RNDC Wins NADO Impact Award for Partnership with the American Scandinavian Foundation

RNDC has received a 2024 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the American Scandinavian Foundation/RNDC Partnership for Regional Progress project.

Through an international partnership with the American Scandinavian Foundation (ASF), RNDC welcomed Saga Rydåker, an impact scholar from Uppsala University in Sweden to build community and economic development capacity in the region. Sponsored by ASF through the U.S. Department of State, this partnership enabled RNDC to host the scholar as a community and economic specialist for six months, working primarily on a strategic economic development plan for Sibley County. In addition to her contributions to Sibley County’s project, Saga also led research initiatives alongside RNDC staff and regional partners.

As the host site and project lead, RNDC provided expertise to Sibley County without additional costs, making this collaboration an innovative model for maximizing resources and advancing community goals. With Saga’s contributions, RNDC was able to offer comprehensive economic planning, adding both capacity and fresh, international insights to benefit the region. This collaboration exemplifies how international partnerships can enhance local capacity while bringing new perspectives to regional planning and development.

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.

You can view the map by clicking the button below.

Building Global Workforce Pathways in Southern Minnesota

RNDC’s Economic Recovery Planner, Alejandra Bejarano, along with a regional task force, is working to build strong local talent pipelines for international students and create pathways for them to thrive in our area. This task force, which includes leaders from local communities, higher education institutions, and regional employers, meets monthly to strengthen these connections and support the long-term retention of global talent.

As part of this initiative, RNDC and task force members have hosted events focused on visa programs and legal guidance for employers and international students. In a recent collaboration, RNDC teamed up with Ramsey County, the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and construction firms to organize a statewide gathering for contractors. The event offered HR specialists and employers in construction management the chance to explore innovative ways to recruit and retain international talent.

In addition to these events, the task force conducted two region-wide surveys targeting both international students and local employers. The responses provided valuable insights into current hiring practices and challenges in retaining international talent. These findings are highlighted in a regional report that explores Minnesota’s labor shortages, skill demands, and opportunities to support international talent. It emphasizes how international students—with their specialized skills and global outlook—can play a vital role in filling high-demand positions and strengthening the workforce.

Expanding on this global workforce focus, two RNDC staff members contributed a chapter to Higher Education and Immigration Pathways: Strengthening the Workforce and the Economy. This chapter details the initiative, its cross-sector collaborations, and its achievements, offering a model for similar talent retention efforts nationwide.

Alongside the task force work, RNDC is supporting Greater Mankato Growth’s application for DEED's Drive for Five Program. RNDC will lead the development of a training program to help regional employers recruit and retain international students, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued in our communities.

RNDC was also invited to join the International Student Retention Peer Learning Cohort led by Global Detroit. This national group brings together organizations across the country focused on retaining international talent through monthly discussions and resource-sharing. In addition to RNDC, the cohort includes partners such as the State of Utah’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, the University of Southern Maine, and the City of South Bend, Indiana.

Through these collaborative efforts, RNDC remains dedicated to helping communities across South Central Minnesota tap into the unique perspectives and expertise that international students bring to our region, creating a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.

RNDC Receives SMIF Grant to Strengthen the Grower’s Network and Support Underserved Farmers

RNDC has been awarded a $10,000 Inclusive and Equitable Entrepreneurial Communities Grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). This grant will directly support RNDC’s ongoing Grower’s Network initiative, which fosters peer mentoring, networking, and educational opportunities designed to empower underserved farmers across the region. By enhancing the Grower’s Network, RNDC aims to help these farmers overcome common barriers, access vital resources, and expand their agricultural businesses.

SMIF’s Inclusive and Equitable Entrepreneurial Communities Grant program seeks to build inclusive economic opportunities by supporting organizations that deliver essential resources and services to diverse and traditionally underserved populations. RNDC’s Grower’s Network aligns with this goal, providing local farmers with the tools and community connections needed to thrive in today’s agricultural landscape. Through these efforts, the Grower’s Network not only encourages entrepreneurship but also strengthens the local economy by empowering farmers to grow and sustain their businesses.

RNDC is grateful for SMIF’s partnership and for the opportunity to build an even stronger foundation of support for underserved agricultural entrepreneurs within its communities. This funding represents a commitment to a more inclusive and resourceful future for South Central Minnesota’s agricultural sector and the diverse individuals who contribute to its vitality.

