News & Events

Community Incentives: Tax Increment Financing

Monday, July 13, 2020

Are you interested in starting, relocating, or expanding your business in Wadena County or our surrounding communities? If so, our Tax Increment Financing incentive provides an additional financial resource to make the process more advantageous. What is Tax increment financing (TIF)? TIF is a method of financing real estate development costs to promote development, redevelopment, and housing in areas where it would not otherwise occur. TIF projects include constructing buildings or other private improvements such as streets, sidewalks, sewer and water, and similar improvements. TIF finances development by "capturing" the incremental property taxes generated by the increased value of new development...

Business Plan Questions? We Can Help!

Monday, July 06, 2020

Creating a business plan is one of the most important steps you will take because the plan serves as your road map for the early years of your business. The business plan generally projects 3-5 years ahead and outlines the route a company intends to take to reach its yearly milestones, including revenue projections. A well thought out plan also helps you to step back and think objectively about the key elements of your business venture and informs your decision-making on a regular basis. Though a business plan is important, it can be difficult to know where to start, how t...

Pillars of the West Central Economic Development Alliance

Monday, June 29, 2020

The pillars of the West Central Economic Development Alliance derive from our mission, which is "To give a voice to the economic and business interests of Wadena County and surrounding communities by providing educational, networking, and advocacy resources and opportunities." The purpose of these pillars is to provide a foundation for all of the activities of the Economic Alliance. They are designed to be adaptable to different projects and objectives as community needs and trends change. The pillars are: Education: The purpose of this pillar is for the Economic Alliance to provide training and resources on topics that are crucial for busines...

Strategies of the West Central Economic Development Alliance

Monday, June 22, 2020

The West Central Economic Development Alliance is committed to making Wadena County the best place to do business. In June of 2018, the Economic Alliance Executive Board approved their strategic plan. The plan is designed to provide a roadmap for the activities of the Economic Alliance. It contains a description of the three pillars of the Economic Alliance--education, networking, and advocacy. It also includes priorities and strategies for implementation including attracting the retaining businesses, infrastructure improvement, and workforce development. The foundation of this strategic plan was input from community and business leaders. It was their dreams and concerns for the regio...

The History of the West Central Economic Development Alliance

Monday, June 15, 2020

The West Central Economic Development Alliance (the Economic Alliance) was formed as a private, not-for-profit in 2011 from the need for a voice for economic development in our area of West Central Minnesota. With the goal of collaboration and flexibility in mind, the Economic Alliance was organized to represent both public and private interests, and not to be confined to a defined governmental boundary. Today, the Economic Alliance consists of an Executive Board of volunteers representing banking, government, non-profit, and private industry interests and a full-time Executive Director who carries out the day-to-day operations and strategic mission of the Alliance. The Economi...

Making Our Communities the Best Place to do Business

Monday, June 08, 2020

The West Central Economic Development Alliance is committed to making our communities the best place to do business. The Economic Alliance is a non-profit that focuses on economic development in Wadena County and the surrounding communities. Our mission is to give a voice to the economic and business interests of Wadena County by providing educational, networking, and advocacy resources and opportunities. One way we do this is through our website which is designed to be a tool for aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members. We also work to bring awareness to the community by promoting it as an excellent place t...

Follow Our Social Media for Local News & Updates

Monday, June 01, 2020

Follow us on social media and stay up to date on news from Wadena County and our surrounding communities. Here at the Economic Alliance, we like to keep people informed about what is going on in our community. We will feature information about local programs, events, businesses and community initiatives, in addition to news that may be of interest to community members and site selectors. These social media platforms are also a great way to stay connected and connect with other community members. Click here to go to the Economic Alliance website and follow us on social media today!

A “Now, Next, Later” Approach for Dealing with Pandemic Challenges

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the U.S. spread in March, leading to shelter-in-place orders in most states and a rapid slowdown of the national economy, businesses have started adopting Baker Tilly’s “now, next, later” framework in dealing with the pandemic challenges: “Now” is focused on the first 30 days; “next” is focused on the following 60 days; and “later” focusing on 90 days and beyond. The “now” response reflects the immediate reality for businesses – survival. An early March 2020 poll by the National Association of Manufacturers showed 35 percent of manufacturers are facing significant interruptions in supply chain operations, though onl...

Business Stories

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

If you have a good story to tell about your Minnesota business or labor organization helping during this time, or have photos or stories showing creative solutions to social distancing and keeping workers safe, please submit these stories to GoodBusiness@state.mn.us. Read about businesses doing good and workplace social distancing and safety ideas here.

