TAMMY CAMPION JOINS GSDC AS AMELIA BARKLEY MOVES ON
A familiar name in St. Cloud area planning and economic development circles is now putting her talents to work for GSDC investors. Tammy Campion began June 13 as our new Communications & Program Specialist.
Many of you know her, because Tammy worked for 22 years in the City of St. Cloud Planning Office, the last 16 as a Senior Planner and Economic Development Specialist. She retired from the City in early 2022, but when an unexpected opening came about at the GSDC, she decided full retirement could wait.
Amelia Barkley, who joined the GSDC as a College of St. Benedict intern in 2019 and was hired upon graduation as a fulltime GSDC communications person, accepted a new job as Development Associate with the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County. Amelia was a great asset to the GSDC, and we wish her well in what we know will be a successful career.
“As we considered the best ways of addressing communications needs as well as how to further enhance our economic development efforts, we thought of Tammy’s many skills,” says GSDC President Patti Gartland. “We arrived at a half-time position that fit Tammy’s needs and ours, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of the GSDC.”
Tammy, who received her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Science degrees from St. Cloud State University, said the transition has been easy.
“During my years at City Hall, we often worked with the GSDC on projects, so I knew what they were all about and they knew me. I’m looking forward to helping the GSDC team continue to make a positive difference in our region.”
NEW REPORT ON MN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The Minnesota Chamber Foundation has released its 30-page analysis on entrepreneurship in Minnesota. The report looks at key trends shaping start-up outcomes, how these outcomes vary across industry, demographic and geographic sectors and contains recommendations of key strategies to ensure the next generation of Minnesota entrepreneurs can start, invest and grow in Minnesota.
NOMINATE SOMEONE (OR YOURSELF) FOR A GSDC INNOVATION AWARD
July 22 is the deadline for nominating an area innovator (perhaps yourself) for a GSDC Innovation Award, a program now in its 11th year to recognize originality among non-profit and for-profit organizations located in Benton, Sherburne or Stearns County.
For the purpose of the I-Awards, we define innovation as a new product, service, practice, technology or business model, which is a fresh take on solving a challenge, has been implemented, has improved the experience of a stakeholder, and has added value and/or been monetized (generated revenue) for a business or organization.
Since 2012, the GSDC has recognized 34 area organizations for their innovative approaches to problem solving and creating opportunities. At our All-Investors and Partners meeting on November 3, 2022, we will honor four organizations: an emerging for-profit company, an established for-profit company and two non-profit organizations. Each will also receive a $1,000 award.
Last year, the diversity of innovations recognized included an efficient and yield-enhancing way of planting corn, developed by MK1; new technology that enhanced companies’ Paycheck Protection Program administration, developed by Wolters Kluwer; the successful COP House, created and led by the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation; and development of the versatile Ledge Amphitheater by the City of Waite Park.
“The Greater St. Cloud area has an abundance of innovators who quietly develop new ways to benefit the region and even the world,” says Leslie Dingmann, GSDC Business Development Director. “Our Innovation Awards are here to shine light on those innovators. We invite anyone who is creating new solutions to apply for this year’s awards. Or, if they’re too busy working on their innovations, we hope others will nominate someone they see as deserving of such recognition.”
Click here for nomination information or contact Leslie Dingmann, GSDC Business Development Director, at 320-252-5247.
RESCHEDULED EV EXPO JULY 9 AT RIVER’S EDGE
The Recharge St. Cloud Electric Vehicle Expo, postponed on April 30 due to bad weather forecast for Lake George Park, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9, in the weatherproof River’s Edge Convention Center.
The GSDC is a co-sponsor of the event, at which people may take an EV out for a spin, get hands-on experience with charging, and get a feel for how EVs can fit into your life. Experts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
VEX MN Robotics and St. Cloud Technical and Community College will also have a robot demo that guests can try out.
The event is being organized in partnership with the City of St. Cloud, Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, the Initiative Foundation, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, VEX MN Robotics, Gilleland Motors, Eich Motors and Xcel Energy.
Recharge Minnesota is a state-based public education initiative aimed at increasing the number of electric vehicle drivers and expanding the supporting charging infrastructure in communities throughout Minnesota. The program is part of the national Recharge America initiative, which mobilizes support for electric vehicle adoption at the community level to help keep energy dollars local, boost local economies, and help communities capture the benefits of clean transportation. For more information visit www.recharge-america.org or www.recharge-minnesota.org.
# # #
Sign up to receive SHINE ON, a monthly email highlighting all the good happening in Central MN.
Would you like to be receiving our Developing News Updates? Subscribe here.
Contact Our Staff Team
Patti Gartland, President
pgartland@greaterstcloud.com | 320.260.2442
Leslie Dingmann, Business Development Director
ldingmann@greaterstcloud.com | 320.493.9003
Gail Cruikshank, Talent Director
gcruikshank@greaterstcloud.com | 320.260.6775
Tammy Campion, Communications & Program Specialist
tcampion@greaterstcloud.com | 320.252.5185