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Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) has been awarded $2.5M in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the Local Government Energy Program’s Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy (C-SITE) funding opportunity. The funds will provide inclusive clean energy financing to four projects in rural central Minnesota, including a school solar project and a tribal electric vehicle project, and fill a financing gap for rural communities through lending options for the private sector. “We are excited about the ability this award gives us to regrant funds to communities that have worked through energy and environment plans with us, and to offer lending to private sector companies to implement clean energy projects,” stated R5DC Executive Director Cheryal Hills. “This will transform rural clean energy financing in our region, providing customized capital solutions and technical assistance to empower communities, schools, and businesses in their journey toward a sustainable, resilient future.” Subrecipient organizations include Little Falls Schools, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Division of Resource Management, City of Motley, and Sebeka Public Schools. C-SITE is a new annual program from DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy programs aimed at supporting tribal and local governments representing small to medium-sized jurisdictions, energy communities, and disadvantaged communities to implement clean energy projects that spark investments and community benefits. Learn more about the other DOE selectees here: https://www.energy.gov/scep/local-government-energy-program

In the heart of Crosby, Minnesota, Victual, a specialty gourmet store, is redefining the culinary landscape of northern living. The brainchild of spouses and visionary entrepreneurs, Paul Kirkman and Paul VanderWaal, Victual emerged from a simple but compelling need: access to gourmet foods and specialty items that were previously only available miles away in the Twin Cities. “Living in a northern, out-state community means that options are limited for some of the specialty foods we enjoy routinely, whether it's artisanal farmstead cheeses from the US or Europe, fancy small-batch crackers, or the hard-to-find specialty liqueurs used to make our favorite craft cocktails,” says Paul Kirkman, one of Victual's founders. Victual isn’t just a store; it’s a curated experience. With categories such as ice cream, cheese, charcuterie, gourmet foods, gifts, and spirits, Victual brings a unique shopping experience to Crosby. The store specializes in house-made, lactose-free, and lactose-friendly products, in addition to a wide variety of gluten-free goods—catering to a significant portion of the population that is often overlooked when it comes to food sensitivities. Crosby was an obvious location choice. The town, recently voted one of the best places to live in America by Outside Magazine, is experiencing a remarkable renaissance. Historic buildings, a booming tourism business, an esteemed medical campus, and a vibrant lake community made Crosby the perfect home for Victual. The Pauls’ entrepreneurial journey is an inspiring testament to the power of strategic financial support. They navigated a diverse landscape of funding, including primary commercial loans from Bremer Bank and key contributions from Brainerd HRA via BLAEDC. Additional support included gap funding from North Central Economic Development Association, IRRRB grants for demolition, and renovation and energy retrofit grants through the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA). This comprehensive financial backing was crucial in turning the vision for Victual into reality. “Without these connections, Victual might never have been possible,” Paul VanderWaal asserts. “The power of support from these organizations was crucial. They facilitated the financial resources needed and also the community support and business advice crucial to our success.” Victual’s mission is clear: Northern living improved. The store’s expertly curated selection of specialty foods, gifts, and spirits is paired with comprehensive product knowledge and exceptional customer service. Their dedication to quality shines through in every product line. “Connectivity is key,” Paul Kirkman emphasizes. “Connecting communities and experiences, vendors and customers, neighbors, and friends—and financial resources. These connections are what brought Victual to life.” Victual is not just a store; it’s a hub of connectivity. By leveraging local resources and support systems, entrepreneurs with dreams like the one imagined for Victual, can transform visions into thriving realities. To learn more about lending opportunities from NCEDA, visit northcentraleda.org

In the heart of Cross Lake, Minnesota, Simply Rustic Floral sits on a bustling corner, welcoming in a steady stream of shoppers and standing as a testament to resilience, community support, and entrepreneurial spirit.  Melissa Krueger, the driving force behind this flourishing floral business, shares a story of determination and collaboration that has not only brought beauty to the community but also showcased the vital role of local organizations like the Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) and the North Central Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Melissa's journey began amidst the dust and debris of a construction project, a side job she took on while pursuing her dream of opening a flower shop. "I was working a remodel job and talking to a program representative with NCEDA on the phone," Melissa recalls. "She said I was perfect for the program because I was a single female with a vision. It was a huge encouragement." The path to opening Simply Rustic Floral was anything but straightforward. Melissa's initial collateral was a modest motorcycle, a symbol of her determination. "I used my little orange Honda