BLUE EARTH– The Faribault County Board of Commissioners reviewed the 2025 EDA (Economic Development Authority) Annual Report during their meeting on Tuesday.

“We had some changes on our board this year with chairman John Herman resigning and commissioner Bruce Anderson replacing commissioner Bill Groskreutz.” EDA specialist Kendra Reineking said. “Our mission remains to support businesses to promote an entrepreneurial spirit for the benefit of Faribault County.”

Reineking shared that two revolving loans, totaling $35,000, were awarded to businesses in the county in 2025.

“We were also able to provide technical and marketing support to a new business by assisting with the development and launch of its website,” Reineking commented “By doing that, we were able to help establish an effective online presence and improve the accessibility to the business for its customers.”

Reineking also highlighted the 12 forgivable loans the EDA has provided to childcare providers throughout Faribault County.

“The 12 loans totaled $34,711,” Reineking stated. “Providers utilized the loans to meet mandatory training requirements, upgrade flooring, purchase toys and supplies and enhance accessibility and safety.”

The County EDA also assisted the city of Elmore in securing a grant which is being used to put in a locker system that will allow citizens to use the donated sports equipment any time they choose.

“Looking ahead, our plan is to advertise the revolving loan funds we have available to county businesses,” Reineking said. “We also want to conduct a deeper dive into the agricultural needs within the county, promote our childcare forgivable loans and market and administer the Local Housing Trust Fund – Affordable Housing Aid Program.”

In other business, the board:

— Approved the training requests of Kelly Hendrickson and Eva Steele of the County Recorder’s Office to attend the Fidlar User Group meeting.

— Approved the requests of Taylor Doering, John Oswald and Bryan Schaper of the Public Works Department to attend the District 7 Engineers and Technicians Conference.

— Approved the requests of Sara Hauskins and Linda Adams of the Planning and Zoning Department to attend the 2026 MACFO (Minnesota Association of County Feedlot Officers) Annual Conference.