more vibrant and resilient regional economy.”

Mike resides with his wife and college-age son, in Benson, MN. In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with friends and loved ones, biking, and going for drives in his family’s 1972 Plymouth Duster.

To learn more about Mid-Minnesota Development Commission, visit MMRDC.org

The post Mike Nicholas Appointed to Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Team appeared first on Mid-Minnesota Rural Development Commission.

Contact: Eric Day, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Phone: (320) 235-8504

Email: eric.day@mmrdc.org

Carol Lundgren Joins Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Will Serve as the Organization’s New Regional Development & Grant Specialist

March 2024:  Mid-Minnesota Development Commission (Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­) is pleased to welcome Carol Lundgren to the regional development team. Lundgren will apply her skills and experience as Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s first ever Regional Development & Grant Specialist. In this role she’ll assist regional stakeholders interested in pursuing funding for, among other things, clean energy solutions. She’ll also assist the organization and region by leading and assisting with various community and regional planning projects, environmental and otherwise.

“Energy and environment is a newer space for Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­. I’m excited to have Carol aboard to help lead the way. I anticipate that her experience, both environmental and grant-related, coupled with her positive attitude and her internal drive will serve our communities well,” said Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Executive Director Eric Day.

Much of Lundgren’s work will be funded by a new Minnesota Department of Commerce administered Local Grand Development Assistance Program grant. The intent of this funding is to provide grant research, writing, and administrative services to those eligible for clean energy funding made possible by the federal Inflation Reduction and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts (IRA & IIJA). Lundgren will also help these applicants access Statewide Competitiveness Fund dollars that were set aside by the State of Minnesota in 2023 to assist applicants with the typically required non-federal financial match. Those interested in learning more about this new initiative should contact Lundgren at Carol.Lundgren@mmrdc.org or (320) 235-8504.

Prior to joining Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­, Lundgren gained experience as a Stormwater Best Management Practice Specialist for the Capitol Region Watershed District. She also worked in a number of positions for the Eden Prairie Community, including several years as their Sustainability Coordinator, during which time she, among other things, executed an energy action plan to increase participation in renewable energy programs and helped the city to achieve SolSmart Gold designation.

Lundgren holds a Bachelor of Environmental Planning degree from the University of Minnesota and will complete her Master of Natural Science and Environmental Education degree at Hamline University in 2024.

To learn more about Mid-Minnesota Development Commission, visit MMRDC.org

The post Carol Lundgren Joins Mid-Minnesota Development Commission appeared first on Mid-Minnesota Rural Development Commission.

Contact: Eric Day, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Phone: (320) 235-8504

Email: eric.day@mmrdc.org

Mike Nicholas Joins Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Will Serve as the Organization’s New Transportation & Community Planner

September 2023:  Mid-Minnesota Development Commission (Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­) is pleased to welcome Mike Nicholas to the regional development team. Nicholas will apply his skills and experience as Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s Transportation & Community Planner. “It’s obvious that Mike [Nicholas] is a customer-focused joiner”, said Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Executive Director Eric Day. “I have every confidence that he’s going to serve our region well by working with our communities to ensure they’re well-positioned for thoughtful development, especially in the transportation realm.”

Much of Mike’s work will center on a longstanding Minnesota Department of Transportation grant, through which Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ provides technical assistance for the planning and prioritization of various transportation projects in the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ region (Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, and Renville Counties). However, he will also be involved with other planning projects to help Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s communities ensure health, safety, a high standard of living, and sustainable growth. In the near term, this will include leading a new Active Living Plan in the Buffalo Lake community. He’ll be working with local individuals to develop a “roadmap” (pun intended) that will help the community ensure physical activities, such as walking and biking, can be incorporated into everyday living. “I’m excited for this project and for my new role at Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€ť, said Nicholas. Prior to joining Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­, Mike enjoyed a successful career in the manufacturing industry, with roles spanning the gamut of production, maintenance, sales,

analysis, and leadership. He has also gained experience as a member of three separate city planning commissions, including the City of Benson’s Planning Commission, on which he currently sits. Additionally, Mike is a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as an Electronic Warfare/Signal Intelligence Voice Interceptor (Russian) and Assistant Chief Operator. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Augsburg University and a Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Minnesota.

