Tour of the Valley Technology Park

Must be pre-arranged.

30min

Registration

30min

Welcome

Minnesota Innovates – President, David Neville

10min

Launch Minnesota – Introduction and Financing

Neela Mollgaard, Executive Director, Launch Minnesota Jeff Nelson, Manager DEED Business Tax Benefits Unit

20min

Neela Mollgaard

My career has involved bringing people together to create change. I have been a leader and facilitator of organization and community innovation. Most recently, I was a founder of the nonprofit Red Wing Ignite, which supports entrepreneurs, businesses, and students to succeed in the 21st-century economy. We created a model, that received national attention, developing […]

Jeffrey M. Nelson

Jeff manages the Business Tax Benefits Unit of the Office of Business Finance at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).  His portfolio of economic development programs includes the Angel Tax Credit Program, Launch Minnesota, the Greater Minnesota Job Expansion Program, the Data Center Sales Tax Incentive Program, the Border Cities Enterprise Zone […]

Tech for Tomorrow – Today! Advanced Technology Company Introductions

SPONSOR - Arvig – David Schornack, Director of Business Development & Sales

• Ativa Medical – David Deetz, Founder, CTO & Board Member
• Phraze – Jack Schneeman, Co-CEO
• Sanos Nutrition – Jimmy Gosse, CTO
• Silicon Prairie Portal & Exchange (SPPX) – David Duccini, Founder & CEO
• U of M Technology Commercialization - Russ Straate, Venture Center, Assoc. Dir.
• GogyUp – Ned Zimmerman-Bence, Co-Founder
• Nimbelink – Mike Tackaberry, VP Sales
• Nexyst 360 – Dana Persson, CEO

30min

David Schornack

David Schornack owned a variety of businesses prior to joining Arvig Enterprises in 1996. He currently serves as Director of Business Development and Sales, which includes managing the company’s voice and Internet business, ILEC and CLEC operations, the sales team throughout a 5-state area, metro sales operations, directory and online advertising products, All State Communications, […]

David Deetz

David Deetz – Serial Entrepreneur – CEO & Co-Founder, Ativa Medical Corporation I have been a pioneer in the biomedical and AI industries for more than 30 years. In that time, I have founded four companies and authored 11 U.S. patents. I currently serve as the co-founder and chief technical officer of Ativa Medical. My […]

Jack Schneeman

Jack is passionate about using exponential technologies to solve significant societal challenges. He is currently the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Phraze, a digital health company aiming to enable clinicians to focus on their most valuable work – patient care. He recently received an MBA from the University of Minnesota where he was a Medical Industry […]

Jimmy Gosse

Jimmy Gosse received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics. Currently Gosse serves as the microbiologist, bio-based products lead and renewable energy lead at AURI. Gosse is also chief technology officer, inventor and co-founder of Sanos Nutrition, LLC.  Gosse’s background includes academic research appointments, teaching and […]

David Duccini

Serial Fintech Entrepreneur, Cyber Security Expert, Blockchain Architect, Regulation Crowdfunding nerd, Change Agent. Top Five Strengths: Ideation, Activator, Strategic, Intellection, Learner. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): ENTP, “Inventor” Insights Discovery: “23: Motivating Director (Classic)” Specialties: New Product & Business Development, Knowledge Management & Transfer, Enterprise Architecture, Information Risk Management Passions: Flying. Diving. Brewing.

Ned Zimmerman-Bence

Ned is a career educator with 25 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, product implementation, educational technology and school administration. Prior to founding GogyUp, he worked at a national level to implement Open Educational Resources in community colleges and K-12 systems.  It was during this work that he identified illiteracy as a common obstacle […]

Dana Persson

Dana began his 40-year executive career managing grain and farm supply cooperatives.  He has been leading teams in many different successful startups, including the formation of Golden Oval Eggs which grew from a startup to over $200M in sales, 700 shareholders, 600 employees and 7 plants.  Golden Oval’s growth led it to become the 3rd […]

Russ Straate

Russ Straate heads up the Technology Commercialization Venture Center team, which is responsible for leading the formation and launch of new companies based on a broad range of technologies coming out of the research enterprise at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining University, Russ was vice president of business development for a medical device startup. […]

Discovering & Networking E-Extravaganza!

