Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. 2014 Annual Report

Annual Report 2014

Designed By Temply

Contents Letter to the Members

3

Our Mission, Our Values

4

Purpose & Structure

5

Executive Summary

6

The Economic Landscape

8

Financial Strength

10

Membership

11

Why Membership Matters

12

Events

13

Business Growth Retention & Attraction

20

Talent Growth Retention & Attraction

22

Regional Livability

24

Advocacy of the Marketplace

26

Members & Investors

30

Boards & Staff

35

Volunteers

36

5

Temply Annual Report 2015

3

Dear Business Colleagues: 2014 was an incredible year for Greater Mankato Growth, Visit Mankato, City Center Partnership and the Greater Mankato regional marketplace.

Our organization clearly has the drive and talent to continue to not only deliver, but expand on our goals every year. We are proud to share these vast successes in this year’s enhanced annual report. This year’s report was designed to be very visual and therefore communicate what we do easier and faster, as well as better showcase how and why we do what we do.

While our organization makes an impact on the overall economic vitality of the marketplace, we do not do it alone. There are countless individuals, organizations and businesses that work together to make Greater Mankato a thriving regional marketplace.

To view the achievements and deliverables in 2014 see pages 6-7 for a new feature this year, the Executive Summary and At a Glance. This year’s annual report again highlights important information on why your membership matters. These findings will help your business measure how your membership with Greater Mankato Growth impacts your bottom line. On page 12 you will find great evidence that illustrates businesses that belong to GMG are generally more successful.

Our Greater Mankato business community is a tremendous driver of this marketplace’s success and the accomplishments of Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. Because of our members, marketplace, organization, staff and volunteers, the future holds promise for even more success in Advancing Business for a Stronger Community.

With Appreciation,

Julia Ketcham Corbett Chair, Board of Directors

Jonathan G. Zierdt President & CEO

4

Our Mission, Our Values Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. exists to support and promote the economic growth and vitality of our members and the regional marketplace.

CORE VALUES The needs of the members are best met by growing the regional marketplace. We accomplish this by being: Catalysts - initiating action for economic growth beneficial to our members and congruent with our regional desire and culture.

Stewards - using our resources efficiently and effectively and wisely leveraging our strengths.

Collaborative & Inclusive cultivating and sustaining relationships, while encouraging the mobilization of our marketplace assets to enhance growth.

Approachable - being visible and accessible and creating a friendly, vibrant and respectful environment.

Innovative - embracing change and promoting progressive solutions.

Ethical - communicating openly and honestly and taking responsibility for our actions in all our business practices.

5

Purpose & Structure STRATEGIC DIRECTION & FOCUS Greater Mankato Growth exists to

intentionally develop the regional center by promoting, supporting and serving as a catalyst for economic development through

business growth, retention and attraction, talent growth retention and attraction, regional livability and advocacy of the marketplace.

Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. includes two LLCs: Visit Mankato, LLC, which focuses on visitor attraction and servicing, and the City Center Partnership, LLC, which focuses on development in the City Center.

business growth, retention and attraction

talent growth, retention and attraction

What We Do advocacy of the marketplace

regional livability

The Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. Brand Family Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

Convention and Visitors Bureau

Downtown Development Organization

6

Executive Summary This year was a record setting, initiative launching year. All three organizations experienced milestone moments while also diving into trend-setting endeavours.

Business development today is closely aligned with livability and talent development, by raising awareness we work to Advance Business for a Stronger Community.

By Jonathan G. Zierdt, President & CEO

G

reater Mankato Growth, Inc.’s vitality and growth are running parallel to that of the regional marketplace. During the past year we saw unprecedented economic development success; the Regional Economic Development Alliance (REDA) welcomed the City of North Mankato, we enhanced our work in public affairs, the first stage of Connectivity work was completed on Front Street with the help of the City Center Partnership and Visit Mankato

established the Mankato Sports Commission.

Project ABE (Ag Business Epicenter) marked the third strategic investment made by the GMG, Inc. Board of Directors in a business development initiative and the Visit Mankato Board made its first such strategic investment to ramp up its convention strategies/sales along with the Sports Commission. The Board of Directors affirmed our functional areas of work and related activity are on target. They also authored a clear articulation of the

organization’s strategic direction and the four areas of focus that utilize our core competencies.

GMG’s membership has shown a significant but steady increase since the launch of the tiered dues membership model three years ago, and this year exceeded 900 members for the first time closing the year with 917. The “membership matters” analytics continue to illustrate GMG members have double the survivability, two times the customer satisfaction and fans, and expand at four times the rate of non-members.

7

2014 At a Glance BUSINESS GROWTH, RETENTION AND ATTRACTION 104 commercial and industrial building projects, $331 million in 2014 swelling our 3 year total to $591 million; 75% of which are done by GMG members

information, and presented 24 (2 a month) new business development requests for proposals.

City of North Mankato joined the Regional Economic Development Alliance (REDA)

Provided tours of the MSA and marketplace information to 5 site selectors, and shared the same information with 7 others

Fulfilled 80 (6+ a month) requests for critical business

Published Top 10 Reasons Infographic, receiving 1,783

pageviews (nearly 10 a day in 6 months)

Estimated 19,125 hotel rooms booked

Creation, development and regional launch of Project ABE (Ag Business Epicenter)

$10 million estimated economic impact from conventions and events with which Visit Mankato assisted

Mankato Sports Commission launched 92 conventions and events assisted or confirmed by Visit Mankato

Launched the first City Center Market Analysis via the City Center Partnership

TALENT GROWTH, RETENTION AND ATTRACTION 2nd edition of the Greater Mankato Talent Supply & Demand Report published Recruitment Toolbox (webpage) launched in November, in its

first 2 months was utilized nearly 6 times a day Leadership Institute graduated its 31st class, and now boasts more than 750 alumni

Young Professionals program increasing its return on value with 2 cohorts of the Mentor program that included participation from 64 YPs and 8 local business executives

172 Young Professionals, representing 91 different businesses

Mankato’s Rack & Roll initiative

In 4 years, CityArt’s Walking Sculpture Tour has accounted for the display of $1.5 million in public art and the permanent installation of 14 new pieces

Brought Leadercast to Greater Mankato

REGIONAL LIVABILITY Kicked off Envision 2020 Phase II Produced Envision Tomorrow Video, receiving 825 views in 4 months (nearly 7 a day) Songs on the Lawn and Alive After 5 saw record crowds of nearly 5,000

Pageviews of greatermankatoevents.com have increased by 171%, to more than 280,000 Visit Mankato began sharing a Weekly Calendar of Events with more than 150 local hospitality professionals 30 branded bike racks installed in the City Center due to Visit

Mankato Marathon celebrated its 5th Anniversary, and was named by Trip Advisor as the top marathon in Minnesota worth traveling for Hockey Night in the City Center rallied together a record 1,000 fans

17 traffic signal cabinets have been decorated as a result of CityArt’s On the Go initiative

ADVOCACY OF THE MARKETPLACE PUBLIC AFFAIRS Hosted 5 key public leader forums featuring our Congressman, Governor, Speaker of the House and 2 State Department Commissioners Highway 14 received $82.5 million through the Corridors of Commerce program (25% of the total funds available)

After numerous years of advocating, finally secured secured state matching funds for the Verizon Wireless Center Expansion Sent 4 editions of the Greater Mankato Update to more than 600 federal, state and locally elected officials and their staff Convened and facilitated the

Post Office Reuse Taskforce

10 months (more than 6 a day)

COMMUNITY MARKETING GMG featured in 4 national news articles, and 1 international magazine

Produced Awards & Accolades Infographic, receiving 961 pageviews (nearly 6 a day in 5 months)

Cost of Living Index, accessed more than 2,000 times (more than 5 a day)

5 travel writers published articles on Greater Mankato and its amenities

Launched the Way to Grow Video, receiving 1,904 views in

8

The Economic Landscape In 2014, the region continued to experience steady growth that is at the forefront of leading state and national economic indicators. The Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) gained visibility not just from record setting economic growth, but also from multiple high rankings and ratings from national organizations.

9

Most Affordable College Town in Minnesota

12.4%

Per Capita Personal Income Growth Rate - from 2010-13, BEA Data

104 New Building & Renovation Projects

$330+ million in total project investments

3 on Forbes rd

2014 list of Best Small Places for Business and Careers

3.8%

Job Growth Rate in 2014 - CES Data

Job numbers surpassed all records for the MSA and outpaced both the state of MN and U.S. growth rates

+2,000

new jobs in the MSA from 2013-2014

Level 1 Primary Retail Trade Center

8

th

in the nation for work life balance

#1

GDP growth rate in the state of MN

5th

Lowest Cost of Doing Business in the upper midwest

Low Cost

of doing business - 11% below the national average

3rd in the nation for affordable health care *For source information, please visit greatermankato.com.

10

Financial Strength Greater Mankato Growth’s funding comes from business members (79%) and community partners (21%). Visit Mankato is funded primarily through lodging taxes levied by the City of Mankato. The City Center Partnership receives funding from the cities of Mankato and North Mankato and Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. as well as GMG members. Each organization may receive additional funding through sponsorships and advertising. All three of our organizations take seriously their responsibility to serve as responsible stewards of the funds entrusted to us.

RE VENUE SOURCES Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. total revenue, which includes all three business units was $2,109,607.88 in 2014 and sources included:

Membership Events & Programs Lodging Tax Municipal Service Agreements Other

30% 30% 22% 14% 4%

Greater Manakto Growth 2012

2013

2014*

Assets

$ 1,390,359 $ 1,485,724

$ 1,550,986

$ 1,534,189

Liabilities

$

$

$ 419,638

361,274 $

354,935

407,984

Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. total expenses, which includes all three business units was $2,158,783.57 in 2014. Expenses were greater than revenue due to strategic commitments paid for by board designated reserve funds.

Programs/Services General Management As submitted per IRS form 990.

Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. has committed to four strategic investments spanning from 2013-2017. The organization is well below the budgeted expenditures and at present, will spend approximately $110,000 less than the committed total amount.

