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GMNP Update - July 2026 |
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GMNP UPDATE - JULY 2026 |
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Dear GMNP Members,
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! For GMNP’s work, summer serves as an important opportunity to connect with members and gather feedback and ideas for our advocacy efforts. To that end, we’re kicking off our GMNP Member Survey today! Please take a moment to complete the survey and share your insights on your challenges and opportunities, as well as ideas on how we can work better together.
Summer is also a key time to meet with new potential members. We are most effective when we work together to amplify the voices of Greater Minnesota at the Legislature. If there is an organization you think should become a GMNP member, send me a note with a contact so I can reach out!
Finally, there’s a huge opportunity to connect with candidates for the Legislature and governor to discuss key Greater Minnesota issues and make the case that addressing those challenges and opportunities should be front and center in their legislative priorities. I want to encourage you to connect with folks running for office in your region to start establishing a relationship if you don’t already have one. New members of the Legislature will be looking for ideas and advocacy partners, and it’s a great time to start building that relationship now.
Best,
Darielle Dannen Executive Director, Greater Minnesota Partnership |
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MEMBER STORIES: Featuring Successful Collaborations |
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Collaboration Saves the Mankato Child Care Center When an important child care center in downtown Mankato was at risk of closure, two GMNP members were critical to efforts to stabilize and invest in it. Greater Mankato Growth (GMG) and New Horizon Academy (NHA) worked with community leaders and small business experts to facilitate a successful transition of ownership to NHA. This collaboration preserves 137 critical child care spaces for the Mankato community, and as a 55-year-old MN-headquartered, family-owned company, NHA is thrilled to continue expanding in its home state.
As part of this transition, NHA was able to bring in additional resources to benefit children, families, and educators. Classrooms got curriculum enhancements, the kitchen facilities and building were upgraded, and the outdoor playground will soon be replaced with new structures and turf. Per NHA’s commitment to high-quality early care and education, the school will become 4-star Parent Aware rated and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Most importantly, the school’s leadership team and teachers were retained through the transition, providing continuity for children and parents with trusted caregivers while preserving jobs in Mankato. A new suite of employee benefits is now available to this team, and some positions received pay raises.
The Mankato transition wasn't simply a business transaction—it was the result of collaboration among local leaders, economic development organizations, the South Central Small Business Development Center, and community partners who came together with NHA to preserve childcare for Mankato families. Congratulations on the collaboration! |
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Collaborating to Build Housing in Thief River Falls With a vacancy rate of less than 1%, Thief River Falls is facing a housing emergency, and two GMNP members are working together to build the housing that the community needs. DigiKey, an international electrical components distributor based in Thief River Falls and a GMNP member, is working with GMNP member D.W. Jones, who is the developer on the project. Alongside other community leaders, they are constructing The Edge, which will offer 65 apartments, including a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. |
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Do you have recent local projects, exciting programs, or other news to share with GMNP members? Send us a short snippet so we can include it in the next newsletter! |
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EVENTS & ACTIVITIES |
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Compeer Financial is hosting the Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum This forum will take place this September, which will convene leaders from across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. This in-person event will dive deeper into rural infrastructure, business needs, and community vitality. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with others who are equally passionate about supporting rural communities. For more details, and to register, click here. |
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GMNP members are invited to join the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) for their 2026 Summer Conference in New Ulm on July 22-24! The annual event is an excellent opportunity to connect with city officials, learn from expert speakers, and experience the charming city of New Ulm. Visit the CGMC website for more information and registration details. CGMC 2026 Summer Conference July 22-24, 2026 New Ulm Conference Center 2101 S Broadway Street |
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A few highlights of this year’s event include:
Don't miss out, register today! For questions about the Summer Conference or any other CGMC event, please reach out to Emma Nelson at ennelson@flaherty-hood.com. |
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Save the date! Economic development conference to focus on child care as a driver of community growth Mark your calendars! City officials, economic development professionals, and other community leaders are invited to join our partner organization, the Greater Minnesota Partnership (GMNP), at the First Children's Finance (FCF) 2026 Foundations of the Future Conference on October 20-21, 2026. This two-day conference will be focused on one of the most difficult barriers to community growth: access to child care. Attendees will learn how to utilize child care as a critical economic development strategy and explore practical, locally driven solutions for communities of all sizes. If you are working to tackle child care challenges in your community, this event is for you! Registration is expected to open in August. For more information and event updates, visit the event page on FCF's website. |
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FUNDING RESOURCES |
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Housing:
Economic Development – Available Now
MPCA Grants – Available Now
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CONTACT & CONNECT |
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Darielle Dannen, Executive Director (651) 259-1908
Emma Nelson, Membership & Operations (651) 259-1936
Emma Cliff, Membership & Operations (651) 259-1929
Alex Wildfang, Media & Communications (651) 259-1917
Visit us online at www.gmnp.org |
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The Greater Minnesota Partnership advocates for public policies and investments that stimulate prosperity throughout Greater Minnesota. |
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Copyright © 2026 Flaherty & Hood, P.A., All rights reserved. |