Michelle Christopherson, Director of Outreach & Engagement, UMC Entrepreneurs Bring Innovation & New Growth Opportunities – Networking featuring: many regional startups, additional regional high-tech companies, new research and innovations, startup competitions and accelerators, funding sources, business and growth management resources, government and agency support, internship and employment opportunities and educational resources. Bring Your Team – there will be 40 Extravaganza Locations – None to be Missed! 

60min

Michelle Christopherson

Break

10min

Midday Welcome – Mary Holz-Clause, Chancellor, U of M Crookston

5min

Mary Holz-Clause

Our Today, Our Tomorrow, Our Opportunities – Leaning in Together

Regional Opportunity Initiatives and Exploration SPONSOR – Nimbelink Corporation – Mike Tackaberry, Vice President, Sales Why Entrepreneur Ecosystems Matter - WalkWise – Peter Chamberlain, Founder (Video) HealthCare Opportunities Soy Innovation Campus Grand Farm Initiative Fiber Shed AURI - Helping Opportunity to be Realized

40min

Mike Tackaberry

Mike Tackaberry, VP-Sales, Nimblelink Corporate Sales, Business Development, Customer Acquisition & Retention 30 years of experience in: Sales and operational leadership Building and leading high-performance sales teams High-tech industry Previous roles: Channel Executive with Microsoft Vice President of Sales at Logic PD Director at Flex Design Education: Luther College: Management, minors in Finance and Psychology […]

Dennis Egan

Dennis Egan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. He is a recognized business leader and project developer. Egan brings a wide range of experiences including raising capital, organizational management, public relations, government affairs, project permitting, sales and partnership development. Egan has been instrumental in the formation of both legislation and permitting in the […]

William Aderholdt

William Aderholdt is the Grand Farm Program Manager for Emerging Prairie. He is a Ph.D. Candidate from Montana State University and will be defending his dissertation on public policy this November 4th. His passion areas are: the future of rural life and business, advanced agriculture technology, and public policy. The Grand Farm is an initiative […]

Victoria Hanna

Victoria Hanna is a Minnesota native with 40 years of experience in Fiber Art. She is a fanatic about all aspects of the fiber community and enjoys sharing her knowledge of weaving, spinning, knitting, felting, embroidery and crochet with others. Business – Tangles to Treasures Weaving Studio and Gallery Location: 202 W Lincoln Ave, Fergus […]

Harold Stanislawski

Harold Stanislawski is a project development director for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI). Stanislawski works with AURI staff and clients to further the development of agricultural commodities, coproducts, renewable energy, food and biobased materials. Stanislawski previously served as the executive director of Fergus Falls Economic Improvement Commission where he, along with community and business […]

Stretch

5min

Lunch

15min

Founders Panel “Fireside” Storytelling – Our Journeys & Observations

HOSTING PARTNER – UMC EDA Center – Lee Groeschl, Center Consultant, Co-Moderator Panel Co-Moderator, Adam Wagner – Founder, Vertical Malt

Featured Founders and Companies:

• Edie Ramstad, Founder, Weave Got Maille (Video)
• Michael Swanson & Cheri Reese – Co-Founders, Far North Spirits
• David Deetz – Serial Entrepreneur – CEO & Co-Founder, Ativa Medical Corporation
• Tommy Kenville – Pres. ISight RPV Services; Co-Fndr, Mdwst Drone Grp + UAI International
• Paul Eickhof – Co-Founder & President, Columbaria

45min

David Deetz

David Deetz – Serial Entrepreneur – CEO & Co-Founder, Ativa Medical Corporation I have been a pioneer in the biomedical and AI industries for more than 30 years. In that time, I have founded four companies and authored 11 U.S. patents. I currently serve as the co-founder and chief technical officer of Ativa Medical. My […]

Lee Groeschl

Lee Groeschl serves as the EDA Center Consultant for The University of Minnesota Crookston.  Lee has led research administration, technology commercialization, new venture development and venture financing activities at University of Iowa and Ohio University.  Lee currently serves as The Chief Operating Officer of Virtual Systems Engineering, an early stage software development company and co-founded […]

