R5DC Announces 2025 Annual Award Winners

STAPLES - Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) has announced its annual award recipients, recognizing exceptional partners whose leadership and collaboration have strengthened communities and advanced economic development across Central Minnesota. Recipients were recognized at an event held at Gather on 3 in Brainerd, MN, on Thursday, December 4th, 2025.

Doug Kern (R5DC), Jason Atwater, Tyler Glynn, Cheryal Hills (R5DC), Greg Springer, and Max Walter for CTC. (L to R)

This year’s honorees include CTC, named Exceptional Service Provider for its long-standing partnership with R5DC and critical role in expanding broadband infrastructure and supporting regional resilience efforts; and the Minnesota Department of Commerce, recognized as Exceptional Regional Partner for its leadership in securing state and federal investments that have helped rural communities advance energy, climate, and economic priorities.

Doug Kern, Brian Strub, Kari Moeller, Maria Laverdiere, Leah Wilkes, Jeff Bartlett, and Cheryal Hills for the Minnesota Department of Commerce. (L to R)

R5DC also honored two locally rooted businesses as Outstanding Business Partners: 2 Tall Tavern, in Cushing, a community gathering place known for its welcoming atmosphere and local events, and Beck’s Burger Co., in Staples, a family-owned restaurant that transformed a vacant downtown space into a thriving business built on local sourcing, job creation, and community pride. Both businesses leveraged funding from the North Central Economic Development Association (NCEDA), the non-profit lending arm of R5DC.

Doug Kern, Jackie Stevens, Jordan Freese, Aleeah Halverson, Victoria Nitti, Chelsea Weite, Jenny Platz, Cheryal Hills, and Megan Beard accepting for Beck's Burger Co. (L to R)

“These award recipients reflect the heart of our region - strong partnerships, local leadership, and a shared commitment to building vibrant communities,” said Cheryal Hills, Executive Director of R5DC and NCEDA. “Their collaboration and investment have made a real difference for the people and places we serve.”

For more information about R5DC and its work across Central Minnesota, visit regionfive.org