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:  Dianna Robinson, Associated Bank
  • Vice Chair:  Erin Sexton, Mayo Clinic
  • Secretary/Treasurer:  Michelle Pyfferoen, Rochester Community and Technical College
  • Immediate Past Chair: Jarett Jones, Merchants Bank
  • Member at Large: Melissa Brinkman, Custom Alarm

Board Members

  • John Beatty, Dulap & Seeger
  • Adam Benike, Benike Construction
  • Angie Bowman-Malloy, Bowman Tool & Machining
  • Chad DeCook – Think Bank
  • Professionals
  • Travis Gransee, 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
  • Nick Pompeian, Realty Growth, Inc.
  • 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 Economic Development
Kirk Bustrom
kbustrom@raedi.com

Director of Business Operations
Tonya Bernard
tbernard@raedi.com

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

SBDC Director
Mark Thein
mthein@rochestersbdc.com

SBDC Program Manager
Julie Herrerra-Lemler
jlemler@rochestersbdc.com

SBDC Consultant
Rick Indrelie
rindrelie@rochestersbdc.com