Adam Wagner

Adam Wagner has been Co-Founder, Owner and Operator of Vertical Malt since 2014. Vertical Malt grows barley and other cereal grains, malts these raw grains, and sells the malted products to brewers, distillers, and bakers throughout the Upper Midwest.  A Red River Valley native, Adam grew up on his family’s farm outside the small town […]

Michael Swanson, Cheri Reese

Husband and wife team Michael Swanson and Cheri Reese are co-founders and owners of Hallock, MN-based farm distillery Far North Spirits. In 2013 they returned home after 25 years and built the craft distillery on the family’s 100-year-old farm. Michael oversees all aspects of farming and distilling. Cheri heads up sales and marketing. Michael’s background […]

Tommy Kenville

Pres. ISight RPV Services; Co-Fndr, Mdwst Drone Grp + UAI International After graduating from the University of North Dakota (UND) with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing, Tommy accepted a job at the UND Aerospace Foundation (UNDAF) as Director of Student Services. He remained at UNDAF for fifteen years, becoming the Vice President of Business Development, […]

Paul Eickhof

Eickhof Columbaria is the leading company in the world providing memorialization for those families choosing the practice of cremation.  Last year in 2018 cremation for the first time surpassed traditional burial as the predominate form of final disposition (over 50%) in the United States.

Honoring Our History and Forging our Future – Together

SPONSOR – Otter Tail Power Company – Steve Schoeneck, VP Customer Service

5min

Steve Schoeneck

Steve Schoeneck was named Vice President, Customer Service, in April 2019. Schoeneck began his career with Otter Tail Power Company in 2003 as Supervisor, Accounting Transactions. He was promoted to Manager, Sourcing in 2009 and Manager, Sales & Implementation and Operations Support in 2015. A native of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Schoeneck earned his bachelor of […]

Networking Break

20min

Realizing Best Buy Founder Richard Schulz’ Vision for an Entrepreneurial Future

SPONSOR – EIX.org | e-Fest – James Beal, Managing Editor & Program Director

5min

James Beal

As Managing Editor of EIX.org (Entrepreneur & Innovation Exchange), James manages technology operations and websites, while collaborating with entrepreneurship thought leaders, scholars, faculty, and directors from universities and organizations nationwide. Over the years, he has worked on technology projects for companies large and small and also founded or joined several startups, some of which ascended […]

Afternoon Welcome & Actionable Takeaways Breakout Sessions Guidance

SPONSOR – Otter Tail Power Company – Steve Schoeneck, VP Customer Service

Steve Schoeneck

Steve Schoeneck was named Vice President, Customer Service, in April 2019. Schoeneck began his career with Otter Tail Power Company in 2003 as Supervisor, Accounting Transactions. He was promoted to Manager, Sourcing in 2009 and Manager, Sales & Implementation and Operations Support in 2015. A native of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Schoeneck earned his bachelor of […]

Actionable Takeaways Breakouts – 5 Breakout Sessions

Attendees will find their designated breakout sessions on their name tags – Session topics are audience-specific.   Academic and Business Leaders Innovation Initiatives Roundtable

• LYFT Career Pathways – Tom Hoff, Career and Technical Project Coordinator, SWWC Service Cooperative
• Career Academy Development - Moorhead HS and M State
• EIX.org and E-Fest – James Beal, Managing Editor EIX.org and FamilyBusiness.org, and Director E-Fest
• Southwest MN CEO – Craig Oftedahl, Superintendent, Luverne, MN Public Schools
• gener8tor – Adam Choe, Program Director
• Global Innovation/Digi-Key Capacity/Community Support – Josh Mickolio, Product Mngr
• DISCUSSION

• Student Founder – Tyler Ebert, Adrena Card, MN Cup
• gener8tor – Jake Smith, Director gBETA St. Thomas
• Spark Your Startup Competition – Karen Lauer, Executive Director, Economic Development Authority, Barnesville
• Central Minnesota CEO – Cindi Koll, Program Facilitator, Wadena/Deer Creek HS
• Central MN CEO – Student Founder
• E-Fest and IDEA Competition – Lee Groeschl
• Q & A

