- Engage Leaders: Board member spotlight – Caryl Turnow
- Grow Business: Angel Investing Event
- Expand Talent: Central MN Labor Force Updates
- Shape Tomorrow: “Inspired Conversations on Equity & Race: St. Cloud’s Jonathan Wong” & Quarterly Business Review on June 17
- Insights and Inspirations: Webinar – Hiring International Students
Engage Leaders: Board Member Spotlight – Caryl Turnow
Caryl Turnow, Executive Director of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, always sees the glass as half full. Soon, this wonderful community asset, dedicated member of the GSDC Board and Chair of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee will have more time to see glass in a variety of ways.
That is because Caryl is retiring on June 30, after which she will have new opportunities to devote to a passion that may surprise you. She is a glass artist who enjoys making stained glass, mosaic, and fused glass items. You have probably seen some of her work.
Minnesota has certainly seen and benefited from her professional work for decades. Prior to her five years leading the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, Caryl served as Business Development and Planned Giving Officer at Northwest Minnesota Foundation and operated her own CPA firm for nine years in Roseau.
“I can’t think of a better way to end a career than to have been able to lead the Community Foundation,” says Caryl. “I have been able to be matchmaker between donors and nonprofits who address needs in our community. It has been a privilege to have a small part in the positive changes that occur due to the caring and generosity of so many.”
Fortunately for us, she will continue in her two GSDC leadership roles until the end of 2021.
“I appreciate the collaboration between board members, investors and others who share a goal of making this region a great place to live and work” says Caryl. “The GSDC provides a variety of benefits to the community and the economy by supporting businesses and transportation needs, among many other things. It’s been an honor to be a part of it.”
Thank you, Caryl, for everything you have done for the community – and for what you are continuing to do for the GSDC.
Caryl Turnow, Executive Director of Central Minnesota Community Foundation
Grow Business
Angel Investing Event
The Launch MN network, in partnership with Groove Capital, invites you to participate in a virtual Statewide Angel Investing Event on Wednesday, June 23rd. GSDC engaged investor, Ryan Weber (Great North Ventures), will be a feature panelist discussing the benefits and ways to engage as an investor. Register HERE.
One of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation’s business development strategy is advancing and expanding our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. In 2020, GSDC was selected as one of seven Launch Minnesota hub leads, representing Minnesota’s West Central region. We thank engaged GSDC investors Ryan Weber, Nick Teitz (ILT Academy), Shannon Wiger (Moss & Barnett), Joe Francis (Central McGowan) and Zach Bork (CentraCare) in lending strategic guidance in advancing this important priority.
Expand Talent
Central MN Labor Force Updates
In this month’s Local Look blogs from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Labor Market Information office, we explore the significant changes taking place in the labor market.
Central Minnesota employers reported over 14,100 job vacancies in the fourth quarter of 2020, roughly the same amount as the record highs posted in 2018 and 2019. This flies in the face of the fact that we’re still technically in a recession, which officially started in February 2020 and according to the National Bureau of Economic Research has not ended yet. These historically high job vacancy counts are yet another bizarre outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Take a look at the Monthly Blog and Video Update.
Shape Tomorrow
“Inspired Conversations on Race & Equity: St. Cloud’s Jonathan Wong”
Since 2014, our community has enjoyed and benefited greatly from the talent and passion found in Jonathan Wong who was the focal point for a recent Star Tribune feature. The GSDC was first introduced to Jonathan when GSDC President Patti Gartland was matched as a mentor to Jonathan as part of the Jugaad Leadership Program.
He was also one of the 10 young professionals selected by the GSDC to participate in the inaugural Minnesota Young American Leaders cohort – a Harvard based initiative. And, most recently, Jonathan has served on the GSDC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Team.
June Virtual Quarterly Business Report Review
Understanding the current state of our local economy and where we are going are key for St Cloud’s business leaders.
King Banaian, Dean of the St. Cloud State University School of Public Affairs, will discuss the current and forecasted condition of the local economy on June 17 at 8 AM.
During the June QBR review, survey results will be shared regarding:
- incentives local firms may be offering employees to get the vaccine,
- whether firms are monitoring who gets the vaccine,
- the extent to which unemployment compensation benefits is making it more difficult to attract qualified workers,
- the extent to which area firms have supply chain issues, and
- how COVID has permanently altered business practices.
If you have a question that you would like to have answered during the presentation, please submit it HERE.
QBR is presented by:
Insights & Inspirations
Hiring International Students – SCSU Webinar
Top Talent right here in St. Cloud ready and waiting for opportunities – Are you missing out?
St. Cloud State University currently enrolls over 1,000 international students seeking education to meet the needs of business. These educated, untapped individuals live right here in St. Cloud and are eager to join your team.
Find out how easy it is to recruit and hire these talented graduates for your organization at a free informational webinar hosted by St. Cloud State University Career Center and Center for International Studies on June 24th from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
The conversation will answer your questions and expel the myths associated with hiring international students. You will hear from employers successfully engaging international student graduates in employment and the impact they are providing to their organization.
To register, contact Jackie Bauer, SCSU Assistant Director of Employment and Internship Development.
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
Amelia Barkley, Communications & Program Specialist
abarkley@greaterstcloud.com | 320-292-9296