Tuesday, October 31
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Virtual
Join us to learn how communities can leverage First Children’s Finance to identify local right-sized solutions to support and grow child care.
Jessica Beyer, Minnesota Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance, will lead a panel discussion highlighting the top solutions communities and supports needed for the sustainability and growth of child care and showcase communities that implemented solutions and how they moved forward.
FEATURING
- Jessica Beyer, Minnesota Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance
- Cheryl Kuhn, Executive Director at the Stevens County Economic Improvement Commission
- Shannon Mortenson, City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer for Warren, MN
- Holly Sammons, Economic Development Director for the City of Luverne
COST
EDAM members: No charge, included with membership
Non-members: $20
Not able to attend during the live event, but don't want to miss it?
Register to receive access to the recording after the event.
PRESENTER BIOS
Jessica Beyer is the Business Development Manager for the western
side of Minnesota at First Children's Finance. Prior to that, Jessica
spent 12 years as a Community Program Manager at the Center for Small
Towns at the University of Minnesota Morris. She was a programmatic
staff that provided assistance to rural communities and oversaw the
student involvement component of the Center. She also has an extensive
background in leadership, community organizing, and publicity.
Cheryl Kuhn is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the field of Economic and Community Development. Currently, she holds the position of Executive Director at the Stevens County Economic Improvement Commission. Her primary focus is on building strong and resilient communities while also ensuring a sustainable economic base for Stevens County. As a leader of the Stevens County Economic Improvement Commission, Cheryl has made every effort to create an inclusive culture that aligns with the Commission's motto of “We DO Business with you!” From ideation to expansion and succession planning, Cheryl has worked with hundreds of businesses and entrepreneurs in various stages of development. She also manages a robust commercial lending program and serves on several State, Local, and Regional Committees. Cheryl is driven to improve the lives of individuals and communities. Throughout her career, she has been able to secure millions of dollars in grants and charitable gifts, which have been utilized to support various initiatives and programs aimed at promoting growth and development.
Shannon Mortenson has worked in local government for 24 years. She is the City Administrator for Warren, MN a small city in the NW corner of the State. The role of administrator means wearing many hats and problem solving for the community. Mortenson was presented with the task of growing childcare in the city in 2016. She worked with First Children’s Finance and thru a lot of funding mechanisms ended up being the first city in the nation to use local sales tax dollars to fund a building to house a childcare center. That center will open Spring 2024.
Holly Sammons is married with 3 kids (15, 13, 11) has a bachelor’s degree in management and accounting, a master’s degree in business administration and has received an economic development finance professional certification. She has served 6 years in the Army National Guard - OIF Veteran. Holly has been working as Economic Development Director for City of Luverne since 2012 working on a wide variety of projects including small business lending, trail development, main street revitalization, industrial park development, facade improvement program, community marketing, housing & residential development, technical assistance for small businesses, grant writing and now child care!