Region Nine Development Commission Receives 2022 NADO Impact Award

Mankato, MN-Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) has been honored with a National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) 2022 Impact Award for the group’s work with the Region Nine Grower’s Network.

The Grower’s Network is a group of local and sustainable farmers that meet to learn from each other and grow the community. The Grower’s Network has been working to create opportunities for new farmers from historically underrepresented demographics and encourage connections with local restaurants.

One outcome has been Local Foods Week which took place this July. This week-long event paired local farmers and restaurants to create menu items featuring livestock and produce grown in Region Nine.

NADO Impact Awards recognize regional development organizations for projects that take an innovative approach to economic development and focus on improving the quality of life in their region. RNDC has been awarded eight Impact Awards over the last 10 years.

Mike Laven Named Chair of Region Nine Development Commission

in News/by Region Nine

Mankato, 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.

Laven named Chair of Region Nine Development Commission

Local Foods Week: Partnership Between Farmers and Restaurants

in News/by Region Nine

Mankato, 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 Nine

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May 2022 E-Newsletter

in Newsletter/by Region Nine

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Mankato Area Awarded $2 Million in State Revitalization Funds

in News/by Region Nine

GMG 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/