Dawson – Minnesota
Dawson is located on the prairies of west central Minnesota.
A progressive community that excels with excellent school and health care systems, promotion of new industry and the support of existing businesses.
Dawson, MN
Region
Cold Spring, MN
Cold Spring – Minnesota
Cold Spring is located about 85 miles northwest of the Twin Cities.
Located at the gateway to the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes in Central Minnesota, Cold Spring is home to many long-term industries.
Mantorville, MN
Mantorville – Minnesota
Manterville is about 18 miles west of Rochester.
Located along the South Branch of the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River. Known as the source for Mantorville Limestone.
Laura Qualey
Laura joined CEDA in March 2020, bringing a dynamic background in sales, marketing, management, retail, and business development. Growing up with two entrepreneurial parents, she developed a deep passion for helping business owners and entrepreneurs succeed—especially in rural communities where strong local economies make all the difference.
Beyond her work, Laura is an active community leader. She volunteers for the Local FEAST! events in Rochester and Cannon Falls, serves on the Cannon Falls Area Schools Marketing Committee, and chairs the board of the Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership. She firmly believes that no matter your age or how long you've been in business, a solid succession plan is essential for long-term success.
When she's not working to support businesses and communities, Laura enjoys time with her daughter, Mattie, and her two energetic grandchildren, Ella and Noah, who keep her entertained and on her toes. At home in Cannon Falls, she shares her space with Millie, her lively Malshipoo, who makes sure there's never a dull moment.
Cannon Falls, MN
Cannon Falls – Minnesota
Cannon Falls is located between the Twin Cities and Rochester.
Cannon Falls offers a vibrant business environment with a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, convenient accessibility and flexible incentives. The robust local economy features a solid lineup of businesses in manufacturing, food processing, financial services and transportation and logistics.
Laura Qualey
Laura joined CEDA in March 2020, bringing a dynamic background in sales, marketing, management, retail, and business development. Growing up with two entrepreneurial parents, she developed a deep passion for helping business owners and entrepreneurs succeed—especially in rural communities where strong local economies make all the difference.
Beyond her work, Laura is an active community leader. She volunteers for the Local FEAST! events in Rochester and Cannon Falls, serves on the Cannon Falls Area Schools Marketing Committee, and chairs the board of the Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership. She firmly believes that no matter your age or how long you've been in business, a solid succession plan is essential for long-term success.
When she's not working to support businesses and communities, Laura enjoys time with her daughter, Mattie, and her two energetic grandchildren, Ella and Noah, who keep her entertained and on her toes. At home in Cannon Falls, she shares her space with Millie, her lively Malshipoo, who makes sure there's never a dull moment.
Blue Earth, MN
Blue Earth – Minnesota
Blue Earth is located at the intersection of Highways 169 and 90.
An ideal combination of rural community and progressive capabilities, Blue Earth is proud to be home to nearly 300 businesses, both large and small. Blue Earth offers an ideal location for distribution centers.
Amy Schaefer
Amy joined the CEDA team in July of 2020 as an Economic & Business Specialist for the City of Blue Earth. Amy brings a strong background in clerical work and municipal utility billing, along with a passion for rural community growth and sustainability. She is a community advocate and an involved community member, volunteering her time and energy with various boards and organizations. Amy is from Buffalo Center, Iowa, where she and her husband Marty raise three boys, Max, Charlie, and Henry. In her free time, Amy enjoys camping, walking, and watching her sons play football, basketball and baseball.