2020 MN Broadband County Gig ranking. From 99 to 0 percent coverage. How do you rank?

Friday, May 22, 2020

The new MN County broadband maps are now up on the Office of Broadband Development websites- showing percentage of each county with (and without) broadband access. Earlier I looked at how counties ranked for access to 25/3 (the 2022 MN State speed goal), to 100/20 (the 2026 speed goal) and now Gig access! (You can download the full spreadsheet of MN county details for speeds or 100/20 and Gig.) We haven’t looked at Gig access in the past so I’m just going to put it out there and say congrats to the top of the list and good luck to the folks are the bottom. (You can also download thi...

Minnesota nonprofits, schools participate in first-ever Give At Home MN campaign

Thursday, April 30, 2020

The first week of May will feel a lot like November as Minnesota nonprofits make a flurry of pitches for donations in a first-ever virtual fundraising campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Friday, GiveMN — the nonprofit that in November puts on the largest annual giving day in the state, Give to the Max — is hosting a new eight-day campaign called Give At Home MN. Thousands of nonprofits and schools across the state will participate May 1-8, appealing to donors for extra help during the outbreak. COVID-19 has boosted demand for nonprofit services, especially at food shelves, homeless shelters and others dealing with it...

The Secret To Retail Success Post Coronavirus? Adopting A Consumer-Centric Approach

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Fashion retail was facing unprecedented upheaval long before any of us had even heard of coronavirus or could imagine a situation where all stores would be forced to close and the world would be in global lockdown. This pre-coronavirus need for change was being driven by shrinking margins and an increase in nimble new entrants to the market who were growing their market share at a rapid pace, striping away sales from large incumbent brands and retailers. For the majority of retail businesses, trying to evolve and keep pace in recent years has been a painful experience as it’s meant questionin...

Announcing new tools to help businesses promote safe work environments

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Health experts around the world will tell you that one of the most important aspects of workplace safety during a pandemic is careful and effective health screening of employees. That's why in Executive Order 20-40, the Governor requires all non-critical businesses coming back into workplace environments to engage in proper health screenings each day. Now, thanks to a unique collaboration between Target Corp, Minnesota IT Services, and the Minnesota Safety Council – Minnesota businesses have a digital tool that can make those screenings even more effective. Read full article.

DEED Awards more the $1.3 Million in MJSP Grants

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded nine workforce development grants totaling nearly $1.3 million under the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) to assist businesses and educational institutions in training workers to keep high-quality jobs in the state. These grants were awarded in early March 2020, prior to impact from the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota. “The MJSP is a vital tool in helping Minnesotans train for high-skill, high-paying jobs, particularly as Minnesota’s economy will begin to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 over the coming months,” said Commissioner of DEED, Steve Grove. “Training workers to mee...

Milestones and Incentives in the Site Selection Process

Monday, April 13, 2020

The Biggest Misperception About the Incentive Process I think a lot of companies that aren't familiar with the incentive process come to us and have the misconception that they simply make some commitments, they sign a lease, shake the hand of the mayor, and receive a check. It's actually a much more complex process than that. It requires working with the municipalities for multiple years in order to show that you've met the commitments to receive the incentives that have been awarded based on the company's performance. Read full article.

Sourcewell Using 3D Printers to Help Healthcare Workers

Thursday, April 09, 2020

Sourcewell’s Tech Mobile Program is using its 3D printers to create masks and face shields for Tri-County Health Care’s Wadena facility. Once the masks are tested and approved, they will be sent to healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. Read full article.

Task Force Announced to Protect Minnesotans From Scams, Crimes Related to COVID-19

Monday, April 06, 2020

On Monday, federal and state authorities announced a task force to protect Minnesotans from scams and other crimes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minnesota COVID-19 Action Team will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota, the state Attorney General’s Office, and the Minnesota County Attorneys Association. The team urges people to report hate crimes, scams, or price gouging related to the virus. Read full article.

Getting by: How businesses in one Greater Minnesota town are dealing with ‘social distancing’ disruptions

Thursday, April 02, 2020

At The Tavern on Main, a downtown café and bar in Litchfield, Minnesota, Bethany and Michael Lee had to lay off 13 workers as they try to salvage their business during the disruptive “social distancing” brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. The Lees had to shutter their dining area, which doubles as a popular bar in the evening. But they have been selling enough takeout orders to generate about a quarter of their usual business – enough, they hope, to get them by until things return to normal. Read full article.