INVESTMENTS: Public Affairs

Visit Mankato, LLC 2011

2012

2013

2014*

Assets

$ 330,394

$ 320,990

$ 403,349

$ 325,537

Liabilities

$ 30,879

$

$

$

24,842

118,936

18,133

City Center Partnership, LLC 2011

2012

2013

2014*

Assets

$163,349

$ 126,912

$ 117,349

$ 126,081

Liabilities

$ 80,606

$

$

$

68,455

62,784

91% 9%

STR ATEGIC INVESTMENTS & STEWARDSHIP

A SSETS/LIABILITIES 2011

E XPENSES

73,929 *Unaudited

City Center Partnership Project ABE Ramp up Sports Commission & Convention Strategies/Sales

$618,000 total budgeted investments

$507,000 projected total

2017 2016

spent at end of 2017

$92,000

2015 2014

spent as of 12.31.2014

$0

2013

11

Membership For the third year in a row, Greater Mankato Growth saw the highest membership

917

MEMBER S YE AR END 2014

numbers ever. With 917 members at year end of 2014, GMG experienced an increase of 49 members from 2013.

TOTAL MEMBERS 2014..........

2013..........

2012..........

2011..........

917 868 834 790

2010..........

791

2009..........

729

2008..........

759

2007..........

734

C AVALIER VISITS M ADE TO NE W GMG MEMBER S

47

MEMBERSHIP GROW TH R ATE

4.7% TIERED DUES MODEL

Average growth per year in membership since the implementation of the tiered dues model in 2012.

vs

1.8% PRE TIERED DUES MODEL

Average yearly membership growth rate prior to the new tiered dues membership model.

12

Why Membership Matters It can be a challenge to convey the direct impact that your membership investment has on your bottom line. Each member of Greater Mankato Growth knows their investment in the organization means positive things for the marketplace and their business. We have identified some interesting data points or “associated impact” to convey that message… that those who choose to belong to GMG are generally more successful.

1

Those businesses GMG interacts with have a survival rate nearly 2 times the national standard.

In 2014, our Ambassadors visited 60 businesses and of those 57 are still in business today. Looking back over the last three years, of the 181 businesses the Ambassadors visited, 164 are still in operation today.

2

GMG members are recognized and experience greater success.

Out of the over 200 Mankato Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Best of Awards given out over the past three years, 61% of the award winners were members of Greater Mankato Growth. While 35% of Greater Mankato businesses are members of GMG, our members took home 2/3 of the awards!

3

GMG members tend to expand and invest in their businesses at a rate 4 times that of non-members.

Of the nearly $591 million in capital investment projects in the marketplace over the last three years, 75% of these business improvements and expansions came from GMG member businesses.

13

EVENTS

All of our events contribute to one or more of our four areas of focus. From networking to golf, from business education to marketing opportunities, we strive to offer opportunities to enhance the regions professionals, businesses and the livability of the marketplace.

AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS SUMMIT

01//30

At the Agricultural summit, many great ideas were generated in small group discussions. Several long term and short term goals were brought forward for consideration by nearly 100 attendees.

ANNUAL MEETING

3//13

Successes of 2013 and goals for 2014 for Greater Mankato Growth, Visit Mankato and City Center Partnership were shared at the Annual Meeting.

The event was held at Minnesota State University, Mankato - Centinnial Student Union and had more than 320 members in attendance.

GREATER MANKATO AT THE CAPITOL

3//18

More than 120 business and civic leaders promoted our region with key state leaders and legislators during the 2014 Greater Mankato at the Capitol.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE A total of 88 member businesses had booths and more than 700 business professionals attended this year’s event. In 2014 the event was held in conjunction with the Economic Summit. The showcase relocated from its existing location in the Verizon Wireless Center ballroom to the arena to provide more space and increase attendance.

4//29

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EVENTS 4//29

ECONOMIC SUMMIT Greater Mankato Growth collaborated with the University of Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, the Small Business Development Center and others to host the Southern Minnesota Business Showcase and Economic Summit. at the Verizon Wireless Center.

5//3-11

TOURISM WEEK Visit Mankato celebrated their 30th anniversary during National Travel & Tourism Week. Five awards were given out to those who go above and beyond for visitors.

Category winners included, Hotel: Monica Stephanie, Microtel Inn & Suites; Attraction: Julie Brewer, Children’s Museum; Retail: Terry and Karen Johnson, Scheels; Restaurant: JoRae Galli Storm, Dairy Queen and Pita Pit.

5//9

LEADERCAST Greater Mankato Growth partnered with South Central College to bring the internationally broadcast event, Leadercast to Greater Mankato for the first time. The event had 171 attendees.

5//16-18

CITYART INSTALLATION WEEKEND On May 17 City Center Partnership staff and CityArt volunteers installed 32 sculptures in the core blocks of City Center Mankato and North Mankato making it the fourth installation of rotating public art. A new addition to the Artist Weekend was a special “Meet and Greet on the Street.”

15

SONGS ON THE LAWN More than 2,800 individuals enjoyed Songs on the Lawn, held over the lunch hour every Thursday in June.

GREATER MANKATO ON THE GREEN

6//5 6//12 6//19 6//25

7//14

A total of 216 golfers participated in the annual golf tournament, Greater Mankato on the Green which was held at the Mankato Golf Club.

BUSINESS RECEPTION WITH THE MN VIKINGS

7//30

More than 250 member businesses attended this year’s business reception. The event is designed to help welcome the Minnesota Vikings to Greater Mankato by the business community while giving members a chance to network in a unique setting.

ALIVE AFTER 5 More than 2,000 people attended this free annual event that is held every Thursday in August in the City Center at Jackson Park.

8//6 8//13 8//20 8//27

16

EVENTS 9//4

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY FAIR Approximately 1,584 college students attended and 145 businesses and community organizations exhibited at the Greater Mankato Campus & Community Fair held at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

10//18

HOCKEY NIGHT IN THE CITY CENTER City Center Partnership and MSU Athletics Department hosted a pre-game celebration to kick off the Maverick hockey season. Now in its third year, the event has grown each year with record attendance in 2014 of more than 1,000 fans.

10//23

TOUR OF MANUFACTURING The fourth annual event coordinated by GMG and the Economic Growth Collaborative of South Central Minnesota was a great success. Eleven manufacturers provided tours and information about their businesses, industry and career opportunities to the general public.

10//25

MANKATO MARATHON Visit Mankato hosted the fifth Mankato Marathon in partnership with Final Stretch. The event featured new programs including the Legacy Runners recognizing those who have run the full marathon all five years and the Bold Stories competition featuring runner’s stories pertaining to the event. Approximately 4,500 runners participated in all races.

17

BUSINESS AWARDS & HALL OF FAME

11//18

GMG Inc. continued to honor businesses and individuals at the annual Greater Mankato Business Awards & Hall of Fame, where awards were presented

by GMG, Visit Mankato and City Center Partnership.

MEI was this year’s Business Hall of Fame inductee. In attendance were 442 business professionals

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

REOCCURRING EVENTS

Business After Hours gives professionals an opportunity to discuss and share ideas in a relaxed, social setting while learning about other member businesses. Events are held monthly in the evening with a total of 12 held this year. The series was attended by more than 1,400 professionals in 2014.

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

A complimentary event to Business After Hours, this event also gives members an opportunity to gather with one another to exchange ideas and promote their business in the morning hours. Events are held monthly with a total of 12 per a year. The series was attended by more than 1,100 professionals in 2014.

LUNCH & LEARN Continued the Lunch & Learn professional development series along with the Center for Business & Industry, a Division of South Central College, for the second year. Eight sessions were held with a total participation of 148 professionals.

FOR THE FORUM SERIES

SEE PAGE 26

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Temply Annual Report 2015

Designed By Temply

Temply Annual Report 2015

Designed By Temply

19

Areas of Focus

Greater Mankato Growth exists to intentionally develop the regional center by promoting, supporting and serving as a catalyst for economic development through business growth, retention and attraction, talent growth retention and attraction, regional livability and advocacy of the marketplace.

20

BUSINESS Growth, Retention & Attraction Greater Mankato Growth, Visit Mankato and City Center Partnership all work as catalysts to encourage business growth, retention and attraction within the regional marketplace.

• Second in the state for number of Grow Minnesota! visits. There were 72 existing business support visits made to area companies as part of the state-wide Grow Minnesota! program. Sixteen business development opportunities came to fruition, which were advanced with assistance from GMG.

5

Hosted and presented information to five site selectors across the marketplace this year.

80

requests for critical business information complied requiring research and summation. Business information compiled on the subjects of: GDP, labor shed, per capita income, cost of doing business, retail potential and demographic projections.

RFPs

24 new business development prospects/ RFPs were responded to and

provided with information about our marketplace by Greater Mankato Growth.

• Bi-monthly meetings held of a 25 member Supply Chain Group which facilitated knowledge sharing on business processes, awareness of locally made products, and networking for those in the goods producing sector.

• 73 commercial and industrial existing business construction projects totaling $232 million (new build, remodel or expansion) were started or completed in the Greater Mankato marketplace. Another four existing business projects with an unspecified construction investment also were underway or completed in 2014.

• Compiled and updated the Agricultural Snapshot which provided perspective on the economic impact of agriculture and agri-business in our marketplace which will be used as we work towards positioning the region as an Ag Business Epicenter.

• Initiated work to capitalize on the talent surplus (resulting from our higher education community) as a critical resource for attracting and expanding businesses.

• Online resources continually enhanced to provide information to site selectors and businesses looking at site options for building or expansion.

• Area cities and counties continued to collaborate through the Regional Economic Development Alliance (REDA), enabling GMG to position the marketplace collectively in the business development arena. North Mankato joined REDA in 2014.

• The Pipeline Report was updated monthly to benchmark and track business expansion activity in the marketplace.

The webpage containing the report had 1,420 visits.

• 31 new business building projects were started or completed in the Greater Mankato Marketplace totaling $99 million. One other new business project with an unspecified construction investment was also underway or completed in 2014.

• Hosted and presented information to five site selectors including a member of the National Site Selectors Guild. Seven other National site selectors came to Minnesota and received our marketplace information. MSA tours and information were also provided to four Twin Cities based site selectors.

• REDA joined the World Economic Development Alliance (WEDA) and saw an increase in leads, with 2-4 leads coming in per month.

• Partnered with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on an international trade event that presented regional research on export activity.

21

• The Sports Commission was launched during the Annual Meeting in March.

The Commission will provide leadership, guidance and expertise that enables the attraction, support and/or administration of high quality sporting and competitive events to the area.

Eighteen Commissioners of various representation currently serve as advisors to this work. They hosted a Sports Summit in October to formally introduce the Sports Commission and its mission and goals to more than 80 community stakeholders.

• 31 conventions confirmed for conferences held in 2014 or future years.

• 26 conventions held in Mankato in 2014 received assistance from Visit Mankato, bringing in an estimated 5,125 hotel rooms booked, representing $2.9 million in economic impact.

