PROGRAM
AGENDA
4:30 PM – Welcome
4:45 PM – Minnesota Department of Ag
4:50 PM – Community Panel
5:05 PM – Regional Innovation
5:15 PM – Networking & Live Music
6:35 PM – MoonDogs Game
Program Sponsor
SPEAKERS
Wes Beck
GreenSeam, Chair
Wes Beck is a fourth-generation farmer based in Watonwan County. Together with his wife Karla, Wes cultivates corn, soybeans, and raises pigs. He is passionate about engaging in agriculture beyond his own farm. Wes served for many years on the AgStar Board of Directors and now actively represents GreenSeam as the Chair of the Board of Governors and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association as the Treasurer. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, Waseca with an AAS degree in Diversified Ag Production. Wes is motivated by a belief that his farm on the prairie is part of a larger industry and food system. He is also involved in several other agricultural organizations. Wes and Karla have three sons, and they enjoy spending their free time on their pontoon at Lake Hanska.
Sam Ziegler
GreenSeam, President
Sam Ziegler has a passion for all things related to agriculture. Being a part of providing food, feed, fuel, and fiber to families in our area to families abroad is such an amazing profession to be a part of. In his position, Ziegler works with key ag stakeholders building coalitions along with developing and executing key strategic initiatives that are essential components to realize the aspirations of GreenSeam.
Thom Petersen
Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Commissioner
Thom Petersen was appointed Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in 2019 and reappointed in 2023. Before being appointed Commissioner, Petersen served as the Director of Government Relations for Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) since 2002, working on behalf of MFU’s farmer-members in both Washington, D.C., and St. Paul. Commissioner Petersen received his associate degree from Normandale Community College and studied at both the University of Minnesota and University of Georgia. The Commissioner and his wife, Alana, live in Pine City with their two sons. The Petersens show horses around the state and have competed at the Minnesota State Fair for over 25 years.
Stacy Nimmo
Red Wing Ignite, Executive Director
Stacy has been the Executive Director at Red Wing Ignite since February 2020, leading a dynamic team committed to fostering inclusive and equitable rural communities. Under her leadership, Red Wing Ignite supports innovative entrepreneurs through programs like the Ignite Cup and the E1 Summit & Expo. Stacy’s Significant achievements include securing over $5M in new grants from 2020-2023, expanding the team from 1.5 to 11 FTEs, and tripling the annual budget. Stacy’s work has garnered recognition from Twin Cities Business Magazine with the Fire and Blazer Awards and involvement in high-profile panels and events with the US Federal Reserve, MN DEED, and CORI. She holds a degree in Organizational Leadership from Bethel University and enjoys spending time in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Born in Cedar Rapids, IA, Stacy is proud of her entrepreneurial heritage and Czech and Norwegian roots.
Tina Wilson
City & County of Waseca, Economic Developer
Tina has been providing economic development services for over 17 years, the last two in Minnesota. She holds the professional certification of a Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED). During her time as a community and economic developer she has always worked to establish connections between cities, businesses, and public agencies. Over the years her projects have included community infrastructure such as transportation, water and wastewater, business development to include retention, attraction, and expansion tools, and grant writing. She listens to the community or business story – what are the wins and challenges? Then she checks her toolbox of experience, education, training, and connections to see how she can help.
Anne Johnson
Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism, Executive Director
Anne Johnson is the Executive Director of Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism. In her 12th year at the Chamber, one of her passions is encouraging youth to explore the possibilities of local careers, which she and many believe is the key to not just sustainability, but growth, in their small but mighty rural SWMN community. Anne considers herself a student of leadership, and has been very active in many local and state boards and organizations over the years. In her spare time, Anne lives to lovingly embarrass, yet unconditionally encourage and celebrate, her 3 adult children, and is getting ready to be an empty-nester with her love of almost 32 years, husband, Chad. Anne enjoys listening to audiobooks and loves podcasts, which has fueled her idea engine and motivated her to lead the charge to start Redwood Area Chamber’s own podcast, which will debut soon.
Ryan Erickson
AGCO, Sr. Manager – Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
Ryan Erickson is Senior Manager of Manufacturing Engineering and Continuous Improvement at AGCO Corporation. He has been with AGCO for 15 years in Manufacturing Engineering and is the Vice Chair of GreenSeam’s Board of Governors.
Chuck Brandel
ISG, Vice President – National Drainage Expert
Chuck’s leadership style goes beyond a title. He has an uncanny ability to connect with people, leveraging common interests, and building partnerships to move the rural and agricultural industry forward at scale. His ability to work closely with landowners, government officials, and contractors enables ISG to deliver effective design solutions that fulfill project needs. Chuck is a strong advocate for the balance between rural drainage and environmental sustainability, helping clients prioritize land stewardship practices that benefit everyone. Chuck firmly believes in what he does, as he is on the Lake Association Board for improving water quality on his local lake and enjoys kayaking and boating on Minnesota’s lakes and streams.
Chuck Schrader
Kahler Automation, Marketing Manager
Chuck is a sales and marketing professional with 19 years of experience in the ag industry. He grew up on his family farm in Easton, MN. Chuck studied Ag Systems Technology at South Dakota State and holds an MBA from the University of Georgia. He and his family reside in Fairmont.
EVENT SPONSORS
Food & Beverage Sponsor
Live Music Sponsor
Program Sponsor
Pathway Sponsor
Pathway Sponsor
Tier 4: Ticket Sponsor
Tier 1: Ticket Sponsor
Tier 1: Ticket Sponsor
Tier 1: Ticket Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Media Sponsor
SAVE THE DATE: December 5, 2024
GreenSeam’s Rural Forum will take place on December 5, 2024 in Mankato, MN. The Rural Forum is an event focused on fostering vital discussions on rural development and public policy. The event is open to a diverse audience, including agribusiness leaders, students, and public officials. Get your tickets now for a discounted rate!
Address
3 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 100
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone
507.385.6672
Email
info@greenseam.org