Shaping the Future of Southern Minnesota’s Transportation: ATIP Public Meeting Wed. April 9th

South central Minnesota residents and stakeholders are invited to provide input on upcoming transportation projects at the MnDOT District 7 Area Transportation Improvement Program (ATIP) public meeting. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Monarch Room at South Central Services Cooperative in North Mankato.

The ATIP outlines all federally and state-funded transportation projects in District 7 planned for 2026-2029, including highway construction, railroad crossing improvements, bridge replacements, bike trails, and transit vehicle acquisition. With significant investments in the region’s infrastructure at stake, public input plays a critical role in shaping transportation priorities.

“Public input is essential to ensuring our taxpayer funds are invested wisely in Southern Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure. Our communities, manufacturers, farmers, and families place their lives and livelihoods on our roads nearly every day,” said Steve Rohlfing, Le Sueur County Commissioner.

RNDC Transportation Planner Joel Hanif will be participating in the event as a presenter, sharing insights on the ATIP and answering questions from attendees. Hanif has played an integral role in coordinating transportation planning efforts across the region, working to ensure projects align with local and regional needs. His expertise in infrastructure planning helps to connect communities, enhance mobility, and support economic development in south central Minnesota.

Following a brief presentation, MnDOT staff will be available to answer questions and gather public feedback. This is an opportunity for residents to voice their priorities and help shape transportation projects that impact daily travel, business operations, and community connectivity.

For more information about the public meeting, contact Joel Hanif at joel@rndc.org.

Join the Conversation: CEDS Committee Meeting on April 15

RNDC invites regional stakeholders to participate in the upcoming Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee Meeting. This event is a key opportunity for community members, business leaders, and public officials to help shape the region’s economic development strategy for the next five years.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, April 15

Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Location: Waseca County Community Services Building, Oak Conference Room

Address: 1000 Elm Ave W, Waseca, MN

Directions & Parking: The building is located on the west side of town on Loon Lake, at the intersection of W Elm Ave and 10th St NW. Attendees should enter through the west door (main entrance). Parking is available near the circle drive.

This meeting will play a vital role in guiding the development of the CEDS document, which serves as a roadmap for regional economic growth and qualifies Region Nine for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding. The discussion will include an overview of the CEDS process, an engaging broadband panel discussion featuring industry leaders, and a Q&A session.

The CEDS document is a crucial planning tool that helps analyze the regional economy, set development goals, and identify investment priorities. As the designated Economic Development District for South Central Minnesota, RNDC is responsible for updating this strategy every five years to maintain EDA eligibility.

Limited Seating – Reserve Your Spot! This meeting is open to the public, but space is limited to 25 attendees. Those interested in participating should contact Alejandra at alejandra@rndc.org to secure a seat.

Jessica Beyer Attends ABLC Conference in Washington, DC

RNDC Deputy Director Jessica Beyer attended the 2025 Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC), held from March 19-21 in Washington, D.C. This event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss advancements and opportunities within the bioeconomy sector.​

ABLC 2025 featured a series of specialized summits, including the Sustainable Aviation Summit, which highlighted success stories and emerging technologies for aviation fuels in both commercial and military applications. Discussions were focused on deployment, evolving policies, and airline industry purchasing trends. These insights are particularly relevant to RNDC's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives within the region. ​

In recent years, RNDC has been instrumental in advancing bioeconomy projects. A significant milestone in these efforts was Region Nine receiving the nation's first "A" rating from Ecostrat for the availability of corn stover which can be used for SAF production. This rating positions the region as an attractive location for bio-based manufacturing projects. ​

Jessica’s participation in ABLC 2025 provided valuable opportunities to engage with experts and stakeholders in the bioeconomy field. By attending sessions focused on sustainable aviation fuels, advanced biofuels, and policy frameworks, she gained insights into cutting-edge technologies and strategies that can be leveraged to bring economic opportunities to south central Minnesota.

Pictured above: RNDC Deputy Director Jessica Beyer with Jim Lane, Editor and Publisher of The Daily Digest

Registration is Open for the Second Building Tomorrow's Workforce Webinar!

There's still time to register for part 2 of the Building Tomorrow's Workforce Webinar Series! Monday, April 14 from 12:00-1:30 pm join RNDC and regional workforce experts to learn ways to foster work environments that will help attract, engage, and retain international talent.

You can view the first webinar at www.rndc.org/global_talent_toolkit/ or click the button below.

RNDC Partners with Greater Mankato Growth to Host the Inaugural South Central MN Workforce Summit

Workforce development is a critical issue for businesses and communities across south central Minnesota. In response to growing workforce challenges, Greater Mankato Growth (GMG), in partnership with RNDC, is hosting the inaugural South Central Minnesota Workforce Summit on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato.

This full-day summit will bring together human resources professionals, hiring managers, executives, and workforce development leaders to discuss solutions for addressing workforce shortages, talent retention, and the evolving needs of employers. Attendees will gain insights into both short-term and long-term strategies that can help strengthen south central Minnesota’s labor force and ensure businesses remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

The region faces several workforce challenges, including an aging population, shifting industry demands, and talent retention concerns. The South Central Minnesota Workforce Summit will provide a platform for employers and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and connect with experts in workforce development.

Attendees may apply for a 50% reduction of the registration fee, available through the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development's (DEED) Drive for Five Program. Apply for a reduced rate here.

The event is made possible with support from DEED.

Click the button below to learn more and register!

Emerging Developer Initiative - Housing Development Training Opportunity