• 35 events received assistance from Visit Mankato, with 14,090 booked hotel rooms, representing $6.1 million in economic impact.

$10

million

in estimated economic impact seen through conventions and sporting events Visit Mankato assisted with in 2014.

• The first City Center Market Analysis was completed through three surveys: Visitor Intercept Survey, Consumer Survey and Owner Survey and Inventory Study. The research was conducted over a six month period and the findings will help the CCP plan for positive business development, address housing needs and consumer desires.

• Shop Small marketing and events were enhanced supporting higher sales figures on Small Business Saturday.

22

TALENT Growth, Retention & Attraction We are deeply committed to working to retain and attract a talented workforce to the region. From talent development programs such as the Greater Mankato Young Professionals and the long running Greater Mankato Leadership Institute to online, web based information and marketing and recruitment we work hard to give employees the opportunities they need to feel comfortable and be

40

Professionals participated in the 2013-14 session of the and 40 are participating in the 2014-2015 session, a nine month community focused leadership training program.

Greater Mankato Leadership Institute

successful while being proud of the community in which they live, work and play.

326

Visits to the newly launched

Recruitment Toolbox

webpage.

The employee recruitment toolbox webpage was launched on November 6 on greatermankato.com to provide a variety of information that showcases top awards and accolades while showcasing the area through video.

2013-14 Leadership Class

During their first session on the low ropes course on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato.

31

The Greater Mankato Leadership Institute graduated its 31st class this year, bringing the alumni total to more than 750.

2

The second version of the Greater Mankato Talent Supply & Demand Report was updated and released in 2014. The original report was

published in 2012 with the purpose of showcasing the talent pipeline from the areas five higher education institutions and comparing that to the regions job supply.

23

172 INDIVIDUAL S

participated in the program from 91 different member businesses

GREATER MANKATO YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

BY THE NUMBERS

32

MENTOR LUNCHES WERE HELD, WHERE:

64

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL S MET WITH:

8

LOC AL BUSINESS MENTORS

SCHEDULED E VENTS HELD

24

12 Professional development 12 social

VOLUNTEER PROJEC TS

3

Young Professionals participated in community service projects including: organizing the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Parade, volunteering for the Backpack Food Program and assisting with Songs on the Lawn.

SOCIAL MEDIA

245/12

FACEBOOK LIKES/YP ENEWS EDITIONS SENT

24

REGIONAL Livability We strive to engage businesses in community visioning and implementation activities by serving in various capacities from coordinating efforts and events to disseminating information to the business community.

VISIT M ANK ATO • Visit Mankato launched the Rack & Roll Initiative with community stakeholders, which led to the successful installation of 30 branded bike racks in Mankato’s City Center during Greater Mankato Bike Week in May. The Rack & Roll Initiative encourages businesses to improve their bike friendliness by adding attractive and artistic bike racks at their businesses and throughout the community.

GRE ATER M ANK ATO GROW TH • Recognized Imperial Plastics with the Business Pathfinder award and assisted with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration event.

• Facilitated and held the Community Celebration Gathering for Envision 2020, kicking off Phase II of the initiative.

• GMG staff served on 54 community boards, committees and civic clubs.

CIT Y CENTER PARTNERSHIP • $1.5 million in public art was displayed and 14 new public sculptures have been retained after just four years of CityArt’s Walking Sculpture Tour.

• 17 traffic signal cabinets decorated through CityArt’s On the Go initiative beautifying the downtown area, increasing pedestrian traffic and extending public art to more areas of the City Center.

25

E VENTS Many events were held to help support the vibrancy of the region by all business units.

For a list of all events and details refer to the events section of this report on pages 13-17.

Pictured: City Center Partnership event, Alive After 5 with band Davina and the Vagabonds.

26

ADVOCACY of the Marketplace The business units of Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. work tirelessly to both advocate for the marketplace and raise the visability and the brand of the region at a local, state, national and international stage. Work in advocacy has two focuses, public affairs and community marketing.

Public Affairs Achievements • Advocated on behalf of Highway 14 completion sending two letters (including leading a joint letter from all six chambers of commerce along the Hwy 14 corridor), testifying at the Legislature and meeting numerous times with state officials. Highway 14 projects have been awarded $82.5 million through the Corridors of Commerce program, over 25% of total available funds.

• Actively supported numerous regional bonding requests ultimately funded by the Legislature, including $14.5 million for the Verizon Wireless Center improvements/expansion and $25.8 million for Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Clinical Sciences Building.

• Revamped and improved our member public affairs update – rebranding it the “Greater Mankato Advocate.”

GMG sent 10 editions of the Greater Mankato Advocate through 2014 updating members on GMG public affairs efforts and events and providing timely, factual and balanced information on key issues to keep members up to speed on issues and enable them to be their own best advocate.

• Sent four editions (with 3-5 unique articles each edition) of the “Greater Mankato Update” to a contact list of over 600 federal, state and local elected officials and their staff and key executive branch leaders updating them on top news from our region.

• Led the way in ensuring that our members and the general public had the information they needed to cast an informed ballot during the election by hosting four candidate forums (including one for the 1st Congressional District) and publishing candidate profiles from key regional candidates.

• Authored and launched a major issues survey under the new Public Affairs process. GMG received 129 responses to the survey which contained questions on minimum wage, transportation, taxes and the state surplus. Results were shared with legislators from the Greater Mankato Area.

• Continued to offer a robust Public Affairs webpage with a variety of contents designed to provide factual, non-biased information on active issues that have broad-based impacts on business or are of special concern to the Greater Mankato area.

27

PUBLIC AFFAIRS E VENTS Hosted several events providing opportunities for members to learn about issues impacting their business and engage with key public leaders including forums with:

CONGRESSM AN TIM WAL Z GOVERNOR M ARK DAY TON SPE AKER OF THE HOUSE PAUL THISSEN TR ANSPORTATION COMMISSIONER CHARLIE ZELLE City Center Partnership

Post Office Reuse Taskforce in 2014 to launched the

advocate for a unified next purpose for the historical building.

120+

More than 120 business and civic leaders promoted our region with key state leaders and legislators during our 2014 Greater Mankato at the Capitol.

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DE VELOPMENT COMMISSIONER K ATIE CL ARK SIEBEN

28

CIT Y CENTER PARTNER SHIP WEBSITE SE SSIONS UP

+68% over 2013 session, 12,376 vs 7,379.

The City Center Partnership website was redesigned and launched in quarter four of 2014.

Community Marketing Our region has a great story to tell and Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. is committed to continually positioning it as a place people want to live, visit, work and businesses want to locate.

Also, thousands of brochures, flyers, advertisements and co-op coupons were used to enhance the visibility of City Center Mankato.

GRE ATER M ANK ATO GROW TH WEB STATS:

247,097 PAGE VIEWS UP 67% FROM 2013

GRE ATER M ANK ATOE VENTS.COM PAGE VIE WS

280,016 Up 171% from 2013, for the online community events calendar, greatermankatoevents.com, a collaboration between Greater Mankato Growth, Visit Mankato, Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, The Free Press and VoyageurWeb.

TR AVEL WRITER PROGR A M L AUNCHED

5

Visit Mankato worked with five travel writers, resulting in informative and effective articles published about Greater Mankato and its amenities.

180,216 SESSIONS UP 74% FROM 2013

72,422 USERS UP 96% FROM 2013

VISIT M ANK ATO WEBSITE PAGE VIEWS

197,000+ SESSIONS WERE UP 11% OVER 2013

29

Up-to-date and current information for businesses provided through 52 editions of eNews, 12 issues of Minnesota Valley Business and greatermankato.com.

132 news articles featuring information/ interviews from Greater Mankato Growth ran in local and state media. GMG was also featured in four national news articles and one international business magazine.

Many print and digital marketing pieces promoting the regions assets were published or updated this year.

Here are just a few:

Produced and released our first community positioning video, Greater Mankato: The Way to Grow in March and also updated the complimentary booklet with the same name in February.

Social media activity increased, with 2,799 total “likes” for all Greater Mankato Growth’s Facebook pages, which include Greater Mankato Growth, Greater Mankato Young Professionals and Greater Mankato Events.

The Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato got a new look this year. 50,000 were printed and distributed and it was viewed 1,597 times online.

Greater Mankato: The Way to Grow, a business, economic and livability piece was updated this year and was released at Greater Mankato at the Capitol.

Combined number of followers on Twitter for both the Greater Mankato Growth and Jonathan Zierdt accounts totaling 1,685.

Resident and relocation information provided in the community area of our website and in a relocation packet that included the “2014 Guide to Visiting & Living in Greater Mankato” produced by Visit Mankato with content from GMG. The online Cost of Living Index, a tool on greatermankato.com which lets those thinking of moving to the area know about Greater Mankato’s affordability, received a total of 2,001 page visits this year.

Assets of Greater Mankato promoted in online ads both on google ads and on websites for national business publications, as well as regional print ads in Site Selection Magazine and Global Trade Magazine.

This summer “10 Reasons Greater Mankato is the Way to Grow” and “Awards & Accolades” were published.

These were the first infographics used at Greater Mankato Growth.

The Envision Tomorrow video was released at the Envision 2020 Phase II community gathering in the fall. The video had 825 views this year.

The first marketplace positioning video, Way to Grow, was released at the Annual Meeting.

The video had 1,904 views this year.

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2014 Greater Mankato Growth Members & Investors Together our member businesses accomplish what no one business could do alone, by creating a powerful pool of intellectual and financial resources. By working together to advance business we strive to create a stronger community... And when the community is stronger, business thrives – creating a never ending circle of success. Members of Greater Mankato Growth are vital participants in our business economy. And as a member, the knowledge you gain, relationships you build and opportunities you have, pay dividends today and in the future.