Nicole Griensewic Elected Treasurer of NADO’s Board of Directors

Executive Director Nicole Griensewic has been elected as Treasurer of the National Association of Development Organization’s (NADO) Board of Directors. Griensewic was appointed to this role on October 23 at NADO’s 2024 Annual Business Meeting, held during the association’s Annual Training Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

As Treasurer, Griensewic will collaborate with the 63-member NADO Board of Directors, guiding the association’s budget, overseeing operations, and shaping policy on issues impacting regional development organizations across the country. NADO, founded in 1967, represents over 350 regional development organizations throughout the United States, providing critical training, resources, and advocacy for local governments and communities. Through various initiatives, NADO’s members support economic diversification, business growth, job creation, and the delivery of essential community services in their regions.

Joe McKinney, NADO Executive Director, expressed enthusiasm for Griensewic’s election: “We are honored to have Nicole Griensewic serve as Treasurer of our national association. Nicole brings an abundance of regional community and economic development knowledge to this role and our Board. She is dedicated to helping our nation’s local communities pursue comprehensive regional strategies for remaining economically competitive in today’s rapidly changing global environment.”

Reflecting on her new role, Griensewic shared, “I am excited to serve as NADO’s Treasurer for the next year. NADO serves as a positive and vital resource for regional development organizations around the country, and I am fortunate to be part of the important work they are doing.”

NADO’s commitment to strengthening local governments and economies through strategic regional coordination aligns closely with RNDC’s mission, making Nicole’s appointment a significant opportunity to amplify these shared goals on a national scale.

Mankato Farmers’ Market Seeks Community Support in Securing a Permanent Home

For over 60 years, the Mankato Farmers’ Market has been an essential gathering space for the community. Now, as the market looks to secure a permanent location, it is asking for community input and support to create a more accessible, visible, and profitable space for local vendors.

Conversations with market vendors have highlighted the impact of weather on customer turnout and sales, sparking interest in a covered, permanent space. Vendors envision a location that provides shelter from the elements and fosters a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Their vision includes more seating, green spaces for children, and improved accessibility for public transit, pedestrians, and cyclists.

A committee led by Environment and Sustainability Planner Sabri Fair and six vendors representing Cedar Crate Farm, Stone Hearth Farm and Garden, Juniper Berries, Rebel Rooster Farm, Sleepy Bison Acres, and B2B Honey, is spearheading this effort. They are joined by Brigid Tuck, Senior Community Economist with UMN Extension and Marcus Hansen, a University of Minnesota student with the Regional Sustainable Development Partnership. Throughout the fall and winter, the committee will gather feedback from residents and stakeholders to ensure the future market location meets community needs. A report summarizing input, economic impact, and potential locations will be released in the spring.

Community members interested in joining the committee or supporting the project are encouraged to reach out. New committee members will be welcomed over the winter. For more information, contact Sabri Fair at sabri@rndc.org or call 507-389-8886.

Watch the KEYC story by clicking the button below.

Nominate a Climate Adaptation Leader!

The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) is accepting nominations for its 2025 Minnesota Climate Adaptation Awards. These awards celebrate exceptional achievements in climate resilience and climate justice by individuals and organizations in Minnesota.

Nominations close on Dec. 2nd. Click the button below to learn more.

Eagle Lake to Hold Rural Child Care Innovation Program Town Hall

Calling all Eagle Lake residents! The city is holding a town hall event to lead discussions on child care and the Rural Child Care Innovation Program. You can register by scanning the QR code or clicking the button below.

Project Pathways: Engaging Communities for Development

The University of Minnesota's Project Pathways program offers three tailored engagement tracks for communities: Short-Term Tasks, Tactical Action Projects, and Community Futures Partnerships. Each pathway provides unique ways for communities to collaborate with university experts and resources, allowing them to target specific needs and goals.

Short-Term Tasks are designed for communities seeking support with focused projects, typically completed within one to four weeks. These short-term collaborations are ideal for gathering and analyzing data, conducting policy research, or creating community maps through GIS. Rolling acceptance allows communities to submit proposals at any time, providing flexibility for immediate, small-scale needs.

Tactical Action Projects cater to communities with specific project proposals requiring more in-depth support. Ranging from two to nine months, these projects enable communities to work closely with University of Minnesota teams on initiatives such as infrastructure evaluations, feasibility studies, or community engagement. This pathway supports the development of well-researched proposals and implementation strategies that align with community priorities.

The Community Futures Partnership takes a strategic, long-term approach by focusing on community-scale planning that integrates existing assets. Supported by the Minnesota Design Center and other university partners, this track emphasizes design thinking to produce actionable community plans and identify fundable projects. Community Futures work also positions communities to seek state and federal funding by generating the documentation and materials necessary for competitive funding requests.

Communities engaging with the Project Pathways program should designate a project lead who can work closely with university collaborators throughout the project’s duration. Project leads and participants in Tactical Action and Community Futures pathways may be eligible for stipends or reimbursements. Project Pathways strengthens community development, providing scalable solutions that are both practical and impactful.