CEDA

Community Economic Development Associates

CEDA

Request for Proposals – Southeast Minnesota Transportation Management Organization Study – Proposals Due (2:00 PM) April 1, 2024

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Project Overview

As the recipient of a legislative grant to study the travel and transportation needs throughout Southeastern Minnesota, the City of Chatfield (City) seeks a contractor to produce a comprehensive assessment and financial plan for a transportation management organization in the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona. The study must assess how the transportation management organization can develop resources to meet the region’s growing and changing transportation needs and prioritize transportation-related challenges that affect the region’s workforce, access to health care and postsecondary education, and quality of life.

Download Questions and Answers by and to Prospective Proposers

Proposal Opportunity Historic City Hall – City of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota – Proposals Due March 31, 2024

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The Opportunity
The city is seeking proposals to have a business utilize Historic City Hall. At the end of the proposal period, the Economic Development Director will suggest top proposals to the city Economic Development Authority (EDA). The EDA will collaborate and present top proposals to the City Council. The decision will be based on criteria that aim to create the best overall value to the citizens of Pelican Rapids.

Property
25 N Broadway, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572. This location is the Former Historic City Hall and has an estimated 0.10 acres.










Apply for the Rural Capacity Program

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Are you a small city with a population of 3,000 or fewer?
Are you dreaming of growth and development, and a brighter future?
The Rural Capacity Program is your opportunity to turn those dreams into reality!

Why should you apply? Because your city will receive support, resources, and expertise from CEDA to help you achieve your goals thanks to a special appropriation from the State of Minnesota. This includes:

  • Up to 150 hours of Technical Assistance: Covered by a special appropriation from the State of Minnesota, along with up to $15,000 CASH in the form of a grant to your city to help implement your program.
  • Expert Guidance: CEDA’s team of professionals will work hand-in-hand with your city to create a tailored plan that meets your unique needs.
  • Proven Success: CEDA has a proven track record of helping small cities like yours thrive and prosper.
  • Strong Community Partnerships: CEDA collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and government agencies to maximize the impact of our programs.

CEDA’s tailored programs are dedicated to addressing the specific challenges faced by small communities like yours. CEDA will work with your city to develop and implement a tailored program that specifically addresses your city’s needs and fits into one of the categories below:

Revolving Loan Funds: Jumpstart your local economy by offering low-interest, gap financing designed to support entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. Our expert team will guide you through the complex world of creditworthiness, finance and loan administration.

Commercial Exterior Improvement Grants/Loans: Enhance the beauty and vitality of your community by developing grants and loans. Whether it’s sprucing up a specific area or beautifying the entire community, we can help you develop a program unique to your city’s needs.

Business Incubation Programs: We know that nurturing new businesses is essential for growth. Our flexible incubation programs can help you offer rental subsidies, technical assistance, and educational support, making it easier for potential and new entrepreneurs to flourish.

Childcare Incentive Programs: Ensure a brighter future for your youngest residents by supporting existing or new childcare providers. The program we’ve developed assists with licensure fees and continuing education, promoting increased capacity and higher-quality care.

Business Retention and Expansion Program: Building a strong local economy starts with understanding your businesses. Our program facilitates meaningful conversations with local businesses, helping you identify challenges, prioritize solutions, and seize new opportunities for growth.

Rural cities with limited staff, budget, and economic development experience are encouraged to apply. The purpose of this special appropriation from the State of Minnesota is to help the smallest and most rural cities in Minnesota take advantage of economic development opportunities in their communities! You do not need to have an EDA to apply. CEDA will make every effort to equally distribute grant awards throughout Greater Minnesota.

Have questions? Join us for a webinar via Zoom on December 12, 2023. Register in advance for this webinar here. 

Deadline for applications is January 12, 2024.

Apply Here Today

Contact CEDA with any questions. 507-867-3164 or email amy.schaefer@cedausa.com

Community and Business Development Specialist

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Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) seeks an individual to fill a Community and Business Development Specialist position.

Interested, qualified individuals may submit resume and cover letter to info@cedausa.com.

About the Organization— CEDA was created in 1986 as a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation then called the Southeastern Minnesota Development Corporation. In 2010, the agency became Community & Economic Development Associates (CEDA) as a result of increased interest and inquiries received from communities outside of the agency’s original service area of Southeast Minnesota. The name change reflects CEDA’s commitment to providing services to fit the needs of any rural community. CEDA provides onsite and/or project based economic and community development services to rural communities and counties in Minnesota and Iowa currently. Our team brings with it over 150 years of collective development experience. For additional information about CEDA and the services we provide, check out our website at www.cedausa.com.

