Smude Sunflower Oil “Presses” On in Morrison County, MN

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Ron Kresha President and CEO
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LITTLE FALLS, MN – The right people coming together can bring a business to new levels of success.  Tom and Jenni Smude have recently tapped into the power of Central Minnesota and great economic development assistance.

With the help of Morrison County Community Development and director Carol Anderson, the Smude Sunflower Oil has gained significant traction in Pierz, MN.  This year the company was a recipient of a USDA grant that helped propel their marketing efforts and led the way for the company to begin building a new facility to keep up with demand.

According to Jenni Smude, “Morrison County itself is a very supportive county in that other people and businesses are willing to offer support and advice on how to make your business successful.”

The Smude Sunflower Oil company has found that by extending the Central Minnesota values of hard work and “people first” they are gaining access to new markets and new methods of selling their product.

“Morrison County is a great place to start a business,” said Tom Smude. “With the right people helping you, all the different doors open up and you never know how far you can go.”

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF MORRISON COUNTY can be found on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/#!/cdc.morrison.mn.us).  Community Development of Morrison County provides assistance in many areas important to business expansion or new location such as attractive financing, identification of potential employees, employee training, local government support, identification of real estate and necessary support services for your company.

MORRISON COUNTY, MN is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul, in central Minnesota at the junctions of Highways 10, 27, and 371.

### MEDIA ONLY Contact:
Ron Kresha
Golden Shovel Agency
+1-888-266-4778
rkresha@goldenshovelagency.com

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AirBorn Inc. Takes Off in Little Falls, MN and Finds Central Minnesota to Have a Strong Workforce

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Ron Kresha President and CEO
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LITTLE FALLS, MN – Rural Minnesota is strong and continues to attract quality companies. Morrison County, MN is no exception and a recent expansion by AirBorn Inc. proves that manufacturing and distribution has a home in Central Minnesota.

AirBorn, Inc. offers a full package of services and capabilities for high speed precision stamping, metal finishing, molding (both open/closed and reel to reel insert molds, and automated assembly as an interconnect manufacturer–serving the Mil-Aero, Commercial Air, Medical, and High Performance Computing and Data Storage markets.

According to Bob Guck of AirBorn, Inc. “We have always enjoyed a close relationship with Carol Anderson and Community Development– along with all our Morrison County services.  Carol has been a tremendous asset, bringing all the key groups–city officials, economic development, county commissioners, and school board members.”

Because of the cooperation and dedication of the partnership of Morrison County Development and AirBorn, a new 52,000 square foot facility was completed at the start of 2012, giving AirBorn a significant increase in manufacturing space and positioned them for growth.

According to Guck, “Central Minnesota, specifically Morrison County is a great area to draw from to build a strong, dedicated, and highly skilled workforce. We have been very fortunate to employ people in all facets of our
business—stamping, molding and automation toolmakers, production personnel, machinists, designers, engineers and office staff over the last 25 plus years.”

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF MORRISON COUNTY can be found on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/#!/cdc.morrison.mn.us).  Community Development of Morrison County provides assistance in many areas important to business expansion or new location such as attractive financing, identification of potential employees, employee training, local government support, identification of real estate and necessary support services for your company.

MORRISON COUNTY, MN is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul, in central Minnesota at the junctions of Highways 10, 27, and 371.

### MEDIA ONLY Contact:
Ron Kresha
Golden Shovel Agency
+1-888-266-4778
rkresha@goldenshovelagency.com

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Lee Industries Has only Praise Community Development of Morrison County, MN

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Ron Kresha President and CEO
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LITTLE FALLS, MN – In 2008, Lee Industries was looking to relocate from Minneapolis, MN to Little Falls, MN.  The welding and fabrication shop of 23 employees needed a change.

While it is never easy to move an established company, Carol Anderson of Community Development proved to be a positive force in overcoming the challenges of moving from Minneapolis to Little Falls, MN. Additionally, Lee Industries has proven that successful companies are can find growth and stability in greater Minnesota.

According to a spokesperson for Lee Industries, the first step was to notify Carol Anderson of Community Development of Morrison County. After contacting Carol, Lee Industries learned of several advantages in moving their business to Little Falls, and began developing a budget.

With the assistance of Carol Anderson, Lee Industries purchased a building and began modifying the building to operate in the same fashion as their Minneapolis facility. Carol Anderson made sure the facility was modified with cranes and customized to meet the needs of Lee Industries.