Shifting business to battle the coronavirus

Monday, March 30, 2020

Ben VandenWymelenberg graduated in 2012 with a bachelor of science in architecture—but not before hitting on something big. While procrastinating on his senior year project, VandenWymelenberg struck gold with an idea and rushed to the workshop to produce his first wooden phone case. A few months later he launched WOODCHUCK USA, producing sustainably sourced, handcrafted wood products. Read full article.

What workers need to know about unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 emergency

Monday, March 30, 2020

Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order March 16 to tweak Minnesota’s unemployment insurance program in an effort to help people struggling with the closure of schools and businesses because of the novel coronavirus. The order was the latest in a string of measures taken by the governor to ramp up the state’s response to COVID-19 and push people to avoid crowds and take other health precautions. On March 13, Walz declared a peacetime emergency and warned against large gatherings. By March 16 he had closed schools and ordered closures of restaurants, gyms, theaters, museums and more. Read full article.

How A Navy Officer Turned A Big Idea Into A $118M Business

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Page, a senior and midshipman first class, was developing a thesis project that was helping him graduate from the academy so he could fulfill his dream of becoming a SEAL or naval aviator. But then a senior professor walked into the lab. He wanted to hear about Page’s project. Over the next few hours, Page explained a new kind of water treatment technology, an idea he had since high school. When the student finished his presentation, the teacher flipped his notebook over and looked at him. Read full article.

Digital directory to promote county businesses

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Digital directory to promote county businesses Wadena County now has a digital directory of more than 400 organizations and businesses that will be used to showcase cities and sites within the county. Mark Hanson is the director of the West Central Economic Development Alliance and the economic development director for the county. He has been working on the digital directory and had already completed the cities of Sebeka and Menahga. He presented an update on his work to the Wadena County Board last week. "We just completed the city of Wadena and we now have over 400 locations plotted on Google Maps to showcas...

Central MN CEO program connects students with business leaders

Monday, February 23, 2015

Staples-Motley and Wadena-Deer Creek High Schools, along with area business leaders, have collaborated to give eight high school students a unique opportunity. These students are participating in the first Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) class. The CEO program is designed to give high school juniors and seniors a jump-start on learning how to become successful entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Those students include Hayley Carlson, Megan Han, Rebekka Paskewitz and Mary Sarah Sauber, all from Staples-Motley High School; and Kayla Hanson, Jessica Langer, Hope Norenberg and Danyel Post from Wadena-Deer Creek High School. The CEO program was founded in 2008 in Effingham, Ill., under th...

Salo Manufacturing Doubles Size of Plant

Friday, May 09, 2014

Salo Manufacturing Doubles Size of Plant By Matthew Johnson The Menahga firm that manufactures fiberglass tubs, showers and remodeling units, established by Paul Salo in 1986, recently doubled the size of its physical plant, and is now in the process of hiring more employees to staff the larger facility. Salo Manufacturing, Inc., located in the Menahga Industrial Park, erected a new structure late last year to bridge the physical gap between its original production plant and office building with an additional 20,000 square feet of warehouse space. That addition has allowed for a significant expansion of inventory to help keep up with th...

Development director asks Wadena institutions to promote each other

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Mark Hanson has a unique plan to promote Wadena. The director of the West Central Economic Development Alliance - a Sebeka-based organization dedicated to improving the region’s business climate - is asking area restaurants, service providers, stores, schools and non-profit organizations to harness the power of social media to promote each other. Hanson will explain the specifics of his plan during informational meetings at 7 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Pizza Ranch. He’s hoping to get 32 entities to show up. In order to succeed, “businesses need to work together,” Hanson said, . The idea is straightforward: Each week, al...

The Everywhere Economy

Thursday, March 20, 2014

The Everywhere Economy The growth of e-commerce connects Central Minnesota with revenue from around the world When Tom Smude registered the internet domain name for the start-up sunflower oil operation he and his wife launched in 2010, the Pierz farmer knew far more about tractor engine tuning than search engine optimization. “Computers weren’t really my thing,” said Smude, a life-long family farmer, cattle rancher and John Deere dealer. “Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest—I didn’t know much about any of that.” But with the first batch of his family’s bottled cold-pressed sunflower oil about to go to market, Smude knew they needed an online calling card wher...

