Stephanie Hilpipre Joins RNDC as Finance Director

RNDC is pleased to welcome Stephanie Hilpipre as its new Finance Director. Stephanie brings more than 17 years of diverse professional experience in finance and administration, including work with self-owned businesses, government agencies, small firms, and Fortune 25 companies.

Hilpipre is no stranger to Region Nine. She previously served as a RNDC Commissioner, giving her a strong understanding of the agency’s mission and operations. “I truly valued my time serving as a Commissioner,” she shared. “I’m passionate about the work RNDC does to support communities across the region, and I’m excited to return in this new capacity.”

As co-founder and Firm Administrator of Sean P. McMahon, PLLC, Stephanie was responsible for developing and managing financial systems, including budgeting, revenue monitoring, and tax compliance. Her ability to research, implement, and maintain accounting and billing systems has resulted in streamlined processes that improve both efficiency and financial stability, skills that align well with RNDC’s mission.

She has also managed complex retirement plan portfolios, conducted financial analyses, and ensured regulatory compliance, often learning and applying intricate software tools independently. Her experience working closely with financial advisors, accountants, and stakeholders has strengthened her ability to communicate complex financial data in a clear and actionable way.

At RNDC, Stephanie will oversee a range of key functions including the development of budget proposals, long-range fiscal planning, and investment analysis. She will also play a critical role in grant and contract budgeting, financial reporting, tax filings, and oversight of the organization’s financial systems and staff.

“Stephanie brings a unique combination of hands-on experience, leadership, and a deep familiarity and commitment to Region Nine as a former elected official and Commissioner,” said Executive Director Nicole Griensewic. “We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the financial expertise and insight she brings to the team.”

She has deep roots in the region, which also adds to her passion for the area. Stephanie said, "I come from multiple generations of small business owners and farmers in south central Minnesota, and I’m truly excited to make my own contributions to the economic development of our nine-county region."

In her free time, Stephanie likes to see the world and live the lake life with her family. She has visited visited six continents so far, and is hoping to travel to Antarctica sometime in the next few years.

Nicole Griensewic Attends the SelectUSA Investment Summit

From May 11–14, Executive Director Nicole Griensewic represented RNDC at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in National Harbor, Maryland. Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, SelectUSA is the premier event dedicated to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the United States. This year’s summit welcomed more than 90 international markets, representatives from all 50 states and territories, U.S. government officials, and industry leaders committed to expanding investment opportunities across the country.

This marked the first time RNDC participated in the summit, attending as part of a Minnesota delegation organized by the Minnesota Trade Office under the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The delegation included representatives from Greater Mankato Growth, the City of Bloomington, the City of Faribault, AURI, Naturally Minnesota, Great River Energy, Benton County, and APX.

Nicole engaged with global stakeholders to elevate Region Nine’s profile as a strategic location for investment. “This was an opportunity to place South Central Minnesota on the international stage,” she said. She shared details about the region’s robust agricultural and manufacturing base, highly skilled workforce, and growing MedTech ecosystem.

One key moment included a reception hosted by the Japanese Embassy, where Griensewic highlighted the upcoming expansion of Nidec in North Mankato—a major Japanese-owned generator manufacturer. She also attended a reception by the German American Chamber of Commerce and connected with European stakeholders about Region Nine’s learning exchange with the Aachen region, which focuses on sustainability and clean energy innovation.

The summit provided an opportunity to advance regional initiatives as well. Griensewic met with representatives from Ecostrat, a partner in RNDC’s BDO Zone project, to discuss ways to maximize the region’s biomass feedstock rating. She also introduced the project to other Minnesota delegates, expanding its potential reach statewide.

Another highlight was reconnecting with Dr. Yang Jianli, who spoke at RNDC’s 50th Anniversary. Dr. Yang expressed interest in returning to Region Nine to collaborate on solar energy initiatives, particularly in integrating solar panels with existing infrastructure such as parking lots.

