by Kelly Wilkens
Featuring a wide-range of accomplishments over the past year while appreciating the internal growth the company has achieved, CEDA’s 2024 Annual Report underscores the organization’s commitment to rural economic development across Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
A few highlights found in the report include:
A total of $9,709,993.36 in funding secured for CEDA communities and partner organizations. This was attained through 89 successful grant applications, written by CEDA team members and the CEDA Grants Department.
With continued growth, CEDA reworked their internal organizational structure to better serve their team. Through this reorganization, new executive leadership was announced with Courtney Bergey Swanson as Chief Mission Officer and James Hanke as Chief Operations Officer. Regional Manager positions were added and departments were more clearly defined, offering transparency for career development and progression.
CEDA’s Rural Capacity Program has seen the creation of Revolving Loan Funds, a Commercial Facade Program, the development of state and federal grant applications, business outreach, community surveys, the development of structured BR&E programs, and more. This program was funded by the Minnesota Legislature to assist 18 non-metro, rural cities with a population under 3,000 with select economic development initiatives.
Achievements in each of the 53 communities and counties CEDA contracts with are recognized, as well as highlights from CEDA’s Strategic Initiatives division and Workforce Development. While this work is ongoing, this report celebrates achievements CEDA’s team members have accomplished for the communities they serve. The complete 2024 Annual Report can be found here.