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DIAMOND INVESTORS

Mayo Clinic Health System Le Sueur Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato - Eastridge Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato - Northridge Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato - Specialty Clinic Mayo Clinic Health System Montgomery

Mayo Clinic Health System New Prague Mayo Clinic Health System Springfield Mayo Clinic Health System Springfield - Dental Clinic Mayo Clinic Health System Springfield - Lamberton Clinic Mayo Clinic Health System St. James

Mayo Clinic Health System St. James - Trimont Clinic Mayo Clinic Health System St. Peter Mayo Clinic Health System Waseca Mayo Clinic Health System Waseca Janesville Clinic Mayo Clinic Health System Waseca Waterville Clinic

PLATINUM INVESTORS

Mankato Clinic @ Lake Crystal Family Practice Mankato Clinic @ Madison East Dept of Psychiatry and Psychology Mankato Clinic @ Madison East Dermatology Mankato Clinic @ Main Street Mankato Clinic @ Mapleton Family Practice Mankato Clinic @ North Mankato

Family Practice Mankato Clinic @ Wickersham Health Campus Mankato Clinic Administration Office Mankato Clinic Endoscopy Center Mankato Clinic Express Mankato Clinic Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine National Recognition Products Navitor Folders

Navitor Midwest Stationery Navitor Specialty Products Pear Tree Greetings Precision Press Skin Essentials @ Mankato Clinic Taylor Corporation Thayer Publishing, Inc. The Occasions Group

GOLD INVESTORS

I+S Group - Storm Lake I+S Group, Inc. Kato Cable Kato Engineering Inc. KMSU Minnesota State University, Mankato - Academic Affairs/ Extended Learning Minnesota State University, Mankato - Alumni Foundation Center Minnesota State University, Mankato - Career Development Center Minnesota State University, Mankato - Centennial Student Union Minnesota State University, Mankato

- College of Business Minnesota State University, Mankato - Finance & Administration Minnesota State University, Mankato - Intercollegiate Athletics Minnesota State University, Mankato - Strategic Partnerships Minnesota State University, Mankato - Theatre & Dance MTU Onsite Energy Small Business Development Center U.S. Bank - City Center U.S. Bank - Commercial Banking U.S. Bank - Fairmont U.S. Bank - Owatonna

U.S. Bank - Private Client Group U.S. Bank - Raintree Wells Fargo Advisors Wells Fargo Bank - Main Wells Fargo Bank - Mankato East Wells Fargo Bank - Mankato North Wells Fargo Bank - MSU Wells Fargo Bank - New Ulm Wells Fargo Bank - Owatonna Wells Fargo Bank - Waseca Wells Fargo Bank, NA- Business Banking Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

SILVER INVESTORS

Davis Family Holdings Davisco Foods Intl. Inc. Frandsen Bank & Trust - Madison Avenue Frandsen Bank & Trust - North Mankato Frandsen Bank & Trust - Northridge

Branch Friendly Confines Cheese Shoppe New Sweden Dairy Quartz Surfaces Cambria South Central College South Central College Foundation Southern Minnesota Center of

Agriculture Sun Country Airlines The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic, P.A. Wells Concrete

BRONZE INVESTORS

Community Bank Mankato Community Insurance - Mankato Coughlan Companies Crystal Seasons Living Community Cub East Pharmacy Cub Foods East Cub Foods West Cub Liquor Cub West Pharmacy Eide Bailly First National Bank Minnesota Gaylord First National Bank Minnesota Mankato First National Bank Minnesota Saint Peter Gustavus Adolphus College Hillcrest Health Care Center Hy-Vee - Downtown Hy-Vee - Hilltop Hy-Vee Gas Hy-Vee Pharmacy Downtown Hy-Vee Pharmacy Hilltop Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits Johnson Outdoors - Marine Electronics Inc.

Jordan Sands, LLC Laurels Edge Assisted Living Laurels Peak Rehabilitation Center Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Lofts @ 1633 MinnStar Bank - Mankato MinnStar Bank NA - Lake Crystal Oaklawn Health Care Center Pioneer Bank - Elmore Pioneer Bank - Madelia Pioneer Bank - Mankato Pioneer Bank - Mapleton Pioneer Bank - North Mankato Pioneer Bank - St. James Rasmussen College Rasmussen College Career Center Rasmussen College School of Business Rasmussen College School of Nursing Rasmussen College Student Life RentMSU, Inc. Sam’s Club Schwickert’s Tecta America Schwickert’s Tecta America of Mankato

Snell Auto Wash Snell Motors Snell Powersports & Equipment Snell Tire & Lube Southern MN Construction Co. Stone Path Studios The Free Press The Land The Tailwind Group The Thro Company Unimin Corporation United Prairie Bank United Prairie Bank - City Center United Prairie Bank - New Ulm United Prairie Bank - Waseca United Prairie Financial Network United Prairie Insurance Agency Mankato Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless - Madison Avenue Verizon Wireless - River Hills Mall Vetter Stone Voyager Bank Walmart Xcel Energy

PREMIER MEMBERS

Baxter’s Hair Shop BEST WESTERN PLUS Hotel & Restaurant Blue Earth County Employment

Services Bremer Bank Buffalo Wild Wings- Hilltop CenterPoint Energy

CHS Oilseed Processing Courtyard by Marriott Hotel & Event Center Crown Beverage Packaging

Fountain Centers Mayo Clinic Health System Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato Health Care Foundation Mayo Clinic Health System Belle Plaine Mayo Clinic Health System Lake Crystal

Carlson Craft Corporate Graphics Commercial Corporate Graphics International Fine Impressions & Catalog Labelworks Mankato Clinic @ Daniels Health Center Mankato Clinic @ J. Scott Sanders Center for Sleep Medicine Charter Business Charter Communications Charter Media EI Microcircuits - Pohl Road EI Microcircuits - Power Drive EI Microcircuits - Saint Peter EI Sales Enventis Enventis Information Solutions I+S Group - Algona I+S Group - Des Moines I+S Group - Faribault I+S Group - La Crosse I+S Group - Sac City Atwood Property Management Inc. Cambria Cambria - Sales & Marketing Center for Business and Industry, A Division of South Central College CENTURY 21 Atwood Realty, Inc. Abdo, Eick & Meyers, LLP Abdo, Eick & Meyers, LLP - Edina AgStar Financial Services, ACA Alabama Stone Company - A Division of Vetter Stone BENCO Electric Cooperative Bethany Lutheran College Bethany Lutheran CollegeBookstore Blethen, Gage & Krause, PLLP Bolton & Menk, Inc. Bolton & Menk, Inc. - Burnsville Bolton & Menk, Inc. - Chaska Bolton & Menk, Inc. - Fairmont Bolton & Menk, Inc. - Rochester Bolton & Menk, Inc. - Sleepy Eye Calpine - Mankato Energy Center, LLC Capstone CliftonLarsonAllen LLP College Station College Town Community Bank - Amboy Community Bank - Madison Ave. Community Bank - Vernon Center AmericInn Hotel & Conference Center AmeriStar Manufacturing

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Culver’s Frozen Custard - North Mankato Culver’s Frozen Custard- Mankato Dino’s Gourmet Pizzeria Dotson Iron Castings Drummer Companies Drummers Garden Center & Floral Ecumen Pathstone Living Emergent Networks LLC - Edina Emergent Networks LLC - Mankato Exclusively Diamonds Farrish Johnson Law Office, CHTD. Heartland Homes Hilton Garden Inn Holiday Inn Express & Suites HotelsMankato.com Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Jack Link’s Beef Jerky - Minneapolis

James R. Weir Insurance Agency Jones and Magnus, Attorneys at Law Jones Metal Products KEYC News 12 and FOX 12 Mankato Kibble Equipment Lake Crystal Mortuary Lindsay Windows Lloyd Commercial Services Lloyd Management Inc. Lowe’s Home Improvement Mankato City Center Hotel Mankato Mortuary Massad’s Mediterranean Grille Massad’s McDonald’s Restaurant - Adams St. McDonald’s Restaurant - Madison Ave. McDonald’s Restaurant - W. Lind Ct.

McGladrey, LLP Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union - Downtown Office Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union - Uptown Office MRCI Thrift Shop MRCI WorkSource Najwa’s, Inc. Neighbor’s Italian Bistro North Central International, Inc. Northview Funeral & Cremation Service Number 4 American Bar & Kitchen Olives Pathstone Adult Day Program Pathstone at Home Pathstone Cafe & Catering People Driven Performance

Pepsi-Cola of Mankato Inc. Profinium, Inc. - Fairmont Profinium, Inc. - Mankato Profinium, Inc. - Owatonna Profinium, Inc. - Truman Ridley Inc. Scheels All Sports Stifel Tavern on the Avenue University Square Mall & Village Apartments Volk Investment CO, LLC Volk Transfer, Inc. Wells Federal Bank - Mankato Wells Federal Bank - Owatonna Wells Federal Bank - St. Peter Wells Federal Bank - Wells Wis-Pak of Mankato, Inc.

ENGAGED MEMBERS

Design/Build, Construction Management Brennan Properties - Development, Real Estate Development, Construction Brett’s Building Brown & Brown of MN Brunton Architects & Engineers CAB Construction Co. Caribou Gun Club/ Caribou Banquet Hall Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery Cherry Creek Cabinetworks Inc. Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Citizens Community Federal Citizens Community Federal Faribault City Center Partnership CoBank Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group Coldwell Banker Welcome Home Realty - Karla Malone Coldwell Banker Welcome Home Realty - Mary Weller Coloplast Manufacturing US, LLC Computer Technology Solutions, Inc. Condux International Inc Corporate 4 Insurance / Steve Meyer Insurance Serv Country Inn & Suites Hotel & Conference Center By Carlson Creative Ad Solutions, Inc. Crystal Valley Cooperative Janesville Crystal Valley Cooperative - Lake Crystal Dairy Queen West Deichman Construction Devin Krienke Agency, American Family Insurance Diana Gabriel Certified Professional Coach Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Digity Radio: KEEZ, KYSM, KRBI, KMKO Discover Chiropractic Discover Chiropractic - Nicollet Diversified Financial Services, Inc. Doherty Staffing Solutions Mankato Doherty Staffing Solutions Owatonna Door Engineering

Drs. Kanyusik, Wiemers, Swanson, & Vaubel Earl Johnson Furniture Eatery Tap ECS - Your Wiring Pros Edward Jones Edward Jones - Chris Hoffman Elder Care Services, Inc Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop Madison Ave Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop - S. Front Express Employment Professionals Farmers Insurance - Michael J. Oliver Agency Flexion Inc. FPX, LLC Freedom Home Care, LLC Frentz & Company Freyberg Petroleum Sales Friesen?s Family Bakery and Bistro G & K Rental - Mankato G & K Rental - New Prague Garlick’s Water Conditioning / Kinetico - Blue Earth Garlick’s Water Conditioning/ Kinetico - Faribault Gemstone Homes, Inc. Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare Gislason & Hunter LLP Lil’ Bee’s Learning Center Gold Cross Ambulance Gosewisch Construction, Inc. GrandStay Residential Suites Granite Equity Partners Gravie Greater Mankato Area United Way Greater Mankato Diversity Council Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. Gretchen Rehm Agency, Inc. Grizzly?s Woodfire Grill & Steaks Guaranteed Electric Service, Inc. Guentzel Family Farms Habitat For Humanity South Central - ReStore Habitat For Humanity South Central MN Happy Chef Restaurant Harry Meyering Center Inc. Hatanpa Insurance Agency - State Farm Heintz Toyota Scion of Mankato Herdstar LLC Heyn Brothers Holiday Station Store- Adams Street Holiday Station Store- North