as collateral to get the remaining 25% needed to open my business," she explains. The financial support from NCEDA was crucial, as was the local support of First National Bank North and its supportive banker, JP, who truly believed in Melissa's potential. Melissa's love for flowers and connection to the community was evident before opening her shop. "I was heavily involved in the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce and became a Blue Coat, which allowed me to build immediate connections in the community," she says. "And later, when the previous flower shop in town failed, a friend casually suggested I open my own. That idea took root, and I couldn't shake it." The pandemic, while a global crisis, presented a unique opportunity for Melissa. As more people moved to their cabins and worked from home, the demand for local services increased. "I wrote a business plan, sought guidance from local flower shop owners, and refined my numbers with the help of the Business Development Center at Central Lakes College," she explains. The support from local businesses and mentors was instrumental. "Linda Randall from Kicks on 66 and others both pushed and encouraged me to pursue my dream,” says Melissa. Once funding was secured, Melissa’s journey continued, but with an unexpected twist. The pandemic canceled her planned floral classes, but serendipity intervened. "I received a call from Terri Preese, a retired florist with over 25 years of experience, offering to sell me supplies she had accumulated in her own shop over the years. We clicked instantly, and she became my mentor, teaching me everything she know about floral design." Terri's mentorship and Melissa's relentless pursuit of knowledge through online courses filled the gap left by the canceled in-person classes. "Terri worked with me for the first two years, and we built a beautiful partnership," Melissa says. "She operates as an independent contractor, invoicing me for her time, which has been a perfect arrangement." Simply Rustic Floral's success is not just a business story; it's a community story. When Melissa needed to move to a new location with better visibility, the community rallied around her. "I announced the move on Facebook, and within hours, even people I had never met showed up with trucks and trailers to help," she recalls. "We were done in two hours. The support was overwhelming and humbling." Today, Simply Rustic Floral stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial effort in Cross Lake, a testament to Melissa's determination, the unwavering support of her community, and the critical role of local development commissions. Melissa's journey from a construction site to a flourishing flower shop is a story of dreams realized through collaboration, perseverance, and the power of local support.

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2024 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) North Central Regional Food Business Center today announced $600,000 awarded in Business Builder grants to provide financial assistance for small and mid-sized farm and food businesses. The funding is being awarded to 15 projects across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. “These Business Builder grants awarded by USDA and the North Central Regional Food Business Center are providing essential capital to help local and regional farm and food businesses and their communities prosper,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “These grants are just one example of how the Regional Food Business Centers are supporting USDA’s work to build a more fair, resilient, equitable, and competitive food system.” The North Central Regional Food Business Center is awarding Business Builder grants to five projects in each of the three states, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. The awarded projects serve small to mid-sized food value chain businesses and fund local food aggregation and distribution, technology advancements and activities including feasibility studies, market assessments, and succession planning. The grant recipients were selected through a rigorous two-step review process that included a comprehensive scoring rubric and review panel. “These awards can transform our food value chain by serving businesses who have historically struggled to secure federal investments,” said Cheryal Hills, the Executive Director of Region Five Development Commission who is the lead cooperative partner for the North Central Regional Food Business Center. “We are all proud of how capacity being built through these investments will create multiple forms of wealth beyond economic impacts as they realize social, environmental and cultural benefits as well.” This is the first award announcement for the North Central Regional Food Business Center. The Center will accept proposals for future rounds of funding in the spring of each year during the five-year program for subawards of up to $50,000 each.This grant program is part of the USDA Regional Food Business Center Program, which works to create a more resilient, diverse, and competitive food system by providing coordination, technical assistance and capacity building, linking producers to wholesalers and distributors and building regional markets. For more information on the Business Builder grants available through the 11 Regional and National Intertribal Food Business Centers, visit the Regional Food Business Center Business Builder webpage. The Regional Food Business Centers Program is led by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). AMS supports U.S. food and agricultural product market opportunities, while increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods through applied research, technical services, and congressionally funded grants. These projects will support local and regional food system capacity building and further USDA’s goal to increase small and mid-sized food and farm business opportunities. Learn more about the USDA Regional Food Business Centers Program . USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov .Get the latest Agricultural Marketing Service news at www.ams.usda.gov/news .#USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender

Nestled in the woods on the banks of Clark Lake, lies a cabin that has not only been a sanctuary for the Bauer family, but also a testament to the transformative power of community-focused financial assistance. Through the support of NCEDA, a pivotal funding source within Region Five Development Commission, the Bauer family was able to undertake crucial upgrades to their cherished retreat, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. The story begins over two decades ago, when the cabin was first purchased as a simple lakeside getaway. As years passed, this modest property witnessed numerous family milestones, from children's laughter echoing across the lake during summer vacations, to wedding celebrations by the lakeshore. Yet, beneath its idyllic surface, the cabin faced significant infrastructural challenges, particularly with its aging well and septic systems. The turning point came when the family decided to revitalize their beloved retreat. Initial inspections revealed that the septic system failed to meet current environmental standards, and the antiquated sand point well was no longer viable. Faced with the daunting prospect of costly upgrades, the cabin's future hung in the balance until financial options through NCEDA offered a sustainable solution. NCEDA’s loan programs, designed to assist with non-compliant septic and well water systems, provided the lifeline the Bauer family needed. This support enabled them to replace the well and septic system, critical steps for the cabin's functionality and protecting the lake’s pristine environment. The journey of renovation extended beyond mere compliance with environmental standards. It became a labor of love and a family affair, with each member contributing to transforming the small cabin into a sustainable family heirloom. The updates were feasible due to NCEDA’s financial aid. Today, the cabin stands not just as a beautiful structure, but as a beacon of sustainability and family unity. It has become a case study in how targeted financial support can enable lake property owners to maintain ecological integrity while enhancing their living spaces. The Bauer family’s experience underscores the broader importance of accessible financial resources in preserving lake-side communities for future generations. This cabin's story is more than a tale of renovation; it's a narrative of community, sustainability, and legacy, supported by the pivotal role of financial assistance in achieving dreams that extend beyond the individual to the entire lakeside community. The Bauer family’s lake cabin journey illustrates the profound impact of investing in our living spaces and the environment, ensuring they thrive side by side for generations to come. To learn more about septic and well water loans for non-compliant systems, visit www.northcentraleda.org/homeowner

People sometimes need maintenance, too By Meg Moynihan, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) congratulates two agricultural mental health specialists recognized as outstanding providers. Ted Matthews and Monica McConkey provide dedicated counseling services to farmers and farm families throughout Minnesota in an innovative program funded by the State Legislature. Matthews will receive a Minnesota Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award for his work providing mental health support to farmers across the state at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference on June 18. McConkey was named Rural Mental Health Provider of the Year by the Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University - Mankato. “Farming can be incredibly stressful at times – agricultural producers deal with flooding, drought, unpredictable markets, livestock disease, isolation, regulatory burdens, and many other pressures. Our farmers deserve the best care; we’re proud and grateful to have two of the highest caliber mental health professionals serving their needs,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Mental health is crucial for everyone, but it is especially important for our farming community who face unique stressors. This program, led by award-winning specialists like Ted Matthews and Monica McConkey, provides the essential support they need to manage these challenges. Ensuring our farmers have access to top-tier mental health care is not just beneficial—it is vital for the well-being of our entire community”, stated R5DC Executive Director Cheryal Hills. Matthews and McConkey provide confidential care at no cost – sometimes for one or two sessions, other times on an extended basis. They help clients learn to manage depression, anxiety, anger, marriage and family relationship problems, grief, regret, and other challenging emotions and behaviors. Both counselors are happy to meet clients where they are most comfortable – on the farm, at a community college, by phone, or via Zoom. While people are welcome to contact either provider, McConkey generally serves the area north of Highway 12 while Matthews serves the southern part of the state. Contact Ted Matthews at 320-266-2390 and Monica McConkey at 218-280-7785. If you need help and are concerned the hour may be too late to call, dial 833-600-2670 to reach the 24/7 Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline or call 988. Other resources are available at www.mnfarmstress.com. About the Agricultural Mental Health and Wellness Program Region Five Development Commission facilitates and fiscally administers the Agricultural Mental Health and Wellness Program, funded by the Minnesota Legislature, with support from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and in partnership with the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence.