SelectUSA also served as a platform to discuss future partnerships to attract global talent. Griensewic followed up with State Department representatives on a proposed pilot program to streamline international hiring via J1 Visas in emerging industries. The program, developed with RNDC’s Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) partners, has potential to meet local workforce demands through international collaboration.

Griensewic’s attendance at the SelectUSA Investment Summit highlights RNDC’s commitment to promoting economic growth, global partnerships, and innovation in Region Nine. The connections made and ideas exchanged lay important groundwork for future investments that support the region’s long-term success.

RNDC Completes Economic Impact Study for the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota

A recent economic impact study conducted by RNDC for the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) reveals the museum is not only a valued educational and cultural resource, but also a powerful driver of local economic activity. Located in Mankato, the museum contributes more than $3.5 million annually to the local economy, supports 41 jobs, and generates more than $1.3 million in local earnings.

The study, which examined both the current and projected impact of CMSM, found the museum’s value extends well beyond its financial contributions. Through hands-on learning, cultural enrichment, and community engagement, CMSM enhances the quality of life for families, educators, and visitors throughout the region.

In terms of direct economic impact, the museum supports over $2.2 million in value-added output annually. These benefits ripple outward, strengthening local businesses, supporting jobs, and enriching the regional economy.

Looking ahead, CMSM’s planned expansion is poised to deepen that impact. Two proposed scenarios, a $10 million expansion and a $14 million expansion, are expected to create 20 to 28 construction-phase jobs, adding $5 to $7 million in earnings to the regional economy. After construction, the museum’s operations are projected to generate between $4.2 and $4.3 million in economic output annually, with an employment impact of 49 to 51 jobs and additional indirect effects across the region.

Beyond the numbers, the museum stands as a cornerstone for regional tourism and family engagement. As the museum grows, its ability to support local businesses, attract new visitors, and contribute to regional economic development will expand alongside it.

The study concludes with strategic recommendations that include increasing investments in tourism and strengthening community partnerships to position CMSM as a cultural tourism anchor. These steps would not only grow the museum’s footprint but also bolster economic vitality across South Central Minnesota.

RNDC is proud to support organizations like CMSM in measuring and advancing their economic potential. RNDC offers a range of technical services including Strategic Economic Development Plans, feasibility studies, and economic impact analyses to help organizations and communities identify opportunities, attract investment, and support sustainable growth.

Bravo Zulu House Holds Ribbon Cutting for Nation’s First All-Military Sober Living Facility

On May 28, over 200 people gathered outside Winnebago to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the Bravo Zulu House, the first all-military sober home in the United States specifically designed for veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction. The event marked a significant milestone in veteran care and community support, drawing the attention of national, state, and local leaders.

Notable guests at the ceremony included retired U.S. Army General Joseph Votel, U.S. Representative Brad Finstad, Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Outreach Director Chuck Ackman, and Winnebago Mayor and RNDC Commissioner Jean Anderson. In honor of the occasion, Governor Tim Walz proclaimed May 28, 2025, as Bravo Zulu House Day in the State of Minnesota. The Cities of Winnebago and Fairmont also issued declarations recognizing the importance of the facility and its mission.

Bravo Zulu House addresses a critical gap in veteran healthcare by providing after-treatment housing that integrates addiction recovery with PTSD therapy. It is the first facility of its kind focused solely on veterans, offering a holistic and supportive environment for those transitioning out of inpatient care and into long-term recovery.

“Our goal is to declare war on PTSD and create a place of hope, healing, and accountability for our nation's heroes,” said the team behind Bravo Zulu House. With an integrated care model, the facility goes beyond traditional sober living by treating the whole person.

The need for such a facility is evident. While many veterans complete addiction treatment programs, few have access to aftercare options that simultaneously address trauma-related conditions like PTSD. Bravo Zulu House is designed to fill that void and create a model of care that can be replicated nationwide.

The home offers a peaceful, rural setting that supports healing and personal growth. The facility’s leadership envisions Bravo Zulu House becoming a critical regional and national resource in the effort to reduce veteran suicide and increase long-term recovery outcomes.