Riverfront Home Depot Home Magazine Homestead Media Homestead Realty LLC - Mankato Homestead Realty LLC - Mapleton Hospice of the Valley House of Hope Hydro-Klean - Mankato Hydro-Klean - Sioux Falls Ideal Weigh to B Health and Weight Loss Clinic, Inc. - Blue Earth Ideal Weigh to B Health and Weight Loss Clinic, Inc. - Mankato Ignition Fitness & Sports Indulge Salon & Tanning J. Longs for Men Jake’s Stadium Pizza - Mankato Jake’s Stadium Pizza - Saint Peter JBeal Commercial Group JBeal Real Estate Group Jeane Thorne Inc. Jerry’s Tile Service Inc. Jersey Mike?s Subs ? Riverfront Jersey Mike’s Subs - Hilltop John Fritz Construction, LLC Junior Achievement of Greater Mankato Kakeldey & Koberoski, PA Kato Insurance Agency Kato Public Charter School Kato Roofing, Inc. - Burnsville Kato Roofing, Inc. - Mankato Kaye Corporation Keepers RV Center Ltd Key City Ventures Keystone Communities of Mankato Kia of Mankato Kitchenmaster, Klooster & Begalka, CPAs Knutson + Casey Law Firm Land to Air Express, Inc. LEEP Lidstrom Commercial Realtors LifePlan Financial, LLC Lifeworks Services Limb Lab Limb Lab - Rochester Lisa Tscherter’s Kitchen & Catering LIV Aveda Salon & Spa LJP Enterprises Waste & Recycling Loyola Catholic School Luther Mankato Honda M & M Signs Mankato Brewery Mankato Career Solutions Mankato Carton

504 Corporation A&E Construction Supply A. B. Systems, Inc. A. H. Hermel Foodservice AAA Membership Travel Insurance Absolute Background Concepts Advanced Pain Management Advantage Chiropractic AEP Industries Inc. Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Aflac - Megan Lange Again Thrift & More All American Foods, Inc. Alliance Contracting, Inc. Alliance Insurance Agency Alliance Pipeline Alter Metal Recycling - Mankato Amber Pietan Travel Agency, LLC American Campus Community - The Summit and Jacob Heights American Engineering Testing American Way Realty Ameriprise Financial Services Mankato Ameriprise Financial Services - New Ulm Andrews Family Chiropractic Angie’s Popcorn Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Archer Daniels Midland Company Ardent Mills, LLC Associated Finishing, Inc. Associates in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery BARK.L Consulting Engineers Bedpost Furniture BELFOR Property Restoration Bent River Outfitter Better Business Bureau of MN & ND Between the Bridges Healing Center Bid Kato BioLife Plasma Services BLK Electric Inc. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN - Eagan Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN Mankato BMO Harris Bank Bonfire Boulder Tap House Bradley’s on Stadium Braun Intertec Corporation Braun Intertec Corporation Bloomington Brennan Construction - Contractor,

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Mankato Crank & Chrome Auto Repair Mankato Fairfield Inn Mankato Family YMCA Mankato Ford Mankato Golf Club Mankato Harley Davidson Mankato MoonDogs Mankato Motor Co. Mankato Place Mankato WorkForce Center Manpower, Inc. Marco, Inc. MAS Communications Maschka, Riedy & Ries Law Firm Master Electric Masterson Staffing Solutions Mankato Masterson Staffing Solutions Owatonna Mathiowetz Construction Company McGowan Water Conditioning MD CPA’s & Advisors MD Payroll Advisors MEI MET-CON Construction, Inc - Faribault MET-CON Construction, Inc. Mankato Meyer & Norland Financial Group MGM Liquor Warehouse - North Mankato MGM Wine & Spirits - Mankato Midwest Realty & Mortgage Miller Motors Mills Fleet Farm Minn. Dept. of Employment and Economic Development Minnesota Business Center of the Principal Financial Group - St. Peter office Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Minnesota Pork Producers Association Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Minnesota Valley Action Council Minnesota Valley Brick and Stone Minnesota Valley Granite Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Waste Processing Company Modern Woodmen Fraternal

Financial Monarch Meadows Mount Kato Ski Area Murphy Business of Minnesota Net Medix, Inc. New Ulm Wholesale New York Life Insurance Company Judy Ringler Mountain New York Life Insurance Company Ronald Meyer & Dick Hamer Nortech Systems Inc. North Star Aviation, Inc. Northern Comfort, Inc. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network NuStar Realty Oak Terrace Senior Communities Office Space Design Old Country Buffet Old Main Village Oleson and Hobbie Architects LLC Open Door Health Center Orion Search Group Paape Distributing Co. & Energy Services Pagliai’s Pizza Paragon Printing, Mailing & Specialties Pawn America Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc. PEM Corporation Peoples State Bank of Eagle Lake Peoples State Bank of Madison Lake Pieology Pizzeria Pier Pleasure & Wilson Trailer Sales of MN Pioneer Hi-Bred, Northern Business Unit Planet Fitness Prange’s Heating & Air Conditioning Inc Pratt, Kutzke & Associates, LLP PresenceMaker, Inc. PrimeLending Primrose Retirement Community ProBuild ProGrowth Bank ProGrowth Bank - Nicollet Prosthetic Laboratories of Mankato Pub 500 Quality 1 HR. Foto Quality Inn

Quest Marketing Quick Lane Tire & Auto Radio Mankato Realty Executives Associates - Real Estate Team Angie Jenkins & Emily Swalve Red Door Creative Rehm Insurance & Financial Services RENT Mankato River Bend Business Products River Hills Mall River Valley Truck Rental & Leasing River Valley Woman Riverfront Technology LLC Robert W. Carlstrom Co., Inc. Schmidt Siding & Window Co. School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province SeeMe Productions LLC ServiceMaster of Mankato/Waseca Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) - St. Paul Sign Pro Silhouette Shoppe Sleep Number by Select Comfort SMILES Center for Independent Living Sodexo/University Dining Services South Central WorkForce Council Southern Minn Digital Southern Minn Digital / St. Peter Herald Southern Minnesota Inspection Southern Minnesota Orthodontics PA Southern MN Area HR Assoc.

(SMAHRA) Special Olympics Minnesota Spherion Staffing & Recruiting Mankato Spherion Staffing & Recruiting Owatonna Sport Pix SportClips Haircuts State Farm - Mayberry Insurance Agency Stinson Leonard Street LLP Subway Restaurant - Sibley Parkway Subway Restaurants Super 8 Hotel Swanson Hinsch & Co. CPA’s TacAero Tandem Bagels

Target Mankato TCF Bank Cub East TCF National Bank Team Personnel Staffing Teneca Terri Prange - Independent Sales Director Terry Guentzel Farms The Loose Moose Saloon & Conference Center The Music Mart The Pita Pit The Travel Center The True Team Re/Max Dynamic Agents Think! Toner & Ink/ T - Mobile Thomas Tree & Landscape Thomas W. Smyth, DDS Thrivent Financial Thriveon Tire Associates Tire Associates - Alexandria Title Resources, LLC Toppers Plus Town and Country Interiors True Facade Pictures TurningPoint Management, Inc. Mankato TurningPoint Management, Inc. Owatonna Twin Rivers Council for the Arts Twin Valley Council - Boy Scouts U.S. Engravers, Inc. Unique Speciality & Classics Valuation Specialists Vanderberg Cleaning Service Verizon Wireless Center Viking Electric Vintage Fine Homes, Inc. Visit Mankato Visiting Angels VoyageurWeb V-TEK, Inc. Water’s Edge Weichert Realtors, Community Group Weilage Advisory Group Westman Freightliner Wilcon Construction, Inc. Willard & Williams Insurance Agency Wow! Zone Young Life YWCA Mankato

BASIC MEMBERS

Avery Outdoor B. Stark & Co. Back to Wellness Clinic Becky’s Floral & Gift Shoppe Bemis Healthcare Packaging, Inc. Blue Earth County Historical Society Bobcat of Mankato Border States Electric Brovold & Company, LLC Budget Host Inn Bud’s Nuisance Wildlife Removal, LLC Buster’s Sports Bar & Grill C & N Sales C & S Supply Casey’s General Store - Lookout Drive Charley’s Restaurant Charlie’s Appliance Chesley, Kroon, Harvey & Carpenter Classic Coach, Inc. Cold Stone Creamery Cole Papers, Inc. College Fund Properties Committee Against Domestic Abuse Inc.

Complete Basement Systems Connect Business Magazine Copier Business Solutions Cottagewood Senior Community Coulter, Schmidt & Klein Private Wealth Advisors Creekside Boutique Custom Craft Cabinets, LLC D&K Powder Coating Dale Carnegie Training Davis Comfort Systems DayBreak Internet Caf? LLC DCI of MN, Inc. Decadent Desserts DeGroods Electronics & Appliances DenCo Lighting Diamond Vogel Paint Center Discount Tire Co Dunkin’ Donuts - Corporate Elite Medical Scribes Elliegail’s Bakery, Deli and Catering Emerald Travel and Cruises Employee Benefits & Insurance Services Agency, Inc.

