Mankato, MN– Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) has been awarded the SolSmart Silver designation for the organization’s efforts to make solar energy more accessible for residents and businesses in the region.
The SolSmart program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office and recognizes organizations that have worked to promote solar energy by making it faster, easier, and more affordable for the community to adopt.
To receive this designation, RNDC worked to reduce the barriers for developing a solar energy infrastructure. This includes changes to local processes that will make the region an attractive area for solar companies. The expansion of solar energy has the potential to drive economic development in the area and create jobs.
“As an organization focused on community and economic development, one of our main jobs is helping our communities understand and access the resources available to them,” said Nicole Griensewic, RNDC Executive Director. “Solar energy is just another example of an important resource that can benefit our local communities and economies by providing affordable and clean energy. Through our work with SolSmart, RNDC learned how to develop solar resources in a manner that provides the maximum benefit for community resilience.”
The SolSmart program provides free technical and logistical expertise to communities interested in developing or expanding their solar energy capabilities. Through the program, RNDC worked with the Great Plains Institute to evaluate local permit, planning, and zoning procedures as well as recommendations to make solar energy more accessible in the region.
“We are getting a lot more questions from our communities about integrating renewable energy into planning and projects,” said Joel Hanif, RNDC Community Development Planner. “As a community development planner, I now feel more comfortable answering those questions and helping communities make the right energy choices for them. This is in large part due to the education and support provided by SolSmart and the Great Plains Institute.”
RNDC joins over 400 other communities and regional organizations that have received the SolSmart designation. All municipalities and counties are eligible to join the SolSmart program and receive this technical assistance. Interested communities can learn more at SolSmart.org or by contacting Joel Hanif at joel@rndc.org.
Mike Laven Named Chair of Region Nine Development Commission
in News/by Region NineMankato, MN- Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) named Mike Laven as the Board of Directors Chair. He has served on the commission since 2019 and takes over for Steve Rohlfing whose term ended this year.
Laven has served Blue Earth County for over 20 years as an elected official and a volunteer. He was first elected to the Mankato City Council in 2000 serving until 2012. Community members convinced Laven to run again in 2016. He was reelected that year and continues to serve on the council.
Laven is also active in the community as a volunteer. He spends much of his free time working with The Connections Shelter, Holy Grounds, and PrideFest.
“South Central Minnesota has a wealth of leadership across each of the cities, counties, townships, and school boards that are committed to collaborating on what is best for all. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as chair of the board and working with these leaders and the incredibly talented staff of Region Nine,” said Laven.
“Mike has always been very supportive of the team. He understands the vision of RNDC and that a strong regional economy is based on mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Region Nine Executive Director, Nicole Griensewic.
Local Foods Week: Partnership Between Farmers and Restaurants
in News/by Region NineMankato, Minn. (KEYC) – Amboy Cottage Café has been serving home-cooked family-style meals, made from scratch, for more than 20 years.
Lisa Lindberg grows her own vegetables, herbs, fruits, and serves locally sourced meals.
So when Region Nine Growers asked her to connect with local farmers, it wasn’t something unknown to her and her business.
“We’ve been focusing on local as a business for quite a long time, since we started 22 years ago,” says Amboy Cottage Café owner, Lisa lindberg. “But I was going to be introduced to a farmer that I hadn’t used very many things from before, and so he introduced me to Rebel Rooster, and we have Becky Harhaj, who’s the farmer there.”
For a full week, the Amboy Cottage Café and Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, in Waseca, will be featuring menu items with ingredients sourced from local crop and livestock producers.
https://www.keyc.com/2022/07/21/local-foods-week-partnership-between-farmers-restaurants/
June 2022 E-Newsletter
in Newsletter/by Region NineRead Now
May 2022 E-Newsletter
in Newsletter/by Region NineRead Now
Mankato Area Awarded $2 Million in State Revitalization Funds
in News/by Region NineGMG says the $2 million will be used to promote development and redevelopment in three commercial corridors in Blue Earth County and Nicollet County; Including the Mankato and North Mankato City Center, the US Hwy 60/169 corridor, and the US Hwy 14 corridor.
GMG’s Foundation will serve as the fiscal host of these funds, which will be sub-granted to business owners and developers within the three commercial corridors.
“It will be instrumental to have these funds for businesses to take part in redevelopment projects, development projects. Really a way to support, too, the hospitality industry that has been hit so hard during the pandemic,” Greater Mankato Growth President and CEO Jessica Beyer said.
https://www.keyc.com/2022/05/17/mankato-area-awarded-2-million-state-revitalization-funds/
April 2022 E-Newsletter
in Newsletter/by Region NineRead Now
March 2022 E-Newsletter
in Newsletter/by Region NineRead Now
February 2022 E-Newsletter
in Newsletter/by Region NineRead Now
November 2021 E-Newsletter
in Newsletter/by Region NineRead Now
Region Nine Development Commission Awarded SolSmart Silver
in News/by Region NineDesignation for Advancing Solar Energy
Mankato, MN– Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) has been awarded the SolSmart Silver designation for the organization’s efforts to make solar energy more accessible for residents and businesses in the region.
The SolSmart program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office and recognizes organizations that have worked to promote solar energy by making it faster, easier, and more affordable for the community to adopt.
To receive this designation, RNDC worked to reduce the barriers for developing a solar energy infrastructure. This includes changes to local processes that will make the region an attractive area for solar companies. The expansion of solar energy has the potential to drive economic development in the area and create jobs.
“As an organization focused on community and economic development, one of our main jobs is helping our communities understand and access the resources available to them,” said Nicole Griensewic, RNDC Executive Director. “Solar energy is just another example of an important resource that can benefit our local communities and economies by providing affordable and clean energy. Through our work with SolSmart, RNDC learned how to develop solar resources in a manner that provides the maximum benefit for community resilience.”
The SolSmart program provides free technical and logistical expertise to communities interested in developing or expanding their solar energy capabilities. Through the program, RNDC worked with the Great Plains Institute to evaluate local permit, planning, and zoning procedures as well as recommendations to make solar energy more accessible in the region.
“We are getting a lot more questions from our communities about integrating renewable energy into planning and projects,” said Joel Hanif, RNDC Community Development Planner. “As a community development planner, I now feel more comfortable answering those questions and helping communities make the right energy choices for them. This is in large part due to the education and support provided by SolSmart and the Great Plains Institute.”
RNDC joins over 400 other communities and regional organizations that have received the SolSmart designation. All municipalities and counties are eligible to join the SolSmart program and receive this technical assistance. Interested communities can learn more at SolSmart.org or by contacting Joel Hanif at joel@rndc.org.
Designation for Advancing Solar Energy