The Economic Alliance

08/17/2026

Join us in-person or virtually. Starting Friday, September 11th!

08/03/2026

The North Central Small Business Development Center is offering Next Stage Business Growth + Paid Leave Webinars. Register TODAY!

07/29/2026

What makes our new Executive Director of The Economic Alliance special? “Strong communities are built through strong connections. My background has taught me the importance of listening and bringing people together to find solutions.” https://www.thealliancemn.org/news-and-events/p/item/68379/a-new-face-at-west-central-economic-development-alliance

07/22/2026

The Economic Development Alliance builds momentum with new leadership. Alison Medeck took the lead as Executive Director of The Economic Alliance in April of 2026. A uniquely qualified leader with a strong vision for Wadena County. https://www.thealliancemn.org/news-and-events/p/item/68379/a-new-face-at-west-central-economic-development-alliance

07/22/2026

🚧 Marketing Grant Opportunity Available 🚧

Businesses impacted by construction in the Wadena area - this is for you! Wadena Pioneer Journal has established a $45,000 Community Construction Match Grant to help eligible local businesses maintain visibility and connect with customers during construction.

If your business has been affected, review the attached flyer for eligibility and application details. The application is QUICK & EASY!

We appreciate the Wadena Pioneer Journal being engaged in supporting the success of our local business community.

07/15/2026

📣 Small business owners and entrepreneurs...this is for YOU!

We're excited to host Marketing Mornings at the Central Lakes College - Staples Campus. We'd love to see you there!

A new Marketing Mornings Watch Party Host has entered the chat! If you're in Todd or Wadena County, you can join our friends at The Economic Alliance each month at the Central Lakes College Staples Campus. You'll not only be able to view our full training, but you'll make local connections that can help you grow and promote your small business.

View the full Marketing Mornings lineup and register at www.northcentralsbdc.com/marketingmornings

07/14/2026

This is a great opportunity to share your ideas, provide input, and help guide the priorities that will impact the City of Wadena for years to come.

Join your neighbors to help shape Wadena’s future at the upcoming Comprehensive Planning Meeting!

On Tuesday, July 21st at 5:30 p.m., Reigon Five Development Commission in tandem with the City of Wadena and the community, will continue working to develop a comprehensive plan for the City to implement over the next 10 years. This is your chance to have your voice heard, share ideas, raise concerns, and help set priorities.

The comprehensive plan will guide future decisions about development, infrastructure, and public services, so feedback at this meeting makes a difference! Bring a friend, stop by after work, and help us plan for the future of Wadena together!

07/13/2026

Did you hear? Marketing Mornings for businesses is starting in September!

The Economic Alliance is excited to bring Marketing Mornings to give entrepreneurs and small businesses a convenient way to learn, connect, and grow.

Each session is packed with practical marketing strategies, fresh ideas, and tools you can put to work right away to help your business succeed.

📍 Attend in person at the Central Lakes College Staples Campus and network with others.
💻 Or join virtually from wherever you are.

We're excited to offer this new opportunity in partnership with the North Central Small Business Development Center to our business community. To learn more and register, visit www.northcentralsbdc.com/marketingmornings

Have questions? Reach out - we're happy to help!

07/07/2026

Wadena County Manufacturers - Save the Date - Tuesday, October 6th!

Lakes Area Manufacturers Alliance (LAMA) region includes Aitkin, Crow Wing, Cass, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena County manufacturers and partners.

Save the date! Join the Lakes Area Manufacturers Alliance on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, for our "Celebrating Manufacturing" event.

We are bringing together manufacturers and industry leaders from across Aitkin, Crow Wing, Cass, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties for a morning focused on regional growth, networking, and workforce solutions.

Whether you are looking to address local hiring challenges or connect with peer manufacturers in the Lakes area, you won't want to miss this session. Registration details will be available soon!