RNDC congratulates the Bravo Zulu House team and community partners for their vision and commitment to supporting veterans. RNDC is proud to see this transformative project rooted in south central Minnesota.

To learn more about the Bravo Zulu House and how to support its mission, visit www.bravozuluhouse.org.

Alejandra Bejarano Presents at the South Central Minnesota Workforce Summit

On May 20th, the South Central Minnesota Workforce Summit took place at the Mayo Clinic Event Center in Mankato. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Drive for Five initiative funded the event, which Greater Mankato Growth organized with support from RNDC.

The summit brought together more than 120 attendees from across the region, including employers, HR specialists, educators, and community leaders, to explore strategies for strengthening the local workforce. The agenda featured expert panels and presentations focused on hiring from underutilized talent pools, connecting youth to careers, a Paid Family Medical Leave update, and other strategies to navigate current and future workforce challenges.

Alejandra Bejarano, RNDC Economic Recovery Planner, presented on “Building Tomorrow’s Workforce.” In her presentation, Alejandra shared an overview of Region Nine’s mission, the area we serve, and the work being done through the regional Workforce Task Force on Global Talent, a project she’s been leading with support from staff. She also introduced the new Employer Hiring Toolkit developed by RNDC and highlighted the employer training sessions hosted earlier this spring, which focused on addressing workforce shortages by hiring and supporting global talent.

The summit included a keynote by Jimmi Langemo, who spoke about creating dynamic and innovative work environments that drive success. He also surprised the crowd by singing and playing the harmonica as part of his presentation.

Mapleton Breaks Ground on Innovative Child Care House

In early May, community leaders in Mapleton, Minnesota, came together to break ground on a project that could reshape how rural towns tackle one of their most pressing challenges, access to affordable childcare. The new Child Care House set to open this fall, marks a meaningful step forward in addressing a critical shortage of care options for local families.

Designed specifically for small towns, the Mapleton Child Care House isn’t a retrofit or a temporary fix. It’s a purpose-built, licensing-ready facility created with the needs of rural communities in mind. With space for up to 12 children, the model balances affordability and scalability, offering immediate relief while setting the stage for future growth. This model can also be replicated in other rural communities facing similar challenges.

“This is going to show other towns what’s possible. It’s infrastructure that solves for families and workforce at the same time.” said Mapleton Mayor Jeff Annis.

Childcare shortages are a well-documented challenge across Greater Minnesota, where families often travel long distances to find available providers. In towns like Mapleton, this not only affects parents but has broader impacts on the local economy. A lack of reliable childcare can limit workforce participation, strain household budgets, and hinder business growth.

While the facility is modest in size, its strategic design is what makes it innovative. The smaller scale keeps construction and operational costs manageable, and if future needs change, the building can be quickly converted into residential housing, giving the project added flexibility and long-term sustainability.

Beyond addressing immediate childcare needs, the Child Care House is expected to enhance Mapleton’s ability to attract new residents and businesses. Reliable childcare is a key factor families consider when relocating, and employers increasingly recognize it as essential to recruiting and retaining talent.

The groundbreaking of Mapleton’s Childcare House is a reminder that even small-scale solutions can have big impacts especially when they’re designed with community in mind.

Upcoming CED Committee Meeting – June 24

The next Community and Economic Development (CED) Committee meeting is taking place on Tuesday, June 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Mankato. We are excited to welcome John Pournoor, founder and CEO of Government Analytica, as the featured speaker. With over 35 years of experience at the intersection of government and industry, including as former VP of Government Affairs at 3M, John will provide a high-level overview of public policy and economic trends shaping Minnesota and the Midwest. He’ll explore how workforce changes, infrastructure investments, supply chain dynamics, and other key developments are influencing communities across southern Minnesota.

This is a great opportunity for local leaders and stakeholders to gain valuable insights into the evolving regional landscape.

Interested in learning more?

Contact Alejandra Bejarano at alejandra@rndc.org