Endres Window Cleaning, Inc. Enterprise Minnesota Express Care Auto Center Fairway Outdoor Advertising Farmamerica Fellowship of Christian Athletes Southwest Minnesota Flo-Rite Plumbing Flowers by Jeanie Forsythe Appraisals, LLC Fraternal Order of Eagles Frentz & Frentz Law Offices Gag’s Camper Way Gardner Financial Services Shannon Sinning Genuine Amish Furniture Goodrich Construction, Inc. Goodwill - Mankato GPH Subdivision Homeowner’s Association Graif Clothing Great River Insurance Greater Minnesota Gas, Inc. Green Care

10K Lettering A Plus Systems Group/A Plus Security, Inc. A to Z Rental Center Acme Alternate Fuel Systems, Inc. Acorn Custom Cabinetry Affordable Towing of Mankato Inc. Alerus Retirement Solutions All American Towing AllOver Media AMDS/Glowing Hearth & Home American Cancer Society American Heart Association Americare Mobility Van AmeriPride Linen and Apparel Services Arctic Ice Arnold Storage Arrow Ace Hardware Artisans Ashley Furniture Home Store Autotronics Autumn Grace

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Gregory P. Miller, DDS Greg’s Champion Auto Ground Works Backhoe Service, LLC H&R Block Heartlund Boarding Kennels Heather Lane Townhome Association hibu Inc. Hillside Church Hilltop Florist & Greenhouse Hiniker Company Hiniker Homes/Realty Huntington Hills, LLC Imperial Plastics Incorporated India Palace INH Property Management of Mankato intRAtrain / inspectiTRAC? by Russell Associates IVESCO / A Division of MWI Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel Jackson Properties James D. Connors, DDS - Total Dental Concepts Javens Mechanical Contracting Jerry’s Body Shop Inc. Josh Kleinschmidt Construction & Concrete, LLC Karl’s TV, Audio, Appliance and Furniture Kato Ballroom Kato Cab Inc. Kato Glass Kato Moving & Storage, Mayflower Key to Renew, LLC Kleerview Professional Window Cleaning, LLC Kluender Consulting Group Kroubetz Lakeside Campers & Motors Kuch Chiropractic Kwik Trip- Madison Ave La Terraza Mexican Grill and Bar Labor Ready Lacina Siding & Window Inc. Lager’s Chrysler World Lake Crystal Coaches LawnPro Lawn, Tree & Landscape Service

Like Nu Cleaners Inc. Linder Enterprises LivingLinks Lloyd Lumber - Just Ask Rental Lutheran Social Service of MN Madison East Center Malachi Estates Association Malterer Mechanical Inc. Mankato Area 77 Lancers Marching Band Parent Association Mankato Area Council for Quality Mankato Area Foundation Mankato Chiropractic Center Mankato Computer Repair Mankato Downtown Kiwanis Mankato Networks Mankato Symphony Orchestra Mantronics Mailing Systems Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant Mechanical Resources, Inc. Meyer & Sons - TV & Appliance Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans Minnesota Financial Services Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School Minnesota Wedding Shop Minuteman Press Morken, Morken & Co., Chtd.

NAPA Auto Parts - Mankato New Ulm Furniture Company Nimbus Studios Noodles & Company North Links Golf Course and Banquet Facility Northern Star Bank Once Upon a Child One Bright Star Ophthalmology Associates of Mankato Panera Bread Papa John’s Park Place Townhomes Parties & Weddings Plus Patterson’s Diamond Center Pearle Vision Performance Excellence Network Piepho Moving & Storage

GOVERNMENT MEMBERS

ASSOSIATE MEMBERS

Blue Earth County Blue Earth County Library System Blue Earth County License Center Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Dept.

City of Eagle Lake City of Lake Crystal City of Le Sueur City of Madison Lake City of Mankato City of North Mankato City of Saint Peter Mankato Area Public Schools District 77 Region Nine Development Commission

Brad Buscher Douglas W. Johnson Fred Lutz George Sugden Jerry Crest Kenneth Saffert Randy Berkland

Pietsch Construction Pizza Ranch - Mankato Planned Parenthood POET Biorefining Lake Crystal Prairie River Home Care Inc. Premier Veterinary Center PRO TRAIN Aviation Professional Cleaning Services, Inc. Professional Credit Analysts of MN, Inc. Professional Systems of Mankato, Inc. Profile by Sanford Promotions Powerhouse, LLC Quality Overhead Door of Mankato, Inc. R. Henry Construction Realife Cooperative of Mankato Regional Center for Entrepreneurial Facilitation Rehnelt Excavating LLC Reichel Insulation Rickway Carpet River Hills Pet Care Hospital RiverRidge Chiropractic Robinson Appraisal & Associates Ron’s Auto Repair of Mankato, LLC Rooms and Rest Ross Nesbit Agencies Rounders Sports Bar & Grill SCR - Southern Division SFM SharkTooth Networks Sheri Dittrich-Reinhart Independent Sales Director Sherwin Williams Company ShoGun Sushi and Hibachi Shoreland Country Club Shred Right Skogen Mechanical LLC SmartSearch Snap Fitness- North Mankato South Central Service Cooperative Southern Minnesota Endodontics Spinners Bar & Grill Spring Touch Squirrels Nest Resort Association St. Peter Food Co-op & Deli Starbucks Coffee Company

Steffen Electric of Le Center & Mankato, Inc. Sterling House of Mankato Sun Tan City Supply Tigers Supreme & Lincoln Outdoor Survey Services, Inc. Sylvan Benefit Consultants Taco John’s - Madison Avenue The Boatlanding The Coffee Hag The Lighthouse The Picker-Uppers LLC The Salvation Army The Service Rack Inc. The Sherwin Group The Underground Theuninck Construction LLP Thin Film Technology Tidy Clean Timber Lake Sod Toppers Pizza Tow Distributing Townhomes at Parkside Homeowners’ Association, Inc. UCare Valley News Company Viking JR. Motel VINE Faith in Action VSI W W Blacktopping, Inc. Walgreens - Front Street Walgreens - Madison Avenue Walgreens - North Mankato Wasko/ Liberty Heating, Cooling & Plumbing WEB Construction, Inc. Weber’s Custom Catering Weggy’s on Campus Wendy’s Williams Diamond Center Willow Brook Senior Cooperative Womeninc Magazine Workforce Resources, Inc. Y Barbers / Onatah On Belgrade Zimmerman Farms

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Additonal Investors in the City Center Partnership PLATINUM

Mayo Clinic Health System

GOLD

Gislason & Hunter LLP Stifel Nicolaus The Tailwind Group Enventis

SLIVER

Atwood Property Management Inc. Blethen, Gage & Krause, PLLP Brennan Companies Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group Hilton Garden Inn I&S Group, Inc. James R. Weir Insurance Agency Pub 500 The Loose Moose Saloon & Conference Center United Prairie Bank - City Center U.S. Bank - City Center Visit Mankato

BRONZE

Brunton Architects & Engineers CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Coughlan Companies Dino’s Gourmet Pizzeria Dotson Iron Castings Frentz Construction JBeal Real Estate Group John Fritz Construction, LLC Kato Insurance Agency Land to Air Express, Inc. MAS Communications Minnesota Velley Federal Credit Union - Uptown Office MinnStar Bank - Mankato Number 4 American Bar & Kitchen Pagliai’s Pizza PresenceMaker, Inc Quest Marketing Red Door Creative Schwickert’s Tecta America Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. Stinson Leonard Street LLP Tavern on the Avenue The Free Press The Neighbor’s Italian Bistro The Travel Center Voyager Bank

BASIC

A+ Systems Center Abdo, Eick & Meyers, LLP Antje Meisner Concepts Bent River Outfitter Blue Earth County Historical Society

Buffalo Wild Wings Carlson Tillisch Eye Clinic & Eyewear Gallery Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Dairy Queen Earl Johnson Furniture Employee Benefits & Insurance Services FPX, LLC Fraternal Order of Eagles Gallery 19 - Gregg Andersen Photography Graif Clothing Store Gunther’s Cafe Hy Vee - Downtown Kato Cab Inc. Kato Glass Kato Moving & Storage, Mayflower Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Mankato Area Foundation Mankato City Center Hotel Mankato Place Mankato Symphony Orchestra Mayberry Insurance Agency - State Farm MD Advisors Group Nicollet Bike Shop Radio Mankato Rick & Stacey Straka Ridley Inc. Salvage Sisters SMILES Center for Independent Living Snell Motors Southern Minnesota Orthodontics PA Spinners Bar & Grill Subway Restaurants The Jewelry Bench The Pita Pit The Underground Twin Rivers Council for the Arts VoyageurWeb YWCA Mankato

Boards & Staff GREATER MANKATO GROWTH BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Julia Ketcham Corbett, Blethen, Gage & Krause, PLLP, (Chair) Greg Kutcher, MD., Mayo Clinic Health System (Past Chair) Rob Else, EI Microcircuits (Vice Chair) Chad Surprenant, I+S Group, Inc. (Secretary/ Treasurer) Todd Loosbrock, U.S. Bank (At-Large) Jim Marzolf, CliftonLarsonAllen (At-Large) Tim Tupy, LIV Aveda Salon & Spa/ Mankato Brewery (At-Large) JO Guck Bailey, Chair of Visit Mankato Jim Beal, Chair of Regional Economic Development Alliance Stephanie Bottner, Taylor Corporation/Pear Tree Greetings Travis Brovold, McGladrey, LLP* Dan Bruss, Bethany Lutheran College* Jerry Crest, City Center Partnership Mitch Davis, Davis Family Holdings* Mike Drummer, Drummers Garden Center & Floral Joe Duncan, Bolton & Menk, Inc. Brian Fowler, Quality 1 HR Foto/Sports Pix Pat Hentges, City of Mankato Pam Jagdfeld, Nifty Home Products John Kvamme, Vice Chair of Regional Economic Development Alliance Joe Meidl, The Music Mart Dr. Annette Parker, South Central College James Santori, The Free Press* Ron Vetter, Vetter Stone *Retiring

VISIT MANKATO BOARD OF GOVERNORS

JO Guck Bailey, Radio Mankato/Sign Pro (Chair) Linda Osborne, Country Inn & Suites Hotel & Conference Center by Carlson (Vice Chair)* Alissa Brekke, Pioneer Bank (Secretary/ Treasurer) Eric Oleson, Oleson + Hobbie Architects (At-Large)* Jennifer Epper, Buffalo Wild Wings (At-Large) Tanya Ange, City of Mankato Gerry Burke, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pam DeMarce, WOW! Zone* Randy Knutson, Farrish Johnson Law/ Knutson + Casey/Mankato Mud Run Burt Lyman, Verizon Wireless Center Sandra Oachs, Hilton Garden Inn Peter Olson, Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Jessica Potter, Blue Earth County Historical Society Jay Reasner, Pub 500 Jim Santori, The Free Press* Gwenn Wolters, Rasmussen College *Retiring

CITY CENTER PARTNERSHIP BOARD OF GOVERNORS Jerry Crest , Retired (Chair) Tom Frederick, Jr., Pub 500 (Vice Chair)

