Do Business in Minnesota

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state’s principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

180 E 5th St Suite 1200
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-259-7432

Catalina Valencia

Executive Director of Business Development

Catalina Valencia is a global expert in economic development, corporate location strategy and site selection, business & government relations, and international trade & development for both the public and private sector. As the Executive Director of Business Development for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, (DEED), Catalina works with communities and businesses on building and growing their presence in Minnesota. Catalina leads a team tasked with building a pipeline of business development opportunities for business attraction, retention, and expansion, and works closely with external partners to leverage relationships and resources to market and increase the State’s visibility.

 651-259-7493

Colleen Eddy

Metro Business Development Manager

Colleen Eddy is the Metro Business Development Manager for DEED. She is also the Data Center Industry Lead for the state of MN. As the Business Development Manager, Colleen assists with business expansions, retention, and attraction. In her over three years at the state, she has been instrumental in leading projects which have contributed over $1Billion in increased tax base for the state. Prior to joining the state she was the Economic Development Specialist with the city of Elk River.

 651-259-7459

Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation

The Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) is a state of Minnesota economic development agency that reinvests local taconite production taxes back into northeastern Minnesota businesses and communities. IRRR provides grants and loans for businesses development opportunities.

4261 Highway 53 South
Eveleth, MN 55734
218-735-3000

Janelle Greschner

MBA, Director of Business Recruitment

Janelle is the Director of Business Recruitment at IRRR with over twenty years of professional experience encompassing the private, corporate, and public sectors. In this role, she is the primary contact for business expansions and recruitment within IRRR’s service area in northeastern Minnesota.  Prior to her current role, Janelle has an extensive Analyst background; both Budget and Research.  Janelle earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Minnesota School of Business.  She resides in Mountain Iron with her husband and two hockey playing sons.

 218-735-3500

Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX)

APEX is a private sector-led ambassador and concierge responsible for promoting sustainable growth in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. The non-traditional and dynamic economic development organization focuses on efforts to elevate the region's brand, address challenges, drive progress.

306 West Superior Street, Suite 902
Duluth, MN 55802
218-740-3668

Rachel Johnson

President & CEO

Rachel Johnson is an engaged, community-driven leader with a deep passion for economic development. She understands the importance of bringing key community stakeholders together to generate actionable ideas that drive meaningful change. Throughout her career, Rachel has built relationships with community stakeholders while educating and informing the public on our industrial economy, the importance of energy infrastructure and promoting workforce opportunities in the trades. Her ability to bring people together to drive impactful change is a powerful catalyst for climate solutions and economic growth. Areas of expertise include:

• Business and economic development
• Public relations
• Commercial real estate
• Property management
• Corporate development
• Executive leadership

 218-591-7244

City of Farmington

Local government serving 23,000+ residents and a diverse business community.

430 Third Street
Farmington MN 55024
651-280-6800

Deanna Kuennen

Community & Economic Development Director

Deanna is the Community & Economic Development Director for the City of Farmington, MN – a community located in the south metro area in Dakota County. She leads a team of 9, who are responsible for all aspects of development within the community. She is fluent in economic development incentives, and she is proactively pursing quality development opportunities. In addition – she and her Team are responsible for leading the community vision and comprehensive plan update process, laying the foundation for a bold future for the community. 

Prior to her role in Farmington, Deanna was the Community & Economic Development Director for Faribault, MN. Under her leadership, the City of Faribault grew their industrial base – adding over $300M in investments and nearly 2M square feet of new industrial space, annexed additional land to support development, created programs and incentives to encouraged retention and attraction, and increased the rental housing supply to meet the needs of the employers. She also forged numerous partnerships supporting foreign direct investment in the State. 

She has earned her Economic Development Finance Professional certification, obtained her American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, and has completed numerous Executive Management programs. She served as the Faribault HRA Executive Director for over 8 years, overseeing a Public Housing program and multiple other housing initiatives, and prior to that served as the Executive Director for the Rice County housing authority. Deanna also holds leadership roles in organizations dedicated to economic development. Currently she serves on the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM), is a co-chair for the EDAM U committee within EDAM and is a Board Member of the MId-America Economic Development Council. Her work focuses on advancing economic development as a profession, and economic development outcomes.

 651-280-6820

Greater Bemidji

Greater Bemidji is a north-central Minnesota’s economic development lead. The region is in the heart of Minnesota’s lakes and pines region - known as an exceptional natural amenities and quality of life. Greater Bemidji’s mission is to drive development and promote prosperity in the region. 

102 First Street West, Suite 101
Bemidji, MN 56601
218-444-5757

David Hengel

Executive Director

Dave Hengel has a 35-year history of economic development work in northern Minnesota.  He is currently the Executive Director of Greater Bemidji, Inc. In that role, he serves as the lead in north-central Minnesota’s efforts to drive economic development and promote prosperity in the Bemidji area. Prior to Greater Bemidji, Dave led the economic and leadership development efforts at the Headwaters Regional Development Commission.