Lee Industries purchased the building in December of 2008 and moved into the facility by April 2009 with nothing but positive remarks about their experience with Morrison County Development and Carol Anderson’s efforts.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF MORRISON COUNTY can be found on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/#!/cdc.morrison.mn.us).  Community Development of Morrison County provides assistance in many areas important to business expansion or new location such as attractive financing, identification of potential employees, employee training, local government support, identification of real estate and necessary support services for your company.

MORRISON COUNTY, MN is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul, in central Minnesota at the junctions of Highways 10, 27, and 371.

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Is our current economic development model outdated?

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Ron Kresha President and CEO
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Our economic development model is based on political boundaries.  These boundaries are territorial and no longer define our economy at any level: local, state, or federal.  Our economy is being driven more and more by the resources or assets in the area rather than city and county lines.  As a result, economic development authorities are being challenged more and more to be creative, but the challenge remains.  Our current economic development model is outdated.

The good news is that regional economic development models are moving front and center and beginning to take shape.  The bad news is that many of the regional economic development organizations are still politically based and simply encompass a region of a state or a number of counties.  It is my contention that regional models need to be based on areas of like economic resources and not simply a neatly drawn geometric shape on a map.

Furthermore, I believe that local economic developers need to get together and define these regions themselves based on a cooperative model in which the entire region can be like minded.  For example, in Little Falls, MN where I live, we are primarily an agriculture area.  However, my county is lumped into a region that is dominated by a town much larger and more slanted towards tourism and lake dwellers.  This puts my local authority in a challenge to do more individually rather than regionally since the regional entity caters towards the larger touristy town.

As a result the regional economic development authority cannot focus correctly on the members and ends up slanting resources towards larger areas rather than equitably.  This would not be the case if the local authorities were able to set up their own region based on similar needs and economies.  In our world today of technology and high speed innovation, it only makes sense to begin to take away the political boundaries that no longer apply to economic development.

Cheers!

Ron

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It’s About the Conversation!

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Ron Kresha President and CEO
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As community leaders know, economic development is a challenge.  It is about encouraging existing businesses to grow and expand and attracting new companies who can be successful.  And, in an ever uncertain economy, the headwinds of economic growth can seem outright impossible.

However, businesses, while slow, need to expand to survive.  And there is business growth occurring– the hard part is uncovering the prospects and being in the conversation.  Most of the communities that I see who miss opportunities are simply not at the table when the conversation is occurring for a business to start or relocate.

So how does one make sure they are part of the conversation of a potential business move?  One method that is being overlooked is the social media connections.  Sure it starts with a steady stream of “tweets” and Facebook status updates and materializes into profound community blogs but that is only the outward facing marketing.  One of the real “gems” of social media is using the steady streams of information to expand a network of executives.

For example, a community should be watching carefully to see who is following them and then compare those followers to their LinkedIn profile.  By doing this, one can quickly learn who is following them and what circles of influence they reside.  And by the law of “degrees of separation” one will find their way into the conversations of the movers and shakers.  It is not easy, but nothing is easy in this economy.  And the winners and loser will be divided by who gets to the table.

Cheers!

Ron

PS If you’d like more information about how social media can get you into more conversations, please consider our Social Media Marketing tool Economic Gateway–or contact us to find out more!

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Rural Communities Can Serve Companies

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Ron Kresha President and CEO
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In today’s world of data centers, outsourced call centers, and technological customer service tools and menus, people are craving direct service.  In many of the circles of conversations I am involved, the topic of direct contact and excellent customer service seems to come up as a long, lost method of doing business.

What I find is that companies that offer “over the top” customer service are rewarded with loyalty and repeat business.  Along these lines, companies looking to relocate are often looking for excellent service from economic developers.  In my experience, rural communities often can be very responsive to emerging company needs.  This one-on-one service for small companies can help clear many of the obstacles of growing a business.

I’d love to hear stories from people who have located in rural areas and to hear their stories.

Cheers!

Ron

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American Milestones with Joan Lunden to Spotlight Smude Sunflower Oil

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Ron Kresha President and CEO
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PIERZ, MN — On Tuesday, May 15th, the American Milestones program will be filming at the Smude Sunflower Oil plant in Pierz, MN. According to owner, Tom Smude, the program will be preparing segments for future use on popular networks such as the Food Network, Discover, and possibly PBS

Smude Sunflower Oil is quickly becoming a choice cooking oil for families who are looking for a healthy, flavorful cooking oil.  The premium virgin, cold-pressed oil is a great alternative to other cooking oils on the market.

Recently, Smude Oil was the recipient of a USDA value-added grant. According to the USDA website, value-added grants are used to “promote activities that will improve the customer base for the commodity or product”. In this case, the USDA grant money will be used to increase distribution and promote the Smude Sunflower oil.