Larry Krmpotich, Stifel (Secretary/Treasurer) Stacey Straka, Red Door Creative (Past Chair) Tanya Ange, City of Mankato Cathy Brennan, Brennan Companies* Tony Frentz, Frentz Construction John Harrenstein, City of North Mankato David Jones, Minnesota State University, Mankato Todd Loosbrock, U.S. Bank Sandra Oachs, Hilton Garden Inn Steve Olson, MinnStar Bank Tami Paulsen, I+S Group, Inc. Kyle Smith, Tailwind Group Lisa Meyer, Steve Meyer Insurance* Anna Thill, Visit Mankato Kevin Velasquez, Blethen, Gage & Krause, PLLP Jim Whitlock, Brickhouse Graphics/Business on Belgrade Andy Willaert, Gislason & Hunter Walter Zakahi, Minnesota State University, Mankato* Randy Zellmer, Stinson Leonard Street LLP Jonathan G. Zierdt, Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. *Retiring

GREATER MANKATO GROWTH STAFF

Patrick Baker, Director of Government & Institutional Affairs Richelle Ballenger, Marketing & Communications Specialist John F. Considine III, Business Development Resource Manager Trudie Gustafson, Vice President Shannon Gullickson, Talent Programs Director Amy Linde, Director of Marketing & Communications Tom Riley, New Business Development Director Rebecca Rosier, Finance Manager Liz Sharp, Special Events Director Joelle Shouts, Member Relations Assistant Karen Toft, Member Relations Director Sharlene Vrtacnik, Administrative Assistant Amanda Weldon, Marketing & Communications Assistant Jonathan G. Zierdt, President & CEO

VISIT MANKATO STAFF

Josh Anderson, Sports Commission Director Larissa Mrozek, Senior Sales Director Christine Nessler, Marketing & Leisure Sales Director Kathryn Reeder, Brand Manager Paige Schuette, Visitor Engagement Manager Joelle Shouts, Administrative Assistant Anna Thill, President Maureen Waltman, Marathon Coordinator

CITY CENTER PARTNERSHIP STAFF

Eric Harriman, Executive Director Noelle Lawton, Special Initatives Coordinator

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Volunteers and Committees

GREATER MANKATO GROWTH AMBASSADORS

Shawn Andrews, Andrews Family Chiropractic Judy Arzdorf, Harry Meyering Center JO Guck Bailey, Radio Mankato/Sign Pro Keith Balster, U.S. Bank Bernie Bastian, Angie’s Popcorn Ginny Bergerson, The Free Press Rachel Carpenter, Primrose Retirement Community Marsha Danielson, South Central College Athena Ediger, Sam’s Club Beth Fasnacht, Brunton Architects & Engineers Laurie Folsom, Charter Media Tom Frederick Jr., Pub 500 John Ginther, KEYC Television (CBS)/ FOX Mankato Amber Goblirsch, Taylor Corporation Bruce Gratz, First National Bank Minnesota Erik Hagedorn, Wells Fargo Bank, NABusiness Banking Amy Ites, Rasmussen College Douglas Johnson, Retired Brian Leonhardi, EI Microcircuits Fred Lutz, Retired Karla Haley Malone, Coldwell Banker Welcome Home Realty Vicky Meyer, U.S. Bank Mark Mitzel, Wells Fargo Bank Eric Oleson, Oleson+Hobbie Architects LLC Claire Patterson, Mankato Clinic Leah Pockrandt, School Sisters of Notre Dame Tami Reuter, South Central College Foundation William Simonette, Diversified Financial Services Ryan Spaude, Eide Bailly Billy Steiner, Radio Mankato George Sugden, Retired David Sunderman, BENCO Electric Cooperative Jon Teeslink, Snell Motors Chastity Valvick, Enventis Karen Wagner, Minn. Dept. of Employment Economic Development, Mankato WorkForce Center Tiffany Ward, Indulge Salon & Tanning Tom Warrant, Tire Associates Christi Wilking, Greater Mankato Area United Way Pam Weller, Minnesota State University, Mankato Art Westphal, Bethany Lutheran College Karry Meyer, The True Team RE/MAX

Dynamic Agents Devin Krienke, Devin Kreinke Agency, American Family Insurance Alan Cole, University Square and Village Apartments Benjamin Suker, Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union Kathy Depuydt, Bradley’s on Stadium

GREATER MANKATO GROWTH CAVALIERS

Dan Baker, CENTURY 21 Atwood Realty Nancy Bellig, Frandsen Bank & Trust Russell Blaschko, First National Bank Minnesota Liz Thiesse, Subway Restaurants Rick Chandler, R-U Wireless/THINK Toner & Ink Sheila Daggett, Mayo Clinic Health System John Daley, Valuation Specialists Jenn Faust, Eide Bailly Carrie Flanagan, Bethany Lutheran College Connie Hanek, Paragon Printing, Mailing & Specialties Rick Harbarth, Agstar Financial Services Todd Joyal, Buffalo Wild Wings Joy Kelley, ECS - Your Wiring Pros Mike Kennedy, Alliance Insurace Agency Megan Lange, Aflac Julie Leiferman, Schwickert’s Tecta America Kate Loging, Eide Bailly Judy Ringler Mountain, New York Life Insurance Sandra Oachs, Hilton Garden Inn Duane Olenius, Pioneer Bank Mike Oliver, Farmers Insurance Brooke Olson, Primrose Retirement Community Amber Pietan, Amber Pietan Travel Agency Amber Power, Minnesota State University, Mankato Jill Reed, Courtyard by Marriott Lorri Rieff, CENTURY 21 Atwood Realty Kathy Sanger, Rasmussen College Nicole Panko, I+S Group, Inc. Lisa Schweiss, Minnesota Valley Granite Kris Simpson, MRCI WorkSource Liz Sparacino, Exclusively Diamonds Jolene Wall, Bremer Bank Tom Warrant, Tire Associates Mary Weller, Coldwell Banker Welcome Home Realty Christa Wolner, Drummer Companies/Weichert Group Jill Reed, Courtyard by Marriott Lisa Cownie, KEYC Television (CBS)/ FOX Mankato Robyn James, MD CPA’s & Advisors

PROJECT ABE STEERING COMMITTEE

Teresa Webster, Kato Engineering Inc./Emerson

Jim Beal, GMG Board/REDA Travis Brovold, McGladrey GREATER MANKATO YOUNG Mitch Davis, Davis Family Holdings/ PROFESSIONALS Davis Family Dairies COUNCIL & COMMITTEES Brad & Meg Freking, New Fashion Pork, LLP Jesse Schott, I+S Group, Inc. (Chair) Gary Koch, Gislason & Hunter LLP Jodie Hermer, AgStar Financial PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Services, ACA COMMITTEE Steve Kibble, (KEI) Kibble Nathan Hanel, Capstone (Chair) Equipment Alec Pfeffer, U.S. Bank Brian Martensen, Minnesota State Allie Arp, Minnesota Soybean University, Mankato Brianna Hoffman, Pear Tree Jim Marzolf, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Greetings Sheryl Meshke, AMPI Casey Christenson, Lime Valley Brad Schloesser, South Central Advertising College, Southern Minnesota Center Chris Lienemann, Minnesota State of Agriculture University, Mankato Tom Seigfreid, Rembrandt Christi Wilking, Mayo Clinic Health Enterprises, Inc. System Chad Surprenant, I+S Group Jenna Vujic, American Engineering Pat Yockey, DuPont Pioneer & Testing Lisa Eimer, Rasmussen College REDA ADVISORY COMMITTEE Patrick Baker, Greater Mankato Brad Ahrenstorff, City of Lake Crystal Growth Eric Anderson, City of Mankato Tonya Hobbie, Taylor Corporation Jim Beal, City of Eagle Lake Bob Broeder, City of Le Sueur MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Mark Dehen, City of North Mankato Dallas Willman, I+S Group, Inc. Mike Fischer, City of North Mankato (Chair) Nicole Griensewic Michelson, Region Jason Fisher, Precision Press (Chair) Nine Development Commission Andrew Wagner, Eide Bailly John Harrenstein, City of North Brian Goeswisch, Goeswisch Mankato Construction Pat Hentges, City of Mankato Carlie Stevens, Swanson Hinsch & Carolyn Hiniker, City of Madison Lake Company John Kvamme, City of Saint Peter Dianna Lyngholm, Carlson Craft Bob Meyer, Blue Earth County Elizabeth Harstad, Greater Mankato Mark Piepho, Blue Earth County United Way Brad Potter, City of Eagle Lake Jason Fisher, Precision Press Ari Klugman, City of Madison Lake Kristi Helget, Abdo Eick & Meyers, Todd Prafke, City of Saint Peter CPAs Kristin Prososki, City of Mankato Matthew Thibert, Braun Intertec Janelle Teppen, City of Le Sueur Nathan Chandler, THINK Toner & Ed Tschida, Le Sueur Development Ink/T Mobile Paul Vogel, City of Mankato Nick Burger, James R. Weir Insurance Russ Wille, City of Saint Peter Paul Shneider, Blethen, Gage & Krause, PLLP Scott Miller, Minnesota Soybean Shannon Beal, J Beal Real Estate TALENT PORTAL TEAM Group Keith Bauer, Mankato Clinic Shelly Fromm, Pear Tree Greetings Ed Clark, Minnesota State University, Tom Johnson, Lloyd Management Mankato Beth Dittbenner, Mayo Clinic Health SOCIAL COMMITTEE System Jaci Sprague, Junior Achievement of Diane Fewer, Taylor Corporation the Upper Midwest (Chair) Jessica Gartner, Mayo Clinic Health Abby Lewis, Cambria System April Femrite, Bent River Outfitter Diane Halvorson, South Central Darci Pratt, Pratt, Kutzke & Workforce Council Associates Amy Ites, Rasmussen College David Freitag, Wilcon Construction Ted Johnson, Minnesota State Jason Fisher, Precision Press University, Mankato Julie Freid, Coughlan Companies Mark Murphy, Wells Fargo Kevin Velasquez, Blethen, Gage & Tim Pelton, EI Microcircuits Krause, PLLP Diana Stoll, MTU Onsite Energy Lacy Weidert, Mayo Clinic Health

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System Lindsay Walker, Mankato Clinic COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE Rachel Jungers, Eide Bailly Chair) Chastity Valvick, Enventis Dan White, Office Space Design Daniel Sprague, Wells Fargo Garret Gilgendorf, Mankato Clinic Jeff Lang, Radio Mankato Nick Burger, James R. Weir Insurance Ryan Gustafson, Citizens Community Federal KIWANIS HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE COMMITTEE Rachael Jungers, Eide Bailly (Chair) Andrew Wagner, Eide Bailly Shannon Beal, JBeal Real Estate Group Kayla Siewert, Thrivent Financial Garret Hilgendorf, Mankato Clinic Kayla Powers, Profinium Kevin Velasquez, Blethen Gage & Krause Kelcey Woods-Nord, South Central College Carlie Stevens, Swanson Hinsch & Company Abbie Olson, Gislason & Hunter, LLP

GREATER MANKATO LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE STEERING COMMITTEE Ben McAninch, Blethen, Gage & Krause, PLLP (2013-14 Chair) Jaci Sprague, Junior Achievement of Greater Mankato (2014-15 Chair) Deb Addis, Mankato Clinic Nick Burger, James R. Weir Insurance Agency Magen Feuchtenberger, LIV Aveda Salon & Spa Carrie Flanagan, Bethany Lutheran College Mary Kaisershot, U.S. Bank Patti Kramlinger, Minnesota State University, Mankato Tami Reuter, South Central College Foundation Chris Sandquist, Gislason & Hunter LLP

GROW MINNESOTA! VOLUNTEERS Silas Danielson, Blethen, Gage & Krause, PLLP Tami Reuter, South Central College Foundation Mary Oudekerk, 504 Corp Kristine Wuller, Manpower, Inc Krystle Sell, Express Employment Professionals Julie Leiferman, Schwickerts

TOUR OF MANUFACTURING PLANNING COMMITTEE Rob Anderson, Brown County Economic Development Partners, Inc.