Dave and Greater Bemidji have been the driving force to Bemidji’s emergence as a regional center for northern Minnesota.   On any given day, you will find Dave helping new businesses start, encouraging the expansion of current businesses, recruiting new companies and talent to the area or leading initiatives that make Bemidji a great place to live, work or own a business.

Dave is a strong advocate for a new vision for economic development, one that focuses on building talent, supporting startups and entrepreneurship, and developing signature quality of life amenities.  Dave is recipient of the State of Minnesota’s Vision Award, has received two National Association of Development Organization’s Innovation Awards and was a past recipient of Minnesota’s “Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotan” recognition.

 218-766-2154

GREATER MSP Partnership

GREATER MSP is a public-private partnership of more than 4500 individuals from more than 300 leading businesses, universities, cities, counties, and philanthropic organizations working together to accelerate the competitiveness and inclusive growth of our 15-county regional economy.

370 Wabasha St North, Suite 1900
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-287-1300

Jean-Luc Mette

Director, Business Investment

Jean-Luc (JL) Mette is the Director of Business Investment at GREATER MSP Partnership, where he leads efforts to attract, retain, and grow businesses to accelerate the global competitiveness of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region. He has worked across public and private sectors including roles with PUMA, the City of San Antonio, and several technology startups.

 651-728-2359

Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation

Regional nonprofit economic development organization serving Sherburne, Stearns and Benton counties in Central MN. 

501 West St. Germain Street, Suite 100
Saint Cloud, MN 56301

NeTia Bauman

CEO & President

NeTia joined the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation in July 2023 to serve as the CEO & President. In this role, she leads the organizations’ mission to provide inclusive and equitable economic development efforts throughout the greater St. Cloud region. She believes in fostering an innovative, collaborative, and growth mindset to carry the GSDC’s mission forward. NeTia is particularly skilled in business development and site selection and is passionate about entrepreneurship-led economic development and downtown revitalization. She earned a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2022.

In prior years, Bauman served as the CEO for Greater Fergus Falls, Administrator for the Fergus Falls Downtown Riverfront Council, and held several positions during her time at the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) at North Dakota State University (NDSU). NeTia also serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Cloud Downtown Alliance, the Emerging Trends Advisory Committee (ETAC) at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and serves as an instructor for the IEDC.

 320-437-1430

Kandiyohi Economic Development

Kandiyohi County Economic Development provides assistance with development needs and opportunities in Kandiyohi County. Advancing agribusiness, bio-business, revolving loans, and expanding business in the county. Economic Development and plan for future growth.

1601 U.S. Highway 12 E Suite 3
Willmar, MN 56201
320-235-7370

Barbara Carr

Executive Director

Barbara Carr leads economic development for Willmar and Kandiyohi County, driving business growth, childcare access, and industrial expansion. With 20+ years’ experience and a strong public-private background, she’s known for inclusive leadership and impactful community partnerships.

 218-340-7674

Owatonna Partners for Economic Development

Owatonna, MN, is a thriving city along I-35, offering easy access to major markets. Known for its strong manufacturing base, historic charm, and vibrant community, it blends business opportunity with small-town appeal, making it a key hub in southern Minnesota.

540 West Hills Circle
Owatonna, MN 55060
507-774-7317

Greg Kruschke

Community Development Manager

Greg Kruschke is the Community Development Manager with the City of Owatonna. He has been with the City since April 2012. Greg was previously employed in numerous planning positions with the City of Faribault throughout his 10 years there. Greg earned a bachelor’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University. Greg is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and former Southeast MN Director for the Minnesota Chapter of the American Planning Association. He is currently an active member with APA-MN as well as the Minnesota Marketing Partnership.  

Greg and his family have lived in Owatonna for more than 20 years. Greg has been involved with the Owatonna Basketball since 2004 and spends most of his free time in a gym with kids of all levels. In his spare time Greg enjoys spending time with his family, attempting to golf, and chasing his kids to all their activities.

 507-676-5000

People's Energy Cooperative

We are an electric distribution utility serving Southeast Minnesota. We offer incentive and market-based rates in addition market-leading C&I rates and access to 100% renewable energy.

1775 Lake Shady Ave S
Oronoco, MN 55960
507-923-5806

Marty Walsh, CEcD

Economic Development & Key Accounts Manager

Marty Walsh is an experienced Economic Developer working with rural communities, advanced manufacturing, and energy-led projects. He is a IEDC Certified Economic Developer and NRECA Certified Key Accounts Manager.

 507-923-5806

Waseca County

Waseca County is located in Southwestern Minnesota, the bread basket for agriculture, food processing and state of the art manufacturing.

307 North State Street
Waseca, MN 56093
507-835-0538

Tina Wilson

Planning and Zoning Administrator

With over 20 years of economic and community development, I will be able to help your company locate in Waseca County from land acquisition to ribbon cutting and beyond. We are conveniently located in the triangle between Minneapolis, St Paul, Mankato and Rochester.

 507-475-2860