About RAEDI

Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) assists existing and potential businesses in the Rochester area secure the private and public resources needed to execute their growth plans. Since inception, RAEDI has assisted hundreds of businesses that have generated more than $2 billion of local economy activity, creating thousands of jobs.

RAEDI Services

Financial Packaging
  • Direct Investment Funding
  • Fixed Asset Financing
  • Export Financing
Business Planning
  • Cost Differential Comparisons
  • Market Research & Analysis
  • Community Data/Profiles
Site/Location Support
  • Provide Objective information on Sites, Facilities and Access to Support Services
  • Develop Comparative Site Data
Business/Community Advocacy
  • Identify and Present Business Interests and Concerns to Government
  • Support Area Social, Economic and Infrastructure Development

RAEDI’s Mission

Lead and support economic, community, and workforce development initiatives that grow and diversify the greater Rochester area economy.

RAEDI’s Vision

The Rochester area cultivates a healthy economy by providing a welcoming community environment that supports the growth and attraction of a diversity of businesses and talent.

RAEDI Investors

City of Plainview

RAEDI Board of Directors

The RAEDI Board of Directors is a group of member volunteers who financially invest in RAEDI’s mission which is to retain, grow & diversify the Rochester area economy.

RAEDI Executive Committee

  • Chair:  Jarett Jones, Merchants Bank
  • Vice Chair:  Dianna Robinson, Associated Bank
  • Secretary/Treasurer:  Erin Sexton, Mayo Clinic
  • Immediate Past Chair: Melissa Brinkman, Custom Alarm

Board Members

  • John Beatty, Dulap & Seeger
  • Adam Benike, Benike Construction
  • Angie Bowman-Malloy, Bowman Tool & Machining
  • Chad DeCook – Think Bank
  • Norm Doty – Express Employment Professionals
  • Pete Giesen, Olmsted County
  • Bruce Gudlin, U.S. Bank
  • Mike Henke, People’s Energy Cooperative
  • Julie Henry, Mayo Clinic
  • Tim McCollough – Rochester Public Utilities
  • Michele Peterson, City of Chatfield
  • Michelle Pyferroen, Rochester Community & Technical College
  • Dharani Ramamoorthy, Xylo Technolgoies, Inc.
  • John Reed, Rochester International Airport
  • Patrick Seeb – DMC (Destination Medical Center)
  • Sam Slightam, Jimmy’s Salad Dressings & Dips
  • Alison Zelms, City of Rochester

RAEDI Staff

President
John Wade
jwade@raedi.com

Director of Operations
Tawonda Burks
tburks@raedi.com

Director of Economic Development
Kirk Bustrom
kbustrom@raedi.com

Director of Business Operations
Tonya Bernard
tbernard@raedi.com

Director of Marketing & Communications
Molly Schmidt
mschmidt@raedi.com