Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA)

06/02/2026

The City of Parkers Prairie is excited to launch their new Yard of the Week campaign! This summer, they will recognize residents who go above and beyond to beautify their homes and show pride in the community.

Each weekly winner will proudly display the Yard of the Week sign in their front yard and receive fun giveaways from local businesses, including greenhouse and ice cream coupons.

As we celebrate National Homeownership Month this June, what better way to honor the hard work, care, and community spirit of our residents.

CEDA is celebrating 40 years of helping small communities do BIG things!

05/29/2026

Big things are happening at CEDA and the communities we serve!

Our latest CEDA newsletter is packed with updates on community projects, planning, business growth, upcoming events and the partnerships that help small communities do BIG things.

We're proud to continue supporting rural communities through collaboration, innovation, and leadership development.

Check out the latest newsletter and see the impact happening across the region!



https://conta.cc/4u53i6i

Email from Community and Economic Development Associates Celebrating 40 years of helping small communities do BIG things! The Latest with CEDA May 2026 Edition CEDA Announces the Promotion of Hillary

05/28/2026

Please join us in congratulating Hillary Tweed on her well-deserved promotion to Executive Vice President with CEDA!

Hillary Tweed has consistently demonstrated leadership, dedication, and a passion for helping communities grow and thrive. Her commitment to CEDA's mission of helping small communities do BIG things has made a lasting impact across our CEDA communities.

We are excited to see her continue to make a difference in this new role. Congratulations Hillary Tweed.

https://www.cedausa.com/ceda-announces-the-promotion-of-hillary-tweed/

05/27/2026

Celebrating 40 years of Helping Small Communities Do BIG Things!

This year, CEDA proudly celebrates 40 years of community and economic development across rural communities. For four decades, we've worked alongside local leaders, businesses, organizations and residents to help build stronger communities and create lasting impact.

To celebrate this milestone, we will be hosting special events throughout the year that recognize the partnerships, projects and the people who have made these 40 years possible. From community celebrations to networking opportunities and our Annual Meeting, we look forward to honoring the past while building momentum for the future.

Thank you to the communities, clients, partners, and supporters who have been part of this journey. Here's to 40 years of innovation, collaboration and helping small communities do BIG things!

05/26/2026

On May 25, Memorial Day, our nation and CEDA staff honored the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Veterans memorials in our small communities serve as more than places of remembrance, they are landmarks of pride, history and connection.

These spaces help to bring communities together and remind future generations of the values that helped shape rural America. At CEDA, we believe strong communities are built by honoring the past, while investing in the future.

Enjoy the many Veteran's Memorials in our CEDA communities throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Beautiful reminders that small communities do BIG things!

05/21/2026

Ron Zeigler, CEDA CEO/President, along with CEDA employee's Hallie Raimann, Amber Patten, Cameron Payne and Mitch Massman recently attended the Community Venture Network Quarterly Prospect Meeting, continuing our commitment to helping small communities do BIG things.

These meetings provide valuable opportunities to connect with regional partners, discuss emerging business prospects, and collaborate on strategies that support economic growth across rural communities. By staying engaged in these conversations, CEDA helps position the communities we serve for future investment, workforce opportunities, and long-term success.

05/19/2026

Strong EMS Services = Strong Rural Communities

Emergency Medical Services are more than first responders, they are a critical part of economic development in rural America. This week, and every week, CEDA celebrates the EMS services in the many communities we serve and throughout the country.

In rural communities, EMS teams often serve as the backbone of public safety, providing lifesaving care while supporting community resilience and stability. At CEDA we believe supporting rural EMS services mean supporting workforce growth, business attraction, and vibrant communities where people want to live and work.

CEDA recently worked with The City of Pelican Rapids to support their recruitment efforts for vacancies within their fire department using creative videos to help tell their story and connect with potential volunteers and recruits. Recruitment challenges continue to impact many rural departments, which is why innovative outreach and community storytelling matter more than ever.

We are proud to help communities like Pelican Rapids find creative ways to strengthen local services and build for the future.

05/18/2026

Through RCP, staff developed clear guidelines and an application process for a new revolving loan fund, organized a well-attended EDA Meet and Greet at Thousand Lakes Brewery featuring Otter Tail County and CEDA presentations on business resources and the new fund, and provided grant research and community resource support. By leveraging the $15,000 RCP investment along with donated local funding, the project secured $21,700 to match a USDA-RBDG grant of $81,300, creating just over $100,000 for Parkers Prairie’s Revolving Loan Fund. These funds will help local businesses start, grow, and expand, with pre-applications already supporting the Little Dipper and Diner and efforts to bring a new hardware store to town, advancing the city’s long-term economic development goals.

CEDA helps small communities do BIG things!

05/15/2026

Building Stronger Communities Through Workforce Development

At CEDA, we know that thriving communities start with a strong workforce. Through working with local school districts and employers, we help individuals gain the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. Workforce development is essential to long-term economic growth.

CEDA works alongside communities, businesses, schools and regional partners to:
- Support workforce attraction and retention
-Strengthen career pathways and training opportunities
-Help businesses grow through workforce solutions
-Connect people with meaningful employment opportunities

When we invest in people, we invest in the future of our communities. Together, we're helping small communities do BIG things.

05/14/2026

The CEDA Planning Department is committed to helping guide thoughtful growth, community development, and long term planning initiatives that support residents, businesses and future opportunities.

As CEDA celebrates 40 years of helping small communities do BIG things, we continue to expand the services we provide to communities, and helping communities plan for the future through our Planning Department is a great way to support long-term growth, strengthen local priorities, and create lasting opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

https://www.cedausa.com/programs-services/planning-development/