In the heart of rural Minnesota, pastoral stretches of farmland have long been the backbone of the nation's agricultural prowess. However, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a production vulnerability looming at the doorstep of the meat-processing industry, impacting both economic stability and food security.   “In our region, the meat-processing industry is essentially monopolized by four large companies,” says Dave Endicott, Special Projects Coordinator with Minnesota Farmers Union. “They are great companies, but the lack of accessibility has presented scheduling challenges, especially for small- and mid-sized farmers and meat producers. COVID, and the shutdowns that followed, reduced the competitive landscape even further, leaving local communities dependent on a few players with the power to dictate terms.”   Before the emergence of COVID-19, Endicott was working in the capacity of Dean at Central Lakes College and was heavily involved with the Staples Campus’ meat cutting and butchery program. It was brought to his attention that the development of a mobile meat cutting and butchery program, supported by a modular facility with mobile harvest capabilities, might be an innovative approach to production bottlenecking in the area’s industry. But with financing always a concern, both in education and beyond, the idea was put on hold until COVID galvanized the necessity and potential brilliance of the concept.   “It was more than just a solution to production issues, which became especially clear during the pandemic,” says Endicott. “Once shutdowns began to occur, farmers and meat processors were forced to dispose of their harvest, which was tragic for many reasons. Cattle, pork, and chicken are all harvested in humane and specifically timed ways. Schedules are tight, and time is precious. So, when shutdowns occurred, all that careful planning, seasons-worth of effort, and the actual animals themselves were a loss.”   Quinn Swanson, the executive director of Happy Dancing Turtle (HDT) is a  collaborative member of this project and has provided indelible support, including a financial partnership with Cass County. “We’ve been working collaboratively for years to find ways to support producers and growers,” says Swanson. “We believe we must understand and brace up the local foods landscape in our region. This project is one more aspect of that endeavor.”   The development of a mobile meat-processing solution created a way to navigate around production issues, in addition to creating new prospects for workforce development and education.   “Because the idea is a partnership among agriculture communities, economics, and education, the opportunity to provide training to small startups— butcher shops and meat markets for example—is myriad,” says Endicott.   Most of us seldom reflect on the journey our meat takes from farm to table, preferring to savor the pleasure of a delicious steak or pork tenderloin without further thought. However, it is crucial to contemplate the steps of the process in the context of sustainability, consumer lifestyle, and our support for each aspect of the meat production chain. Understanding the lifecycle of our meat not only informs us as consumers but also encourages responsible consumption and supports practices that are more sustainable and ethical.   “Each member of this team is devoted to creating a local, micro-meat culture in our region that supports every step of the process of the farm-to-table enterprise,” says Swanson.   Stu Lourey, head of government relations at Minnesota Farmers Union underscores the impact this project will have, not just from a production standpoint, but also on education opportunities.   “Our region has faced a deficit of resources when it comes to this kind of training,” says Lourey. “Butcher shops and meat harvesting are not particularly glamourous careers, but they are imperative to the health of our region. Grocers, restaurants, schools, and communities of all sizes depend on those who handle the meat we consume. We are so excited about the creative and resourceful financial avenues Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) has helped to open for this endeavor.”   And so, what began as an idea, became a means to bolster a regional industry, and then grew to encompass a workforce and support future generations through education, training, and access opportunities.    “It has become a feat of bi-partisan cooperation and funding collaboration unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of,” adds Endicott. “The need became so clear, and the solution so apparent, the only issue was funding. And even that, when the right connections are in place, is not an insurmountable challenge.”   “Connections are everything,” says Cheryal Lee Hills, Executive Director of both R5DC and the North Central Economic Development Association (NCEDA). “It’s a thrill to be involved in creating partnerships that address unmet needs and inspire system changes that benefit rural communities,” she says. “This project is essentially a meat-cutting workforce training program, that we believed aligned with investment priorities of the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA).  Assisting the MN Farmers Union Foundation with the approach to secure funding investments from federal, state, and local levels for this project is an accurate example of what makes R5DC an asset to this five-county region in Central MN and beyond. We get to be part of making change happen. It’s incredibly rewarding.”   With a price tag of approximately $4 million for the units themselves and another $1.5 million for facilities development and operation, the funding challenges certainly felt insurmountable. But with grants written, and funding matches in place from federal, state, and local sources, industry bottlenecking is poised to shift in the favor of small and mid-sized meat producers.   MN Farmers Union Foundation (MNFU) was the successful recipient of an EDA award, with a portion of the matching funds coming from the MNFU and the remaining match funds coming from both State dollars awarded to the project through the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute and from Cass County MN that were secured by Happy Dancing Turtle. “The package was complex but typical of successful rural projects,” says Cheryal Hills.   The units are manufactured by Friesla, a Washington state-based company. Two units will find a home at Central Lakes College, Staples campus, as training facilities. Minnesota Farmers Union will receive additional units—a harvest unit, a cooler, a cut and wrap unit, and a freezer. The Central Lakes College units are set for delivery in April, while the Farmers Union modules and the harvest unit are set to be delivered later in 2024.   “We are in the process of securing additional funding for a facility to house the meat processing business,” says Endicott. “While the units will all remain mobile and thus versatile in nature, they will also be housed in a controlled environment with offices and systems to help us support a USDA-approved and certified status—a designation that does not currently exist at this level in the region.”   Meat processed under USDA guidelines and in USDA-sanctioned facilities can be transported and sold across state lines. This effectively broadens the market for small and mid-sized producers in a capacity that hasn’t been explored until now. “I’m excited to see the long-term impact this will have for agriculture, meat producers, and farming in our region,” says Endicott. “Minnesota Farmers Union exists to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for Minnesota family farmers, ranchers, and rural residents. This project aligns with that mission beautifully.”   Beyond its economic impact, a USDA-certified plant with mobile harvest capabilities also serves as an educational resource for farmers, processors, and the community at large. Workshops, training programs, and partnerships with local agricultural institutions can contribute to a skilled workforce and promote sustainable farming practices.   “This project is becoming a model for other regions, and it has been incredible to be part of something with such a specific impact and wide reach,” says Cheryal Lee Hills. “Region Five Development Commission is committed to enhancing the vitality and quality of life through resilient, inclusive, and collaborative approaches. And this project checks all those boxes. We are so proud of this project and each member of the wider community in their branches of expertise for partnering to realize this vision.”   “R5DC has been a catalyst for good, rooted in central Minnesota and beyond, partnering with area change-makers to compel a greater conversation,” Lourey adds. “While we are all small on our own, we are mighty collaborators, excelling in team effort and fostering healthy communities. I love that Region Five Development Commission has helped pave new pathways for a project like this.”

