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GMNP Update - October 17, 2025 |
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GMNP UPDATE - OCTOBER 2025 |
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Dear GMNP Members,
I think we all know that for most Greater Minnesota communities, child care continues to be a critical issue. There was a good article in the Star Tribune this weekend that highlighted some of the child care challenges in Murray County, as a critical child care center is potentially closing. The article also included some insights from GMNP Board President and Southwest Minnesota Initiative Foundation President Scott Marquart about why child care is so critical to Greater Minnesota communities. The article is worth a read. GMNP also had a board meeting on Wednesday, and board members reaffirmed that child care, alongside housing and infrastructure, continues to be among the top challenges that GMNP should be advocating on at the legislature. We're working on a survey for GMNP members to get your insights about the issues we should be working on at the legislature in 2026 - look for something in your inbox in the next couple of weeks, and some additional opportunities to share your ideas and feedback as we prepare for the 2026 legislative session.
In legislative news, Governor Walz announced on September 16th that he is running for a third term as Minnesota Governor. If Governor Walz succeeds, he would be the first Governor elected to three consecutive four-year terms. Republican challengers currently include Representative Robbins, former state Senator Scott Jensen (who ran against Governor Walz previously), businessman Kendall Qualls, ex-martial arts fighter Brad Kohler, former Navy officer Phillip Parrish, and former St. Cloud city council member Jeff Johnson. There is also speculation that House Speaker Lisa Demuth may also jump into the Governor's race.
Best,
Darielle Dannen Executive Director, Greater Minnesota Partnership |
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UPDATES |
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DEED Child Care Updates Carla Vita has recently been appointed as the Director of the Office of Child Care and Community Partnerships at DEED. Carla has been the Director of the Energy Transition office at DEED for the last four years, so she will be stepping into this role with some existing relationships in Greater Minnesota and an interest in listening and learning from you about child care needs, challenges, and how she and the state can help. Carla will also be at next week’s 2025 Foundations of the Future: Child Care in Economic Development conference. I know that many of you are planning to attend the conference, so it will be another good opportunity to connect with Carla and others working on child care solutions.
DEED is also expecting to release its RFPs for both the Child Care Economic Development program and the Child Care Facility grants this fall. However, Carla is interested in any feedback that could improve how the programs function before they release funding. If you have feedback for either program, please share that feedback ASAP with Carla directly at (carla.vita@state.mn.us) or with me, and I can pass on our collective suggestions to DEED. |
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism |
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The Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has created an innovative new Workforce Collaborative with Northfield High Schools and Workforce Development, Inc. to open doors for students to explore meaningful careers in Northfield.
Led by Chamber President Jane Bartho, Workforce Engagement Specialist Kim Purscell, High School Counselor Mark Ensrud, and Youth Career Planner Gospel Kordah, this initiative provides high school juniors and seniors with hands-on exposure to local industries and the many opportunities available in their own backyard.
Empowering Students Through Real-World Experience So far, the program has engaged 69 students from Northfield High School, Arcadia Charter School, and the Area Learning Center. Through apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, and career tours, students are able to connect classroom learning with real-world career paths. The success of this program relies on local businesses stepping up to help prepare the next generation of workers. This is just the beginning of an ongoing, community-driven effort to prepare students for meaningful careers while strengthening the local economy. Together, schools, businesses, and community leaders are ensuring that Northfield’s future workforce is ready to thrive. |
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Students learn about law enforcement at the city's local law enforcement training room. |
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Students watch a welding demonstration at local company, Mechanical Systems. |
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Students learn about auto sales, marketing, and mechanics at local business, Northfield Automotive. |
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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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GMNP Membership Meeting - December 3 (via Zoom) Join the GMNP for our annual membership meeting where members will hear an update on the Partnership, discuss the GMNP legislative agenda for the upcoming session, and approve the next GMNP Board of Directors and executive leadership. More agenda details to follow! Please register here to receive the meeting link.
CGMC Fall Conference - November 13-14 (Grand Rapids) GMNP members are invited to join our sister organization, the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC), for their annual Fall Conference. The two-day conference agenda will feature educational presentations, networking opportunities, and more! Click here for more info on the CGMC website. |
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FUNDING RESOURCES |
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Housing:
Workforce Training – Available Now
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
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 © 2025 Flaherty & Hood, P.A., All rights reserved. |