Mankato, MN (February 23, 2026) — Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. (GMG, Inc.) is pleased to announce the election of new board members serving across its organizational structure, including the newly established Chamber of Commerce Board and the leadership boards of its key business units. These individuals will be officially inducted to their roles during the GMG, Inc Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
GMG, Inc. is a unique organization and the only one of its kind in the state of Minnesota. As a fully integrated economic development organization, GMG, Inc. connects business growth, talent attraction and retention, destination development, advocacy, and regional partnerships to support prosperity throughout the Greater Mankato region. The organization’s structure includes four major business units: Greater Mankato Growth, Visit Mankato, Downtown Partnership of Mankato-North Mankato, and GreenSeam, each with its own board of directors to govern their unique areas of expertise. Additionally, GMG promotes the region through the Regional Economic Development Alliance (REDA), a partnership that includes 6 cities and 2 counties, to support regional business attraction, expansion, and retention efforts that strengthen economic competitiveness throughout southern Minnesota. The GMG, Inc. Board of Directors provides overall organizational fiduciary oversight, strategic guidance, and governance across all units.
Chamber of Commerce Board (New)
In 2025, the GMG, Inc. Board of Directors approved the creation of a dedicated Chamber of Commerce Board to strengthen the organization’s focus on programs and services that deliver value directly to chamber members. This new leadership body elevates the voice of the business community, enhances agility in responding to member needs, and ensures chamber-specific initiatives — including advocacy, networking, and professional development — remain central to GMG’s mission.
The following individuals have been elected to serve on the Chamber Board:
- Jessica Blais, First National Bank of Minnesota
- Brett Prescher, Culligan of Southern Minnesota
- Jamie Jacobs, APX Construction Group
- Gillian Roberts, Walmart Distribution Center
- April Femrite, True Commercial and Business Brokerage
- Jen Stuvek, Aurora Chiropractic
- Matt Nuytten, Medline
- Melinda Wedzina, VINE
- Dean Zimmerli, Gislason & Hunter
- Carter Person, ATOM Hospitality Group
- Joe Holtmeier, Holtmeier Construction
Visit Mankato Board
Visit Mankato — the destination marketing organization for the region — welcomes new board members who will help drive tourism, conventions, sports events and visitor growth:
- Helen Bednar, APX Construction Group
- Sarah Barna, Country Inn & Suites
- Ismary Theisen, Hospitality Ventures
Downtown Partnership Board
The Downtown Partnership of Mankato/North Mankato supports the economic vitality and cultural vibrancy of the downtown districts of Mankato and North Mankato. New board members include:
- Clay Sharkey, Beans Coffee Company
- Murphy Grotewold, Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic
- Jordan Greer-Friesz, The Free Press
GreenSeam Board
GreenSeam advances the regional agribusiness sector and supports collaboration among food and agriculture stakeholders. Newly elected board members include:
- James Gordon, Pioneer Bank
- Brad Krause, Waseca County
GMG, Inc. Board
At the GMG, Inc. Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, board members will vote to confirm Anna Thill of Xcel Energy to the GMG, Inc. Board of Directors. The event will also recognize and celebrate this year’s Volunteers of the Year, whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact across our business units and the broader Greater Mankato region. Members and community partners are strongly encouraged to register today to be part of this important moment, help honor our outstanding volunteers, and celebrate the leaders shaping our region’s future.
For more information about Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. and its business units, visit greatermankato.com.
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About Greater Mankato Growth, Inc.
Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. is comprised of four business units: Greater Mankato Growth, the regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization; Visit Mankato, the local destination management organization; Downtown Partnership of Mankato-North Mankato, a downtown development organization; and GreenSeam, which utilizes agriculture to build on the region’s extensive agribusiness assets to develop the ag economy.
Contact:
Della Schmidt, President & CEO
Greater Mankato Growth, Inc.
[email protected]