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $600,000 in Business Builder Grants to provide financial assistance for small and mid-sized farm and food businesses with projects focused on regional needs. The funding, provided through USDA’s North Central Regional Food Business Center, is available to fund projects in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, and will provide access to capital needed to launch and expand businesses while working to build income streams or identify needed investors. In May 2023, USDA awarded $360 million to finalists to establish 12 USDA Regional Food Business Centers and a National Intertribal Food Business Center to provide essential local and regional food systems coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building. These Centers assist small and mid-sized producers and food and farm businesses with the goal of creating a more resilient, diverse, and competitive food system. The North Central Regional Food Business Center, led by the Region Five Development Commission, focuses on expanding this in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Local and regional food systems are essential to the overall food supply chain and the new Regional Food Business Centers are the cornerstone of our efforts to support them. The Centers provide technical assistance to create new value chain connections, expanding supply to and demand from new and existing markets, improving viability and increasing market value of products, aiding with business and succession planning, and fostering connections at both state and national levels. The USDA North Central Regional Food Business Center is prioritizing increasing sales for underserved small producers and working directly with each state’s Farmer’s Union and a diverse set of partners including the Latino Economic Development Center, Native Community Development Financial Institutions, producer groups, and Economic Development Districts. The USDA North Central Regional Food Business Center has allocated a total of $3 million for their Business Builder program. The North Central Business Builder program will accept proposals for this funding in the spring of each year of the five-year program for subawards of up to $50,000 each. This is a competitive award opportunity with no match required. The Center’s network of contracted technical assistance providers offers application support services to eligible entities seeking to apply. “The Regional Food Business Centers are a cornerstone of USDA’s food system transformation efforts, serving to help farmers, ranchers, and other food businesses access the resources and technical assistance they need to access new markets,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The Center’s Business Builder Grant program will empower the region’s small and mid-sized farmers and food businesses to launch and expand their operations by establishing new revenue streams and gaining investors. This program is crucial to achieving the vision the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA has of a food system that fosters opportunities for regional food businesses and rural economies.” “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for growers, producers, aggregators, distributors, processors, and food access points who have traditionally struggled to successfully access federal programs that expand markets and impact local economies,” said Cheryal Hills, Executive Director of the Region Five Development Commission. The North Central Business Builder Grant program will prioritize: -        Groups or consortiums of small to mid-sized local foods value chain businesses; -        Those seeking to expand markets to institutions; -        Those meeting a specific market bottleneck or meet regional action plan goals; -        Applicants within or serving areas within the states’ zip codes identified as distressed; and -        Geographic distribution of awards across the 3-State region. The North Central Regional Food Business Center is accepting applications for this funding through April 30, 2024. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the North Central Regional Food Business Center website. USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender

Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) welcomes Diona Richards, an Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) fellow for the International Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Alongside partners at the Leech Lake Financial Services, the R5DC will serve as the host organization for Richards, whose role is to focus on securing investments to support the construction industry workforce training, foster Native-owned housing businesses, and increase affordable homeownership for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. The outcome of this project is a groundbreaking shift in how housing is approached in Indian Country, leading to increased homeownership, more housing units, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Launched in 2023 through a $30 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), this ERC program was designed to build capacity in some of the hardest-hit and most economically distressed areas across the United States while cultivating the next generation of economic development leaders. Fellows will spearhead catalytic projects that advance new ways of doing economic development to build more resilient, inclusive, and equitable economies. Diona Richards is a business advisor with more than 15 years of successfully navigating the complexities of the financial industry and launching innovative partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit sectors. In 2020, Diona launched See Me Fund, a social impact organization providing women entrepreneurs access to capital, resources, and strategic networks. In 2022, she launched Seen, a global podcast that promotes women's visibility. With a mission to uplift women, she understands that capital is powerful and that, where deployed, it reflects what communities you choose to empower. About R5DC Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) is a high-performing, regionally focused partner providing community development, economic development, and transportation initiatives in central Minnesota. R5DC programs are strategic and resilient and contain an inclusive and collaborative approach, with an emphasis on local foods/agricultural and renewable energy economy. Learn more at regionfive.org. About IEDC The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in a full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at iedconline.org.