Pat Baker, Eide Bailly Jennifer Faust, Eide Bailly Heather Gleason, South Central WorkForce Council Diane Halvorson, South Central WorkForce Council Randy Long, Department of Employment and Economic Development Greg Thomas, Enterprise Minnesota Lindsey Preuss, Faribault County Development Corporation

PUBLIC AFFAIRS STEERING COMMITTEE

Jim Santori, The Free Press (Chair) Kay Wallerich, Minnesota State University, Mankato (Vice Chair) Randy Berkland, Blethen, Gage & Krause, PLLP Rich Grace, Mayo Clinic Health System Pat Hentges, City of Mankato Joe Meidl, The Music Mart Tami Paulsen, I+S Group, Inc. Geoff Roise, Lindsay Windows Dawn Schaefer, Creative Ad Solutions, Inc. Ryan Spaude, Eide Bailly Dave Sunderman, BENCO Electric Cooperative Jay Weir, James R. Weir Insurance Agency Andy Willaert, Gislason & Hunter LLP John Harrenstein, City of North Mankato David Wittenberg, U.S. Bank

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICE POLICY TEAM

Jay Weir, James R. Weir Insurance Agency (Chair) Judy Arzdorf, Harry Meyering Center Alan Augustin, SMILES Center for Independent Living Brain Gager, Mayo Clinic Health System Linda Leiding, MRCI WorkSource Scott Michaletz, Kato Insurance Agency Jennifer Pfeffer, Ecumen Pathstone Living Steve Schoener, LivingLinks Chris Thro, The Thro Company

TRANSPORTATION POLICY TEAM

Andy Willaert, Gislason & Hunter LLP (Chair) Bonnie Barrier, Pepsi-Cola of Mankato Inc. Chuck Brandel, I+S Group, Inc. Chris Cavett, Short Elliott Hendrickson Jerry Crest, Mayo Clinic Health System Mark Dehen, Mayor of North Mankato Jim Pockrandt, MTU Onsite Energy Troy Volk, Volk Transfer

ECONOMIC POLICY TEAM

Geoff Roise, Lindsay Windows (Chair) Jason Beal, JBeal Real Estate Group Mike Nolan, Small Business Development Center Trisha Rosenfeld, Xcel Energy Anna Thill, Visit Mankato David Wittenberg, U.S. Bank

BUSINESS POLICY TEAM

Ryan Spaude, Eide Bailly (Chair) Steve Hatkin, Mankato Clinic Michael Jacobs, Stinson Leonard Street LLP Eric Peters, Wells Federal Bank Sarah Richards, Jones Metal Products Paul Wilke, River Hills Mall

EDUCATION POLICY TEAM

Dave Sunderman, BENCO Electric Cooperative (Chair) Mark Baas, South Central College Mark Braun, Gustavus Adolphus College Dan Bruss, Bethany Lutheran College Audra Nissen Boyer, Mankato Area Public Schools - District 77 Nancy Ulrich, Taylor Corporation Marilyn Wells, Minnesota State University, Mankato

SPORTS COMMISSION:

Phil Tostenson, City of North Mankato Molly Madden, Community Education & Recreation Kevin Buisman, MSU Mankato Ryan Kragh, Bethany College Randy Knutson, Knutson + Casey Law Firm Steve Hatkin, Mankato Clinic Terry Kuechle, Armour-Eckrich Larissa Egli, Stay-at-Home Parent Paul Gaspar, Pioneer Hi-Bred International Sandra Oachs, Hilton Garden Inn Todd Joyal, Buffalo Wild Wings Shane Frederick, Mankato Free Press Jeff Lange, Radio Mankato Chad Surprenant, I + S Group Troy Volk, Volk Transfer Lisa Hoffman Wojcik, Open Door Health Center David Wittenberg, U.S. Bank Kyle Mrozek, Mankato MoonDogs Beth Folwer Rohrich, SPX Sports

SPORTS COMMISSION SALES & MARKETING COMMITTEE Steve Hatkin, Mankato Clinic Kevin Buisman, MSU-Mankato

Troy Volk, Volk Transfer Randy Knutson, Knutson + Casey Law Firm

SPORTS COMMISSION FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Larissa Egli, Stay-at-Home Parent Beth Rohrich, SPX Sports David Wittenberg, US Bank Chad Surprenant, I+S Group, Inc.

CONVENTION SALES COMMITTEE Kaaren Grabianowski, Country Inn & Suites Tricia Stenberg, Verizon Wireless Center Sandra Oachs, Hilton Garden Inn Jill Reed, Courtyard by Marriott Gerry Burke, Holiday Inn Express Burt Lyman, Verizon Wireless Center Steve Tacheny, Hilton Garden Inn Trisha Hoffman, City Center Hotel

LEISURE THINK TANK

Beth Rohrich, SPX Sports Bridget Larson, SPX Sports Eric Jones, Verizon Wireless Center Ginny Bergerson, Free Press Media Jay Resner, Pub 500 Jeff Hendrix, Radio Mankato Julie Steinke, Bent River Outfitter Kaaren Keohane, Country Inn & Suites Kate Loging, Eide Bailly Paul Lawton, I+S Group, Inc. Paula Marti, Morgan Creek Vineyard Peter Olson, Children’s Museum of Southern MN Stacey Straka, Red Door Creative Tim Tupy, Mankato Brewery

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

Andrew Willaert, Gislason & Hunter LLP (Chair) Larry Krmpotich, Stifel Steve Olson, MinnStar Bank Stacey Straka, Red Door Creative David Wittenberg, U.S. Bank

AESTHETICS & LIVABILITY COMMITTEE

Stacey Straka, Red Door Creative Tami Paulsen, I+S Group, Inc. Jeff Hendrix, Radio Mankato Ben Lundsten Jessica Potter, BECHS Eric Lennartson, I+S Group, Inc. Katie Boone Corrie Eggimann Paul Vogel, City of Mankato Andy Willaert, Gislason & Hunter

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...Volunteers & Committees Continued Samantha Meyer Kayla Rossiter, Atwood Realty Matthias Leyrer, Taylor Coorporation Landon Bode, City of Mankato Mark Konz, City of Mankato Kevin Velesquez, Blethan, Gage & Krause Anje Meisner Cory Tauer, I+S Group, Inc. Stacy Lienemann Peg Ganey, Atwood Property Management Barb Bergman, Minnesota State University, Mankato Ann Willaert, South Central College Eric Jones, Verizon Wireless Center Theresa Carlberg, PresenceMaker Noelle Lawton, City Center Partnership

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & RETENTION COMMITTEE

Jerry Crest, Mayo Clinic Health System (Chair) Gregg Andersen, Gallery 19 - Gregg Andersen Photography Cathy Brennan, Brennan Construction John Considine, Greater Mankato Growth Mike Fischer, City of North Mankato Tony Frentz, Frentz Construction Todd Loosbrock, U.S. Bank Julie Nelson, Small Business Development Center Bryan Paulsen, I+S Group, Inc. Jerry Pietz, Kato Moving & Storage, Mayflower Kristin Prososki, City of Mankato Dan Robinson, Lidstrom Commercial Realtors David Schooff, Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group Jim Whitlock, Brick House Graphics

CITYART WALKING SCULPTURE TOUR COMMITTEE

Tami Paulsen, I+S Group (Co-Chair) Dawn Ulrich-Spitzer, Mankato Mental Health Associates (Co-Chair) Steve Mork Michael Fischer, City of North Mankato Parker Skophammer, City of Mankato Sandra Oachs, Hilton Garden Inn Yvonne Cariveau, VoyageurWeb Shannon Beal, JBeal Realty Group Peg Ganey, Atwood Property Management Melissa Bradley, Snell Motors Jeanne Gallaway JO Guck Bailey, Radio Mankato Stephanie Stoffel, Twin Rivers Council for the Arts Amanda Wirig Ginny Bergerson, The Free Press Liz Miller, Minnesota State University, Mankato Amy Sinning Noelle Lawton, City Center Partnership

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Larry Krmpotich, Stifel (Chair)

Cathy Brennan, Brennan Construction Todd Loosbrock, U.S. Bank Steve Olson, MinnStar Bank

POST OFFICE REUSE TASKFORCE Brad Buscher Douglas W. Johnson Fred Lutz George Sugden Jerry Crest Kenneth Saffert Randy Berkland

MARKETING & PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE

JO Guck Bailey, Radio Mankato/SignPro Theresa Carlberg, PresenceMaker, Inc. Eric Harriman, City Center Partnership Richelle Ballenger, Greater Mankato Growth Eric Jones, Verzion Wireless Center Burt Lyman, Verizon Wireless Center Theresa Carlberg, PresenceMaker Tom Frederick Jr., Pub 500 Betty Ouren, MinnStar Bank Kayla Powers, Profinium Kathryn Reeder, Visit Mankato Stacey Straka, Red Door Creative Anna Thill, Visit Mankato Randy Zellmer, Stinson Leonard Street LLP Tricia Stenberg, Greater Mankato Area United Way Noelle Lawton, City Center Partnership

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We are ever grateful for our volunteers. Without their endless time, talent and devotion, our organization’s achievements would not be possible.

Thank you.

Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. 1961 Premier Drive, Suite 100 Mankato, MN 56001 507.385.6640 greatermankato.com