Economic Development in Wadena County

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

County Economic Development Wadena County Townships, as stated by Wadena County Assessor, Lee Brekke, have a total of 137 commercial properties with a total market value of $5,912,500. Each of these 137 commercial properties pays property tax, and to lose even one business would increase the tax burden to everyone in Wadena County. Conversely, any new business choosing to locate within the boundaries of Wadena County would lower the tax burden. Rural communities throughout Wadena County and Aldrich Township to Wing River Township have many distinctive assets that can provide a basis for economic development activities. Natural amenities such as lakes, rivers, forests, wildlif...

'Made in Minnesota' Directory Showcases Local Manufacturers

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Article By: Fridley Patch | James Warden Patch’s interactive map highlights Minnesota companies featured in a database that connects companies with neighboring businesses. Those “Made in the U.S.A.” tags just got a little more local. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has put together a Made in Minnesota directory that showcases manufacturers in the Land of 10,000 Lakes “who make everything from food products and textiles to fabricated metals, machinery, computers and electronics,” according to DEED. The goal of the supply chain database is to help companies get together with other businesses in their own communities, regions and state. The map abov...

Smart Rural Community

Monday, November 04, 2013

NTCA Recognizes Smart Rural Communities Contributing to Vitality of Small-Town America Broadband providers honored for efforts to deliver advanced technologies that enable innovations in agriculture, health care, public safety and education CHICAGO, Ill. (September 16, 2013) – NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, the premier national association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies, today recognized seven communities in rural areas of the United States that have earned the title Smart Rural Community as part of a first-of-its-kind initiative to highlight efforts that make rural hometowns vibrant places in which to live and do business. The goal of the NTCA Smart Rural Community initiative is t...

DEED unveils Made in Minnesota directory

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has released a Made in Minnesota Directory. The directory is a free, online database of products and supplies made in Minnesota. DEED launched the database to encourage Minnesota companies to do business with each other, rather than with out-of-state or foreign companies. About 600 firms are in the database. I ran a quick search of "plastic injection molding" in the database and came up with 39 listings, each with a contact name, number and email as well as a description of the company, list of its top products, when it was founded and how man...

Forbes: MN Ranks No. 8 in "Best States for Business"

Friday, September 27, 2013

Article By: CBS Minnesota | WCCO MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minnesota has been ranked eighth on the “Forbes 2013 List of the Best States for Business,” which is a jump of 12 spots from last year, according to the publication. Forbes says Minnesota’s overall 2013 ranking was the biggest improvement of any state in the eighth-annual study. The study looks at six key metrics: costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, current economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life. In those metrics, Minnesota ranked fifth in quality of life, ninth in economic climate, 13th in growth prospects, 18th in labor supply, 22nd in regulatory environmen...

Job Vacancies Hit 12-Year High in Second Quarter

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Article By: Positively Minnesota Minnesota employers report 72,570 openings, up 15.3 percent from a year ago ST. PAUL – Job vacancies in Minnesota climbed to their highest level in 12 years in the second quarter, with employers reporting 72,570 openings, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Vacancies were up 15.3 percent from the same period a year ago, when employers reported nearly 63,000 openings. There were 2.1 unemployed people for each vacancy during the quarter, compared with 2.6 unemployed people per vacancy a year earlier. “This increase in job vacancy numbers offers fresh evidence that th...

County Board Approves WCEDA as its Economic Development Alliance

Thursday, August 08, 2013

Article by: Review Messenger-Matthew Johnson The Wadena County Board of Commissioners has chosen West Central Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA) to represent county interests related to economic development. Mark Hanson, economic development director for WCEDA, requested the county’s support following his presentation about WCEDA during the board’s Tuesday, August 6, regular monthly meeting. Commissioner Rodney Bounds had spoken with Hanson at an economic development meeting in Sebeka and invited him to address the county board. “So, today, what I’m really looking for is an endorsement, saying we are your economic development alliance for the county,” Hanson said. He said he could help collaborate o...

Growers & Consumers Seek Better Market for Produce

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Article By: Wadena Pioneer Journal | John R. Stone Would having a hub that better linked local produce growers and consumers provide a better market for producers and better service for consumers?

