The Economic Alliance

06/15/2026

💡Did You Know?

Many Minnesota employers are unaware that funding may be available to help train and develop their current workforce.

Through RMCEP Wadena & Park Rapids Jobs, eligible businesses may receive assistance through the Incumbent Worker Training Program, which can help offset the cost of employee training and skill development. Depending on business size, RMCEP may cover up to 90% of eligible training costs.

Training may include:
✔ Industry or business-specific skills - New technical skills
✔ Upgrading computer and technology training
✔ Leadership and management training
✔ Training on new equipment

RMCEP also offers additional no-cost services to help businesses strengthen their workforce, including:

✔ On-the-Job Training wage reimbursements
✔ Adult and Youth Work Training programs
✔ Referrals to trained job seekers
✔ Mentoring and job shadowing opportunities
✔ Workforce support services with no fees to employers

Investing in your employees supports your business growth.

If your business is considering training, hiring, or workforce development initiatives, RMCEP may be a valuable resource worth exploring.

For more information, visit: https://www.rmcep.com/for-employers

05/22/2026

Manufacturing continues to play a critical role in the strength and growth of our regional economy. Earlier this week, our Executive Director, Alison Medeck, joined Andrew Busta with Enterprise Minnesota for tours of manufacturers in Wadena County, including Kern Laser Systems, Homecrest Outdoor Living, and Stern Rubber Company.

These visits provide valuable insight into the innovation, workforce needs, and economic contributions of our local manufacturers. Thank you to each company for taking the time to host and share more about your operations. We appreciate your investment in our region and look forward to continued collaboration.

05/19/2026

Register TODAY for our Marketing During Construction virtual session. Only one week away!

🚧 Road construction doesn’t have to mean a slowdown in business.

We’re partnering with the North Central Small Business Development Center to offer a free virtual session: Marketing During Construction on Tuesday, May 26th, led by Katie Heppner, Regional Director of the North Central SBDC.

This is a can’t-miss opportunity for small businesses impacted by current or future road construction projects in Wadena County. We'll cover the basics of how to keep sales up during construction.

🖥️ Virtual
🗓️Tuesday, May 26th
🕒10:00-11:00 a.m.

Log in from anywhere and join us virtually. Secure your spot by registering here: https://forms.gle/NcSzdeT3Fptqaqfz5

Hosted in partnership by The Economic Alliance and the North Central SBDC.

05/13/2026

Be a part of the conversation! Strong communities are built through collaboration and community input. Planning conversations like this help create a vision for future growth, housing, infrastructure, recreation, and economic vitality.

Comprehensive Meeting #4

Join us next Tuesday, May 19th at 5:30 PM at the MAS to share your thoughts, ideas, and vision for where our community is headed. Whether it's parks, housing, roads, or local businesses — this is your chance to be part of the conversation!

05/11/2026

🚧 Road construction doesn’t have to mean a slowdown in business.

We’re partnering with the North Central Small Business Development Center to offer a free virtual session: Marketing During Construction on Tuesday, May 26th, led by Katie Heppner, Regional Director of the North Central SBDC.

This is a can’t-miss opportunity for small businesses impacted by current or future road construction projects in Wadena County. We'll cover the basics of how to keep sales up during construction.

🖥️ Virtual
🗓️Tuesday, May 26th
🕒10:00-11:00 a.m.

Log in from anywhere and join us virtually. Secure your spot by registering here: https://forms.gle/NcSzdeT3Fptqaqfz5

Hosted in partnership by The Economic Alliance and the North Central SBDC.

04/22/2026

Attention Wadena County...

Region Five Development Commission is gathering input to help shape priorities and guide decisions across our region, and they want to hear directly from you. What’s working well? What could be improved?

This quick 6-minute survey is an opportunity to share your perspective and help influence future planning and investments that impact our communities.

==>Open to anyone within the Region 5 area (Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena.)
==>Participants can also enter for a chance to win a gift card

Take the survey and make your voice count: www.regionfive.org/surveys

Please share with others in Wadena County to help increase participation!

What’s working? What needs to improve?

Take this 6-minute survey to help guide decisions in our region and enter for a chance to win a gift card.

👉 Share your input: www.regionfive.org/surveys

04/20/2026

Here's a great opportunity to learn how data is helping us better understand movement and connections across rural communities.

Rural communities are often described as being “in the middle of nowhere,” but modern life tells a different story.

Join us on April 21 for a webinar exploring how traditional data, combined with emerging mobile data can help communities better understand regional movement patterns and connections. Presenters include Ben Wi******er, rural sociologist, University of Minnesota Extension, DeeDee LeMier, community economics regional educator, University of Minnesota Extension, and Hope Williams, economic development director, City of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Learn more and register: z.umn.edu/b7n0

04/16/2026

Supporting our local businesses means making sure you have the information you need to navigate changes like Paid Leave. We encourage you to attend this helpful, no-cost workshop and take the opportunity to connect with our new Executive Director, Alison Medeck.

Register today!

Hey, Wadena 👋You've got questions about Paid Leave and we've got answers. Join us for this no-cost workshop on Monday, April 20 at noon at Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce. We'll be covering what you need to know as an employer to stay in compliant and successfully offer this benefit to your employees.

As an added bonus, you'll get time to connect with Alison Medeck, North Central SBDC professional business consultant and new Executive Director of The Economic Alliance.

Register here: https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/costoption/class_id/310265

04/16/2026

We’re excited to share an important leadership update at The Economic Alliance.

Alison Medeck has been named Executive Director.

“I’m honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation already in place,” said Medeck. “I look forward to working alongside businesses, community leaders, and partners to support what is already working well and advance new opportunities across Wadena County.”

Medeck will focus on strengthening regional partnerships, supporting local businesses, and building community capacity across Wadena County.

The Economic Alliance looks forward to what’s ahead and remains committed to supporting the businesses and communities we serve.

To learn more about what we do, visit us at www.thealliancemn.org

12/16/2025

We hosted our Annual Conversation with Legislators this morning! It was great to have Sen. Utke and Rep. Knudson discuss the work they are doing at the state level and to be able to answer questions from the public!