Special Initiatives Director
CurrentRelationship Building: Collaborate with our local communities, governmental agencies, small businesses and organizations to support the economic vitality of area.Entrepreneurship Support: Provide training, events, business consulting and technical assistance for small businesses. BLAEDC serves as a satellite site for the North Central Small Business Development Center.Childcare Solutions: Collaborate with local and regional partners to increase the accessibility of affordable and high-quality child care services.Marketing: Foster community engagement and awareness of current programs including housing and child care resources, and open positions available within our BLAEDC Recruitment Program.Special Initiatives:*Child Care Supply Committee*Grant administration of CARES & ARPA funding on behalf of CWC for small business and child care.*Grant administration of Main Street Economic Revitalization Program on behalf of the Initiative Foundation and Brainerd Economic Development Authority*Mobile Analytics Pilot: Use of mobile analytics to identify opportunities and measure success with foot traffic insights for businesses and events.*BLAEDC Rebranding in 2022 *Administrative Partner for the Cuyuna Range Economic Development Inc. (CREDI) supporting Minnesota Design Team 2024 VisitBrainerd Lakes Area Economic Development | BLAEDCSince 1987, BLAEDC has actively supported the economic vitality of our communities. We believe in the Brainerd Lakes Area as a great place to work, play, and raise a family. We support the vitality of our communities through traditional economic development efforts as well as innovative lending, recruiting, and other programs for businesses. BLAEDC is a non-profit organization led by local business leaders. We are funded by community partners and members who believe in our mission. Through this funding we provide free and low-cost services to businesses looking to move, expand or start in Crow Wing County.