Mike resides with his wife and college-age son, in Benson, MN. In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with friends and loved ones, biking, and going for drives in his family’s 1972 Plymouth Duster. To learn more about Mid-Minnesota Development Commission, visit MMRDC.org

The post Mike Nicholas Joins Mid-Minnesota Development Commission appeared first on Mid-Minnesota Rural Development Commission.

Contact: Eric Day, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Phone: (320) 235-8504

Email: eric.day@mmrdc.org

Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Receives Grant Award From Willmar Area Community Foundation

 Funds Will Support a Fare-Free Transit Bus Option for Willmar Residents

May 31, 2023:. The Willmar Area Community Foundation recently awarded Mid-Minnesota Development Commission (Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­) a $20,000 grant to reduce transportation barriers for Willmar residents during a six-month pilot. During this pilot period, any rider who boards and departs the transit bus at an established stop along Central Community Transit’s (CCT) Willmar Route will ride fare-free (at no cost). The pilot will run from July 1 through December 31, 2023, to give Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ and CCT the opportunity to see how summer, autumn, and winter weather affects fare-free ridership.

“We have a couple of goals that we’re trying to achieve with this project,” said Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Mobility Manager Terry Smith. “First and foremost, we want to reduce financial barriers to help people get where they need and want to be, whether that be work, school, a doctor’s appointment, or the park. We also want to encourage more people, those without physical or other limitations, to take advantage of Willmar’s regular route and become less reliant on CCT’s dial-a-ride service. This would create some efficiencies for CCT, which is important given the current shortage of drivers. As more people board and depart at the established stops, CCT will have greater ability to accommodate those who must rely on dial-a-ride, curb-to-curb service.”

“This project would not be possible without the generous funding provided by the Willmar Area Community Foundation”, said Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Executive Director Eric Day. “It’s apparent that WACF understands the barriers faced by our areas nondrivers, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those of low income. We appreciate the extent to which they’re willing to be part of the solution.”

$18,000 of the $20,000 grant will be used to compensate CCT for the uncollected fares during the pilot period, with the remaining $2,000 spent on outreach (e.g. media ads, translating of developed materials, etc.). No dollars from the WACF grant will be used to compensate Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ for associated staff time.

“We’re excited to partner with Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ on this project, said Central Community Transit Executive Director Amy Nieland, and we can’t express how appreciative we are of the Willmar Area Community Foundation for making the fare-free option possible!”

The post Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Receives Grant Award From Willmar Area Community Foundation appeared first on Mid-Minnesota Rural Development Commission.

The McLeod County Board took the following actions unanimously at its May 2 meeting, with Board Member Joe Nagel absent:

ELECTIONS: Approved the purchase of an upgrade to the election reporting computer at a cost of $1,958 with Help America Vote Act grant money. In 2021, the Minnesota legislature authorized $3 million from the federal Help America Vote Act. McLeod County received $28,177 from the first round of funding. In 2022, funds not used were given to participating counties. McLeod County was given $4,286 during this second round. Money must be used to improve accessibility and security. 

RECYCLING: Approved opting out of the current marketing contract with Green Machine to remove the Material Recycling Facility sort line processing equipment at a net purchase option of $200,000.The equipment removal will commence within three months of the notification. Green Machine will be wholly responsible for the removal of all equipment. Also approved a contract with Mid-Minnesota Development Commission to complete the 10-year update for the McLeod County Solid Waste Plan, at a cost not to exceed $30,800, with funds from the solid waste abatement surcharge fund. The contract will adhere to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency checklist. The checklist asked for more than the county’s current staff had time to achieve.

ROAD TESTS: Approved a quote from Crow River Construction to provide calcium chloride on 11.4 miles of county gravel roads at a cost of $45,356. Also approved was a quote from central MN Dust Control to provide magnesium chloride on 12.5 miles of county gravel roads at a cost of $46,868. This is part of a gravel stabilization pilot project to test the cost and benefits of stabilizing gravel roads. Calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and Base One will be used on 25.5 miles of roads. The Local Road Research Board and Michigan State University are studying the effectiveness of gravel road stabilization. The county will partner with the researchers to test the products used in the pilot program. The study has no cost to the county.

