Patrick O'Rourke Named Top Pick for Kandiyohi EDC Role

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Governor Walz Announces $52 Million to Expand Broadband to nearly 8,000 Minnesota Homes and Businesses

October 9, 2024 [ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced $52 million in grants to expand broadband access to an estimated 7,700 homes and businesses throughout Minnesota. “Investing in broadband infrastructure benefits businesses and communities across the state,” said Governor Walz. “By connecting thousands of Minnesotans to businesses, education, and health care through broadband, we’re […]

Introducing Patrick O’Rourke

This letter originally appeared in the KCED Fall 2024 Newsletter I am excited to have been given this opportunity to serve Kandiyohi County as Executive Director of Kandiyohi County Economic Development (KCED). Since joining KCED as of August 1st, my wife, Terry, and I have moved into our home on Foot Lake in Willmar, attended […]

The Making of a Manufacturer: The MAP Program of Willmar High School

This article was first published in the KCED Fall 2024 Newsletter Jason Duininck, Business Developer for Duininck Inc., is quoted on the business’ website as saying, “I have always had an interest in helping people reach their potential and improving my community.” It is easy to see how the idea of building a partnership that […]

A Manufacturing Marvel: Minnesota Shrimp & Simply Shrimp

This article was originally published in the Fall 2024 KCED Newsletter. Driving South on Highway 71, right before you get to the turn-off for Blomkest, you may have passed the sign, “Simply Shrimp,” and below it, a picture of the state of Minnesota, with a red shrimp curling into it and the words “Minnesota Shrimp, […]

New News at KCED

KCED announces new staff, a new location, and a refreshed website. Read the full newsletter by clicking here.

KCED approves hiring of new Executive Director

At its meeting today, Thursday, July 25, 2024, the KCED Joint Powers Board approved entering into an Employment Agreement with Patrick O’Rourke. O’Rourke holds a bachelor’s degree in communications electronic media management from Northern Arizona University and a master’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University – Bloomington School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Since […]

KCED Summer 2024 Newsletter: Leading Ladies: Women Shaping Ag-Related Business

This newsletter was published by KCED on June 17, 2024 On a Wing and a PrayerIt is a business success story that owners Becky and Greg Wierschke say started ‘on a wing and a prayer,’ a statement that could be applied to the two-business operation building a processing plant in the Willmar Industrial Park. Their […]

Patrick O’Rourke to be offered Kandiyohi County Economic Development position

WILLMAR – Patrick O’Rourke rose to the top of the executive director candidate list for Kandiyohi County Economic Development and will be offered the position. Four members of the Joint Powers Board for Kandiyohi County Economic Development, in a secret ballot, voted for O’Rourke as their top candidate; two members voted for him as the […]

KCED reveals finalists for executive director position

WILLMAR — Four finalists have been named for the executive director position for the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission — all of whom are local to Minnesota. The finalists chosen by the KCED Joint Powers Board are Paul Borgerding, Jolene Foss, Patrick O’Rourke and Brianna Sanders, according to a news release […]

Kandiyohi County / Willmar EDC offices to relocate this fall

WILLMAR – The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission has found a new home, which is currently being renovated to suit its needs. Earlier this spring, both the EDC Joint Operations and Joint Powers boards approved moving forward with a 10-year lease agreement with Willmar Ten Investors to move the EDC office […]

Minnesota awards $500,000 grant to expand child care in Kandiyohi County

KANDIYOHI COUNTY — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday announced $6.2 million in new grants to expand child care across the state, including $500,000 for Kandiyohi County. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has awarded 21 organizations with Child Care Economic Development grants — the state’s largest-ever round of funding for this program. […]

Woody’s Trucking of Willmar named Women-Owned Small Business of the Year

A KCED Summer 2024 Newsletter Article: Woody’s Trucking, Inc. is cleverly branded. Black and orange decorate the office, and the serious woodpecker dressed in a ready-to-work outfit decorates the details. The brand comes from customer service and a sense of culture that emulates the space. Terri Wood, president of Woody’s Trucking, shared the story of […]

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