The Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corp. announced that it added four new members to its board of directors, replacing four directors who provided invaluable direction to the organization.
At its annual meeting earlier this month, BLAEDC honored outgoing directors Bruce Buxton, Tom Anderson, Chuck Albrecht and Mark Ronnei, while welcoming new directors Pam O'Rourke, Tom Haglin, Mike Larson and Scott Kuehl, all of whom will be serving three-year terms.
Buxton, Anderson and Albrecht also received BLAEDC's Eagle Award as Directors Emeritus.
Pam O'Rourke is senior vice president of Integrated Retirement Initiatives in Baxter. She said she hopes to provide insight and support for BLAEDC's initiatives, especially its focus on workforce development through the new Key Recruitment Program.
"I believe that an ongoing focus on economic development is critical to the future of the Brainerd Lakes Area," O'Rourke said. "BLAEDC has been a positive force in our community since its inception and continues to find new and creative ways to support local businesses and grow jobs."
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As chief executive officer (CEO) and owner of LINDAR Corp., and Avantech in Baxter, Tom Haglin has worked with BLAEDC since 1993 on expansion projects for his companies. Now he has a chance to give back to the organization and business community, he said.
"I believe our area will continue to strengthen for the foreseeable future," Haglin said. "We have a great diversity of markets and industries in our area that provide stability for all kinds of business and services."
Mike Larson is chief operating officer of Essential Health Central in Brainerd and is looking forward to contributing toward helping BLAEDC expand business, build community and grow jobs in the region.
"I hope to build off of some of my prior experiences in working with other communities," Larson said. "I am optimistic about the local economy and the potential for expanding business and growing jobs."
As retired CEO of Nor-Son in Baxter, Scott Kuehl looks forward to bringing 20 years of experience as a small-business owner to help the board guide BLAEDC's economic development initiatives.
"We have here a vibrant, micropolitan community with many unique assets around which to grow a business and raise a family," Kuehl said. "The momentum and growth opportunities are real."
Bruce Buxton, retired president and chairman of the board at Widseth Smith Nolting & Associates in Baxter, served on the BLAEDC board from 2005-2016. "BLAEDC is a very positive force in the area, supporting local businesses and helping them grow, and making strides to bring new business to the area," he said. "It is important to keep the organization strong so it can work for the community."
As CEO at Integrated Retirement Initiatives in Baxter, Tom Anderson served on the BLAEDC board since 2003. "It's great to be part of an organization that represents the business interests of the entire area," he said. "BLAEDC has a broader purview than many organizations and has been a strong advocate for the entire business community."
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A BLAEDC board member since 2005, Chuck Albrecht is president and CEO of Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union. "It has been a privilege to serve on the BLAEDC board," he said. "BLAEDC has been consistent in meeting its mission in serving its members and the Brainerd Lakes Area."
Mark Ronnei, general manager of Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, was on the board since 2013. "It was a pleasure working with a great group of people who are committed to the Brainerd Lakes Area," he said.
Established in 1985, BLAEDC is a community-driven, nonprofit organization created to preserve and enhance the area's economic base by expanding business, building community and growing jobs in Crow Wing County.