Minnesota Destinations: Park Rapids - Governor's Fishing Opener

Monday, May 06, 2013

Article By: Echo Press | Douglas County The 66th Annual Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held in the Park Rapids Lakes Area Friday and Saturday, May 10-11. Governor Mark Dayton, his staff and Explore Minnesota chose the Park Rapids Lakes Area to host the 2013 Governor’s Fishing Opener. Travel: Explore the 500+ clean, clear lakes of the Park Rapids area Park Rapids is the ultimate tourist destination with its endless recreational opportunities and lakes, friendly people and outdoors activities. It is known as the Gateway to Itasca State Park because of its proximity to the park, located 19 miles north on Highwa...

Businesses Are Invited!

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

The Menahga Business Retention and Expansion team will sponsor a series of morning roundtable discussions on the third Wednesday of each month, beginning on Wednesday, April 17th. The discussions will be at 10 am at the Cottage House Café. Local residents and businesses are invited to share thoughts and ideas about enhancing Menahga’s business community. What role should business take in our community, and how can we help? What kinds of new businesses would you support? With spring and summer around the corner, now is a good time to hear your new ideas. Mark Hanson, a Wadena County Small Business Developmen...

School cafeterias may switch to locally grown foods

Monday, March 04, 2013

By: Zach Kayser | Wadena Pioneer Journal During lunchtime, kids at area schools may soon be eating food grown on nearby farms. That’s because school officials have met with Arlene Jones, owner of foods distribution company Sprout, LLC. Jones, who also owns her own farm, “The Farm on St. Mathias,” visited Wadena on Feb. 22 to meet with both the food service supervisor and school nurse from Sebeka Schools, as well as the dean of M State, to discuss the possibility of bringing food from local farms to serve on campus. The project would involve either an expansion of Sprout to cover th...

In Rural Minnesota, a 70-Acre Lab for Sustainable Living

Monday, January 14, 2013

By BRYN NELSON A view from a lower window of the Old Main building, constructed from straw bales and cob, toward two energy-efficient rental units on the Hunt Utilities Group campus. Paul Hunt still remembers the dilemma that he and his wife, Lynn, faced in early January 2010 at their home in rural north-central Minnesota. The couple had just moved into their ultra-efficient house, on the outskirts of Pine River, population 944, but still lacked a thermostat and were about to go out of town for more than two days. It was bitterly cold, and an exterior sensor, one of the many dottin...

Wadena County Welcomes New EDA Director

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Wadena County Welcomes New Economic Development Director Sebeka, MN – Businesses looking to start, relocate, or expand in the Wadena county area now have a new full-time dedicated resource to assist in the process. Mark Hanson, Economic Development Director for the West Central Economic Development Alliance, has recently relocated to the area and has quickly taken on several business and community projects, ranging from a dynamic regional web portal for attracting new businesses, to one-on-one consulting with existing area businesses. He is also collaborating with other economic developers throughout West Central Minnesota to create a more vibrant and economically resilient region. In addition...

CLC is a Partner in $3 Million Grant to Train Manufacturing Technicians

Sunday, July 01, 2012

CLC and Center of Excellence partners receive $3 million grant Goal: Highly trained manufacturing technicians. Central Lakes College (CLC), Brainerd and Staples, is a partner in a regional center of excellence receiving nearly $3 million to educate and train manufacturing technicians. The National Science Foundation is awarding a grant to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence. Since the creation of the Center in 2005, Central Lakes College has been a partnering institution in the 10-school consortium. Business, industry, and higher education leaders were behind the concept to combine resources of strong programs at each o...

Wadena marks two years since tornado strike

Friday, June 15, 2012

By Renee Richardson Senior reporter It’s been two years to the day since a tornado cut a path through Wadena neighborhoods, destroying homes, devastating parks and dealing a mortal blow to the high school. The community continues to move forward in its recovery. Just after 5 p.m. on June 17, 2010, an EF4 tornado, the second-strongest on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, ripped a path of destruction across Wadena. To read the full article from the Brainerd Dispatch click here »

ENTREPRENEUR WORKSHOPS LEARN HOW TO EFFECTIVELY MARKET YOUR BUSINESS ON THE WEB

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Entrepreneur workshops learn how to effectively market your business on the Web Location: Hub 71 Restaurant 3 US HWY 71 South, Sebeka, MN 56477 Time: 10:00-2:30pm Cost: Free Cost: FREE WORKSHOP 1 - April 13th Learn the basic components of website design and what should be included in your website in order to attract customers. Participants will also learn the basics of search engine marketing and how to optimize their website to achieve higher rankings on search engines, such as Google. WORKSHOP 2 - April 27th Learn how to use social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube and other valuable social media to market your business.