Region Nine Development Commission has received a 2019 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations for MedTech Connect.

MedTech Connect was motivated by the need to develop a conceptual framework that inventories and supports medical manufacturing activities in South Central Minnesota. The plan examines how and how well manufacturing and related industries leverage their geographic proximity to the medical manufacturing hub in the Twin Cities and innovations at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Results from this report indicate that South Central Minnesota is poised for growth in the medical manufacturing sector and has led to RNDC applying and being awarded a grant from the Economic Development Administration to conduct a feasibility study for a Manufacturing Resource Center in Waseca.

NADO is a membership association of regional development organizations that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery, and comprehensive strategies.

The association’s Impact Awards program recognizes regional development organizations and their partners for improving the economic and community competitiveness of our nation’s regions and local communities.

–Free Press, Names and Notables

The Region Nine Development Commission was recently recognized by the National Association of Development Organizations. Nicole Griensewic Mickelson is the executive director of Region Nine says they receive the 2019 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award.

“It was for our Medtech connect plan,” said Griensewic Mickelson. “It looked at all of the medical supply chains throughout south-central Minnesota. We were able to talk to all sorts of business owners to advance this manufacturing field.”

Region Nine representatives say the plan examines how and how well manufacturing and related industries leverage their geographic proximity to the medical manufacturing hub of the Twin Cities and innovations at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

–KTOE

LAKE CRYSTAL — The city of Lake Crystal and Region Nine Development Commission will host a public meeting Wednesday highlighting Lake Crystal’s Strategic Economic Development Plan.

The plan is the result of a seven-month initiative between the city and Region Nine that creates a comprehensive picture of Lake Crystal’s economy, position and reputation within the region, according to a news release from the commission.

The public meeting is 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the City Hall community room, 100 E. Robinson St., in Lake Crystal. The meeting will showcase the plan as well as provide discussion about the next steps and implementation.

The plan incorporated public engagement and feedback that allowed Region Nine to verify findings, test assumptions and uncover additional challenges or opportunities the city may face, the commission said.

“With the plan complete, the city of Lake Crystal, Lake Crystal Economic Development Authority and its partners will have a road map to grow Lake Crystal and improve the quality of life for its residents,” Lake Crystal City Administrator Taylor Gronau said in a statement.

“Lake Crystal is much more than a small town — it is a highly educated workforce, an attractive destination, and an untapped potential for future investments,” Region Nine Executive Director Nicole Griensewic Mickelson said in the release.

View the Free Press article.

The Lake Crystal Strategic Economic Development Plan is the result of a seven-month initiative between RNDC and the City of Lake Crystal that creates a comprehensive picture of Lake Crystal’s local economy, position, and reputation within the region. The plan incorporated public engagement and feedback that allowed RNDC to verify findings, test assumptions, and uncover additional challenges or opportunities that the city may face.

RNDC and the City of Lake Crystal will hold a public meeting on November 6, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the City Hall community room, 100 E. Robinson St., Lake Crystal, MN 56055, to showcase the plan as well as discuss next steps and implementation.

“We are excited to present this strategic plan to the residents and stakeholders of the City of Lake Crystal,” shared Lake Crystal City Administrator, Taylor Gronau. “With the plan complete, the City of Lake Crystal, Lake Crystal Economic Development Authority and its partners will have a roadmap to grow Lake Crystal and improve the quality of life for its residents.”

“Lake Crystal is an important city for the region and exemplifies the critical components for future success, forward thinking, and strong leadership. RNDC has enjoyed working with the City of Lake Crystal through this seven-month long process of developing a strategic economic development plan, and we hope the plan can help Lake Crystal achieve great growth in the future. Lake Crystal is much more than a small town – it is a highly educated workforce, an attractive destination, and an untapped potential for future investments,” shared Executive Director of RNDC, Nicole Griensewic Mickelson.

View the KTOE article.