Job Title— Community and Business Development Specialist
Number of Openings— 1
Full-Time/Part-Time—1 Full-Time/Part-Time – Open to full-time or part-time consideration
Starting Salary Range— $45,000-$50,000; Depending on Qualifications
Location— Southwestern Minnesota – Benson, Dawson and surrounding communities
Hours— 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Occasional early morning and/or evening meetings may be required.

Position Description— This position will be responsible for the execution of work necessary to serve CEDA’s Community Support Program contracts. Responsibilities could include (but are not limited to):

  • Working with boards and community members to create and implement quality of life projects/improvements such as park development, pools, and other amenities
  • Researching, compiling and drafting information for grant proposals.
    o Providing necessary reporting for various grant awarding agencies.
  • Developing relationships with relevant regional, state and federal organizations.
  • Promoting and utilizing economic development tools/programs to incent job creation and tax base growth.
  • Carrying out and ensuring the quality of community marketing efforts.
    o Measuring the performance of community marketing objectives.
  • Attending workshops and trainings relevant to the position.
  • Publicly presenting at open meetings.
  • Communicating with local press to share accomplishments.
  • Providing business development assistance for startup businesses and businesses looking to expand or relocate.
  • Cultivating relationships with existing businesses to promote the sustentation and retention of those businesses in the communities served.
  • Improving residential housing development options and availability.
  • Completing other duties as assigned.

The Community and Business Development Specialist will report to CEDA’s management team consisting of the company’s Vice Presidents, Senior Vice President and President/CEO.

Qualifications —CEDA is looking for a team member who wants more than just a job. We’re seeking a passionate, engaging individual who can find excitement and value in the important work that our organization does.

The ideal candidates should be self-motivated, possess high business morals, have excellent oral/written communication skills, and be energetic, results-oriented, and able to develop productive relationships. Qualified applicants should have applicable experience or a degree in community/economic development, public administration, business administration, marketing, management, or another relevant field.

Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation.

Non-Discrimination Statement
–In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Senator Smith visits Spring Grove to highlight rural economic development

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Our very own CEDA Employee, Courtney Bergey-Swanson, has been spotted in this article and news clip on KTTC.

Original Article and video clip: https://www.kttc.com/2023/08/11/senator-smith-visits-spring-grove-highlight-rural-economic-development/

Senator Smith visits Spring Grove to highlight rural economic development

Thursday, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith toured several local businesses in Spring Grove.
By Darian Leddy
Published: Aug. 10, 2023 at 7:40 PM CDT
SPRING GROVE, Minn. (KTTC) – Thursday, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith toured several local businesses in Spring Grove and spoke with dozens of city leaders and business owners about a range of topics including the challenges of starting a business in a rural community.

“As I go back to the committee where I work, I’m going to be looking at what we can do to support that smaller loans for business that are just getting going,” Sen. Smith said.

It’s a challenge Rockfilter Distillery owner Christian Myrah knows all too well after he spent two years working on opening up his place.

“It’s the capital and getting started. Especially in this business, all our products are aged in barrels for a number of years before they’re ready for the marketplace,” he said.

Myrah says one barrier for his business that could be worked out on a federal level is passing the USPS Equity Reform Act that would allow his business to ship directly to consumers.

“That would really be a boost to small craft distilleries across this country, especially in rural areas,” Myrah said.

Another problem area community members touched on is housing. A 2020 study revealed Spring Grove is in need of all types of housing.

“We’re trying to get creative on how we can help both the city with infrastructure development as well as private developers to try to build homes that are affordable for first time homeowners all the way through elderly folks who are looking to downsize,” Spring Grove economic development director Courtney Bergey-Swanson said.

It’s another issue Senator Smith is working to solve.

“We need more capitol to go into housing development and we need to help communities like Spring Grove be able to pay for the upfront infrastructure,” Sen. Smith said.

But despite the challenges, city leaders say Spring Grove has several thriving businesses and even more community members there to support them.

“It’s not something where we’re trying to save our town. It’s not something where we’re trying to revitalize a ghost town. We have a great community, and we’re just trying to figure out how to make it better,” Bergey-Swanson said.

Also on Thursday, Senator Smith toured MiEnergy Cooperative in Rushford and attended a roundtable discussion in Rochester to talk about federal investments in Rochester Public Transportation.

 

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