Brainerd, MN – 2040: A Brainerd Odyssey, Path to Resiliency, has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Communities Local Energy Action Program (LEAP) Cohort 2 with a goal to reduce the energy burden for residences and businesses in Brainerd. Over 15 local organizations are collaborating to develop a strategy to help residents and businesses in Brainerd reduce their energy consumption, ultimately saving costs. The collaboration will also work to generate more energy locally, including considerations around the hydropower plant and other developments. Team members include Brainerd Public Utilities, Tri-County Community Action Partnership, Region Five Development Commission (R5DC), Brainerd HRA, BlueGreen Alliance, Brainerd Public Schools, MN Department of Commerce, CenterPoint Energy, and more. “Technical assistance from an unbiased third party is critical in successfully reducing energy costs locally through energy efficiency and other means, and that assistance is difficult to find in rural Minnesota,” said Cheryal Hills, Executive Director of R5DC. “With the support from DOE, we look forward to a local community strategy in crafting the local energy action plan.” Communities LEAP will provide in-depth, customized technical assistance primarily through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to support the Brainerd coalition as they work to develop energy efficiency and energy generation efforts in the city to help lower energy costs, make energy services more reliable, cut pollution, create new jobs and economic opportunities, and more. Specifically, this project will develop a local energy action plan engaging three planning segments: Community, Workforce, and Technical, with participants contributing within the three focus areas. Supporting the delivery of these energy goals will be the continued development of the local construction trades workforce, and action to increase household income, which is 51% of the state average, while improving the aging housing stock, with over 59% of homes built before 1970. The team will begin planning soon, so please stay tuned and get engaged! Communities LEAP Cohort 2 is designed to provide technical assistance to communities that have experienced historic environmental inequity or the economic consequences of the declining fossil fuel industry and are now focused on developing clean energy projects to equitably improve environmental conditions and increase economic opportunity. About Lead Applicant Organization Region Five Development Commission The Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) is a high-performing, regionally focused partner committed to enhancing the vitality and quality of life in Region 5 through resilient, collaborative, and inclusive approaches to regional community development, economic development, and transportation initiatives. R5DC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit regionfive.org to learn more. About Communities LEAP The DOE Communities LEAP (Local Energy Action Program) aims to facilitate sustained community-wide economic and environmental benefits primarily through DOE’s clean energy deployment work. This opportunity is specifically open to low-income, energy-burdened communities that are also disadvantaged and/or are experiencing direct economic impacts from a shift away from historical reliance on fossil fuels. Under Communities LEAP, DOE matches selected communities with technical assistance providers who assist them with bringing their clean energy planning and economic development vision to life.

Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) and Cass Lake-Bena Schools are soliciting bids from licensed architectural & engineering firms to submit proposals for a project to provide services for specific energy efficiency and health & safety upgrades at Cass Lake-Bena Schools. Interested parties are urged to review the request for proposal details posted on the R5DC website at regionfive.org/rfp. An optional meeting opportunity will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Cass Lake-Bena District Offices beginning at 9 am to allow respondents to ask questions regarding the project specifications and conduct building walkthroughs. Questions must be received by March 15, 2024, and all Q&A will be posted on the https://www.regionfive.org/rfp webpage. The deadline for responses is April 1, 2024. Proposals should be submitted to BJ Allen at bjallen@regionfive.org. About Region Five Development Commission The Region Five Development Commission is a high-performing, regionally focused partner committed to enhancing the vitality and quality of life in Region 5 through a resilient, collaborative, and inclusive approach to regional community development, economic development, and transportation initiatives. Visit regionfive.org to learn more. About Cass Lake-Bena Schools Cass Lake-Bena School District, ISD 115, is a public school in the largest city within the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Cass Lake. The Cass Lake area is the population center of the Reservation. It is the location of the government facilities for the Leech Lake Tribal Council and other divisions and programs, as well as the offices for the Leech Lake Tribal College, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Cass Lake Indian Health Service Hospital and Clinic, and the Chippewa National Forest.

From Left to Right: Amanda Whittemore and Chris Fastner, True North Strategy; Cynthia Johnson, Jessie Bavelli, Kiley Breda, Arlene Jones, and Taran Skwira, Sprout MN; and Anna Montgomery, Cassie Carey, and Vanessa Crawford, CC Cares Co. Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) announced their 2023 Annual Award Winners and honors awardees at an event held at Dennis Drummond Winery in Brainerd, MN on Thursday, December 7th, 2023. R5DC selected True North Strategy as the recipient of the 2023 Exceptional Service Provider of the Year for its inclusive research on creating business accelerator spaces. CC Cares Co. and Sprout MN were selected as 2023 Outstanding Business Partner of the Year. CC Cares Co. launched its daycare facility just outside of Pequot Lakes and provides an essential need for improved labor force participation.  Sprout MN has gone above and beyond year after year to advance food availability, affordability, and access from local growers who seek market expansion and improved economic prosperity. R5DC recognizes the amazing work of all these organizations and strongly applauds them for their positive community impact. R5DC also released its Annual Report, highlighting regional impacts from fiscal year 2023. To review the report: visit regionfive.org/annual-report