In 2009, owner Tom Smude started his cold-pressed sunflower operation and by 2010 he was producing, bottling and selling Smude Virgin Cold Press Sunflower Oil.  This natural oil offers a flavorful, healthy alternative to cooking oil and is on the shelves in 60 retail locations and available online.

A number of organizations have assisted Smude Oil gain traction in the market: Community Development, the Initiative Foundation, North Central Economic Development Association and USDA FSA assisted with the funding for the building and equipment for Smude’s.  The Small Business Development Center in Brainerd packaged the application for the USDA Value Added Grant.

SMUDE ENTERPRISES — Since 2009 Smude Enterprises has been producing its healthy sunflower oil.  This cooking oil alternative has led to additional growth and recognition for Smude Enterprises.  Honored in 2011 by the Minnesota Jaycees, Tom Smude has been recognized as and “Outstanding Young Farmer” and he prides himself on producing a totally green product.  Visit http://www.smudeoil.com to learn more about Tom and his enterprising company.

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Smude Sunflower Oil Sponsors 2012 MN Governor’s Fishing Opener

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Ron Kresha President and CEO
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PIERZ, MN — Smude Sunflower Oil from Pierz, MN is a proud sponsor of the 2012 MN Govenor’s Fishing Opener on Lake Waconia in Waconia, MN.  The annual fishing opener is being held this weekend (May 12th and 13th) and officially kicks off the Spring fishing season for Minnesotans.

Smude Sunflower Oil is quickly becoming a choice cooking oil for families who are looking for a healthy, flavorful cooking oil.  The premium virgin, cold-pressed oil is a great alternative to other cooking oils on the market.

Recently, Smude Oil was the recipient of a USDA value-added grant. According to the USDA website, value-added grants are used to “promote activities that will improve the customer base for the commodity or product”. In this case, the USDA grant money will be used to increase distribution and promote the Smude Sunflower oil.

In 2009, owner Tom Smude started his cold-pressed sunflower operation and by 2010 he was producing, bottling and selling Smude Virgin Cold Press Sunflower Oil.  This natural oil offers a flavorful, healthy alternative to cooking oil and is on the shelves in 60 retail locations and available online.

A number of organizations have assisted Smude Oil gain traction in the market: Community Development, the Initiative Foundation, North Central Economic Development Association and USDA FSA assisted with the funding for the building and equipment for Smude’s.  The Small Business Development Center in Brainerd packaged the application for the USDA Value Added Grant.

SMUDE ENTERPRISES — Since 2009 Smude Enterprises has been producing its healthy sunflower oil.  This cooking oil alternative has led to additional growth and recognition for Smude Enterprises.  Honored in 2011 by the Minnesota Jaycees, Tom Smude has been recognized as and “Outstanding Young Farmer” and he prides himself on producing a totally green product.  Visit http://www.smudeoil.com to learn more about Tom and his enterprising company.

### MEDIA ONLY Contact:
Golden Shovel Agency
+1-888-266-4778

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Executive Director of Community Development for Morrison County Attends NADCO

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Ron Kresha President and CEO
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LITTLE FALLS, MN – Carol Anderson, Executive Director of Community Development of Morrison County is attending the National Association of Development Companies (NADCO) May 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

According to the NADCO website, “NADCO is the trade association for the nation’s Certified Development Companies (CDC’s). Our members are non-profit organizations that have been certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).”

Community Development of Morrison County is the driving force to attract and retain businesses in Morrison County, MN.

Please “like” the Community Development page on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/cdc.morrison.mn.us

MORRISON COUNTY, MN is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul, in central Minnesota at the junctions of Highways 10, 27, and 371.

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Marshall and Brossoit Will Discuss “Successful Economic Development Websites” at the 2012 SMART Conference

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Ron Kresha President and CEO
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Des Moines, IA, (Golden Shovel Agency) –- Golden Shovel Agency Vice Presidents Aaron Brossoit and John Marshall will present two breakout sessions at the 2012 SMART Conference in downtown Des Moines starting May 3rd.  The conference will be held at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott.

The presentation is titled ‘Successful Economic Development Websites’ and will focus on many of the strategies have learned to apply while working with economic development organizations and electrical companies across the country. Brossoit and Marshall will share new insights gleaned from recent site selector interviews, share new innovative regional strategies and show how an approachable communications plan can save your organization stress, anxiety and time while accomplishing better results online.

The first presentation is from 10:30 – 11:30 AM in room 4. A repeat presentation will be from 2:45 – 4:00 pm, also in room 4. To learn more about Golden Shovel Agency and their groundbreaking economic development web solutions visit their website online at GoldenShovelAgency.com.

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