KCED Success Partnerships
The value of good partnerships is the collaboration and willingness to take on challenges and solve them together!
The City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County make up the joint powers agreement that created Kandiyohi County Economic Development through an act of legislation. The City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County are integral in the development work we do.
In 2003, the City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County formed a joint powers agreement to create the Kandiyohi County Economic Development (KCED) through an act of legislation. The unified vision and goals created by the City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County reflect community service, engagement, and celebration with the support of business, childcare, broadband accessibility, ag innovation, and housing development.
The scope of our work is ultimately defined by our mission, to be the catalyst of economic growth for all of Kandiyohi County.
KCED collaborates closely with the entire City, with a robust partnership with the Planning and Development Department
Partnership Examples:
Kandiyohi County Economic Development often collaborates with Mid-Minnesota Development Commission through lending partnerships, grant application assistance, joint support of foundation issues including child care, broadband, housing and workforce development, that nurtures economic development and supports the high standard of living our residents expect and deserve.
Partnership Examples:
DEED is a large supporter of economic growth and development, including the pillars of child care and broadband development and entrepreneur and small business support, for not only Kandiyohi County but the entirety of Minnesota.
Partnership Examples:
The MinnWest Techonology Campus was formerly owned by the State of Minnesota and operated as a state hospital. In 2006 MinnWest was founded after a nearly 4 year process to transfer ownership and use. KCED assisted with that process and has helped navigate Tax Abatement Financing (TIF) for companies located on the campus and continue to support business development that has resulted in ~$27 million in private investment.
Partnership Examples:
SWIF is one of the greatest financial and celebratory supporters of many KCED programs including child care, Elevate CBA, and future and present business owner programs. SWIF can be found at many celebrations for Kandiyohi County successes.
Partnership Examples:
United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) and KCED developed a unique partnership in 2023, coming together to fund and host a Community Child Care Coordinator. This position is staffed by UCAP and housed part time at KCED to be fully integrated into child care initiatives.
Partnership Examples:
Unified by the desire to support economic growth by supporting business owners throughout Kandiyohi County, the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber and KCED come together to create workforce support solutions and celebrate business successes.
Partnership Examples:
Marketing Kandiyohi County is a pillar for both the CVB and KCED. The CVB’s marketing efforts create a positive image of Kandiyohi County and help fuel economic development objectives. KCED invests in and supports the CVB’s creative and community-centered marketing approaches. One KCED Board Member is appointed to the CVB Board of Directors, creating a bridge between the two organizations.
KCED and the Willmar Area Community Foundation often come together to support projects and events that serve the entire county particularly around critical community issues of child care, housing, support to non-profit businesses and civic engagement initiatives. These two entities often play lead roles in forming public-private partnerships that benefit our entire area.
Ready to unlock your full potential in Kandiyohi County?
Contact us now and let Kandiyohi County Economic Development be your gateway to success.