Quarterly Newsletter | Autumn 2024

Welcome Thomas

Thomas joins the team as a Mobility Manager, primarily emphasizing transportation initiatives. He aims to work with public, private, and non-profit transportation providers to increase access to, and reduce gaps in, the transportation options for individuals within the region, through the Region 5 Regional Transportation Coordinating Council.

Position Update for Jeff

Jeff is shifting into a new role as Senior Project Manager. to lead complex energy and workforce projects, leveraging his experience to drive efforts to promote sustainable practices and strengthen the local economy.

Farewell BJ

We are so grateful to BJ for her dedication and work in our communities. We appreciate her passion and expertise for climate resiliency and energy efficiency and wish her well in her future endeavors!

Community Bridgemakers is a collaboration between the Initiative Foundation, R5DC, and Sourcewell to engage our regional community with broad availability to diverse opportunities that enable each resident to thrive and be well. The areas of focus include social cohesion, mental health, and workforce development.

R5DC and NCEDA are pleased to offer incentives for identifying optimal energy efficiency projects for businesses and governments in our region.

Oct 24: R5DC Commission Meeting | 6 pm at Sourcewell

Nov 21: EDD Meeting | Dinner 5:30 pm at Sourcewell - Audit Report

Dec 12: R5DC & NCEDA Annual Meeting at Gull Lake Yacht Club

• Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Receives $3.6M in Federal Funding for Wild Rice Processing Facility
• Brewing Roots: Building Community, One Pint at a Time
• Northern Living Improved: A Victual Story
• Red Lake Nation, Region Five Receive Gain Federal Funds for Clean Energy Projects
• U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.6 Million to Strengthen the Food Processing Industry on the Leech Lake Reservation in Minnesota

Cass County

Bob Kangas, County Commissioner

Jerecho Worth, Municipalities

Susan Falk, Town Boards

Crow Wing County

Rosemary Franzen, County Commissioner

Angel Zierden, Municipalities

Doug Kern, Town Boards

Tiffany Stenglein, City of Brainerd

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Morrison County

Greg Blaine, County Commissioner

Rollie Johnson, Municipalities

Chuck Parins, Town Boards

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Todd County

Barb Becker, County Commissioner

Deb Nelson, Municipalities

Julie Polak, Town Boards

Wadena County

Ron Noon, County Commissioner

David A. Anderson, Municipalities

VACANT, Town Boards

Public Interest

Hara Charlier, Higher Education

Rian Hofstad, Camp Ripley

Taran Skwira, Emerging Leader 

Diane Jacobson, SWCD

Sally Fineday, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Amy Sjoblad, School Board Rep

Andrea Haverinen, School Board Rep

Christine Kirschbaum, Workforce Development

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*Current as of October 1, 2024.

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RDC board membership comprises elected officials from townships, cities, counties, school boards, and public interest groups per statute 462.388.