GSDC PRESIDENT GARTLAND TO RETIRE MAY 31

Patti Gartland, who began as the GSDC’s president on June 1, 2013, will retire on May 31 of this year. She informed the GSDC Board of her intentions in 2022 so they could begin identifying a successor, but held off on the formal announcement until today.

“There is no more enthusiastic or effective advocate for the Greater St. Cloud region than Patti Gartland,” said GSDC Board Chair Joan Schatz. “Leading a talented staff and coordinating the participation of many GSDC investor organizations, Patti has had a tremendous impact on the St. Cloud region’s economic development and overall community vitality.”

The GSDC has hired Minneapolis-based CohenTaylor Executive Search Services to identify qualified candidates and help the Board choose a new President. If you or someone you know is interested in being considered, please contact CohenTaylor.

Click here to read the full retirement announcement.

 

GSDC GREETS VP KAMALA HARRIS AT NEW FLYER

The GSDC was among a small group of area leaders and organizations with private access to Vice President Kamala Harris prior to her Feb. 9 speech at New Flyer. GSDC President Patti Gartland had a brief conversation with the Vice President and also spoke with Nuria Fernandez, Administrator of the Federal Transportation Administration, and New Flyer CEO Paul Soubry, among others.

 


8 FROM AREA CHOSEN FOR
MN YOUNG AMERICAN LEADERS PROGRAM

Eight young, St. Cloud area professionals with leadership aspirations have been chosen for the 2023 cohort of the Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program in Minnesota (MYALP). Each year, the GSDC coordinates the local selection process.

Local MYALP participants for 2023 are: Shirwa Adan, Executive Director of the Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization; Nicole Bukowski, Human Resources Generalist for Rinke Noonan, Attorneys at Law; Njeri Clement, Director of Cultural Fluency, Equity & Inclusion at St. Cloud Technical & Community College; Abdi Daisane, Owner/Manager of Blooming Kids Childcare Center and Daisane Consulting; Ekram Elmoge, Manager of Social Service Programming for the United Way of Central Minnesota; Cassandra Miles, Executive Director of the Great River Children’s Museum; Bruce Powlish, Branch Manager of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, and John Waletzko, President of Bradbury Stamm Construction.

 

NEW SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS

Our region has long been served by excellent news organizations, and now another one has just joined them. Forum Communications – home of the Alexandria Echo Press, Brainerd Dispatch, West Central Tribune and several other Minnesota print and digital news outlets – recently launched St. Cloud Live.

With two St. Cloud-based reporters supported by Forum’s broad news divisions, St. Cloud Live provides daily news coverage. Sign up for its free service at StCloudLive.com.

 

PSSST! DON’T FORGET WHAT TODAY IS…

WalletHub seems to have a stat or survey for everything, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. They say that in 2023, those celebrating the holiday will spend an average of $192.80. WalletHub adds that 50% of people would break up with their significant other if he or she spent irresponsibly on that day. Good luck, lovebirds!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • 4th Annual Black Excellence Business Expo, Feb. 17-19, The Park Event Center, Waite Park.  Register here.
  • Central MN Habitat for Humanity Spotlight on Gratitude, Thursday, March 2, 5 – 7 p.m., The Grands at Mulligans, 601 Pine Cone Rd. N., Sartell.  RSVP here.

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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

Michelo Muleya, EPIC Coordinator
mmuleya@greaterstcloud.com  I  320.252.5203