MAINTENANCE: Approved a quote from Foster Mechanical to replace the variable air volume controls at the McLeod County Courthouse at a cost of $37,540. Approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford Escape SEL from Apple Ford Lincoln at a cost of $34,259, with funds from the Southwest Minnesota Adult Mental Health Consortium.

The post McLeod County Board: How they voted appeared first on Mid-Minnesota Rural Development Commission.

to Create USDA Regional Food Business Center

Serving the North Central United States, May 2, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced selections for the USDA Regional Food Business Centers (Regional Food Centers). Twelve organizations, including Region Five Development Commission (R5DC), have been selected to establish Regional Food Centers that will provide coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building to help farmers, ranchers, and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state, and local resources, thereby closing the gaps to success. In September 2022, to fund this initiative.

USDA and R5DC will enter into a cooperative agreement to establish a North Central Regional Food Business Center, locally dubbed the “MiNKota RFBC,” which will serve Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

“USDA is excited to be partnering with Region Five Development Commission on this innovative and unprecedented initiative,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “By leveraging the expertise now available through these Regional Food Centers, USDA can offer unique support for local food systems development across the country.”

Mid-Minnesota Development Commission Executive Director Eric Day shared, “This is a unique opportunity to build on multi-state assets and serve the ag economy, with an intentional focus on underserved small to mid-sized food value-chain businesses. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ will proudly follow the lead of both the USDA and R5DC to serve our ag community as a contributor to the North Central Regional Food Business Center. We are beyond grateful for this incredible investment to strengthen food-focused businesses throughout and well beyond our four-county region.”

Collectively, the organizations selected reflect an impressive cross-section of the varied institutions, organizations, and associations that must cooperate to achieve genuinely strong and distributed food systems. Region Five Development Commission and the other selected organizations are already engaging with grassroots food and farm organizations and employing a range of creative strategies to build food system resiliency in their regions.

In total, USDA will establish 12 Regional Food Business Centers that will serve all areas of the country. Regional Food Centers will target their work to historically underinvested communities in their region.

More information is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) Regional Food Business Centers webpage and on .

The post USDA Selects Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) to Create USDA Regional Food Business Center appeared first on Mid-Minnesota Rural Development Commission.

Contact: Eric Day, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Phone: (320) 235-8504

Email: eric.day@mmrdc.org

Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Awards 5 More Community Enhancement Grants

April 2023: Five organizations were awarded Mid-Minnesota Community Enhancement Grants during the April 12 meeting of the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission (Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­). This grant is available to strengthen local communities and support developments and activities that increase quality of life throughout the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Region. Grants may be used to:

• Fund health, safety, or other wellness-focused training for community members and/or specific professional or volunteer groups;
• Purchase of items needed for improved emergency response;
• Procure items to enhance the ability of law enforcement to develop positive relationships with youth, people of color, and other groups;
• Add public amenities that promote physical and/or mental well-being or increase opportunities for positive community interaction (e.g., recreation equipment); or
• Support workforce training opportunities for youth and other populations.

501(c)3 nonprofits, school districts, and local government units located in Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, and Renville Counties are eligible to apply for Community Enhancement Grants of up to $3,000. While the opportunity has now closed, Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s Board made $30,000 available for this effort for the current fiscal year. April 12 grant recipients included:

• The City of Litchfield – Funds will be used toward the purchase and installation of a water fountain/filling station in a park that includes popular pickle ball courts.

• The Olivia Fire Department –Funds will be used toward the purchase of a thermal imaging camera and related technology.

• The Danube Fire Department – Funds will be used toward the purchase of a rescue manikin for search and rescue and victim extraction training.

• The Watkins Ambulance Service – Funds will be used toward the purchase of two vacuum mattresses, to replace traditional backboards, improving victim stability and comfort.

• The Olivia Hospital & Clinic Foundation – Funds will be used to support a health and wellness program for students of the BOLD school district.

Mid-Minnesota Community Enhancement Funds have been available as a result of Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s contract work and it is hoped the opportunity will remain available in the coming fiscal year.  To learn more about the grant opportunity or Mid-Minnesota Development Commission, visit MMRDC.org or contact Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Executive Director Eric Day at Eric.Day@mmrdc.org.

The post Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ Awards 5 More Community Enhancement Grants appeared first on Mid-Minnesota Rural Development Commission.