• Equity Crowd Funding – David Duccini, Silicon Prairie Online
• Community/HS Innovation & Co-location Centers – Tiffany Fettig, Launch Pad, Bemidji; Karen Pifher, Frazee
• Career Academy, Perham – M State
• CEO program – Lee Westrum, Superintendent, Wadena/Deer Creek Public Schools
• Startup Mentoring/Community Support – gener8tor - Kate Evinger, Program Manager
• Neela Mollgaard – Launch MN Exec. Dir. and former Director Ignite Red Wing
• Community Economics, U of M Extension – Rani Bhattacharyya, UMN Extension
• DISCUSSION

• Funding Resource Details and Q & A
  • Equity Crowd Funding – Jade Barker, Business &Technology Specialist, SPPX
  • USDA – Andrew Gag, Area Specialist, USDA Rural Development
  • Angel Tax Credit & Launch Minnesota – Jeff Nelson, DEED Business Tax Unit
  • DEED Business Development – Kari Howe – DEED Bus. Dev. Mngr., NW Region
  • Otter Tail Power Company – Steve Schoeneck, VP Community Services
  • AURI – Harold Stanislawski, Program Dir. and former City Economic Dev.
  • SBDC – Philip Knutson, Regional Director SBDC
•  DISCUSSION

• Tufts University Early Childhood Technology (ECT) Graduate Certificate Program  – Angie Kalthoff, ECT Program Manager, and  K-12 Technology Education Consultant (Professional Development Education credits granted for session participation) - Please bring your technology with you to this session! A tablet is especially recommended for downloading an app.
• DISCUSSION

75min

Neela Mollgaard

My career has involved bringing people together to create change. I have been a leader and facilitator of organization and community innovation. Most recently, I was a founder of the nonprofit Red Wing Ignite, which supports entrepreneurs, businesses, and students to succeed in the 21st-century economy. We created a model, that received national attention, developing […]

Jeffrey M. Nelson

Jeff manages the Business Tax Benefits Unit of the Office of Business Finance at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).  His portfolio of economic development programs includes the Angel Tax Credit Program, Launch Minnesota, the Greater Minnesota Job Expansion Program, the Data Center Sales Tax Incentive Program, the Border Cities Enterprise Zone […]

Jimmy Gosse

Jimmy Gosse received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics. Currently Gosse serves as the microbiologist, bio-based products lead and renewable energy lead at AURI. Gosse is also chief technology officer, inventor and co-founder of Sanos Nutrition, LLC.  Gosse’s background includes academic research appointments, teaching and […]

David Duccini

Serial Fintech Entrepreneur, Cyber Security Expert, Blockchain Architect, Regulation Crowdfunding nerd, Change Agent. Top Five Strengths: Ideation, Activator, Strategic, Intellection, Learner. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): ENTP, “Inventor” Insights Discovery: “23: Motivating Director (Classic)” Specialties: New Product & Business Development, Knowledge Management & Transfer, Enterprise Architecture, Information Risk Management Passions: Flying. Diving. Brewing.

Harold Stanislawski

Harold Stanislawski is a project development director for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI). Stanislawski works with AURI staff and clients to further the development of agricultural commodities, coproducts, renewable energy, food and biobased materials. Stanislawski previously served as the executive director of Fergus Falls Economic Improvement Commission where he, along with community and business […]

Lee Groeschl

Lee Groeschl serves as the EDA Center Consultant for The University of Minnesota Crookston.  Lee has led research administration, technology commercialization, new venture development and venture financing activities at University of Iowa and Ohio University.  Lee currently serves as The Chief Operating Officer of Virtual Systems Engineering, an early stage software development company and co-founded […]

Steve Schoeneck

Steve Schoeneck was named Vice President, Customer Service, in April 2019. Schoeneck began his career with Otter Tail Power Company in 2003 as Supervisor, Accounting Transactions. He was promoted to Manager, Sourcing in 2009 and Manager, Sales & Implementation and Operations Support in 2015. A native of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Schoeneck earned his bachelor of […]

Tom Hoff

Tom Hoff is the Career and Technical Project Coordinator at the SWWC, a regional educational service agency that serves 50+ schools in southwest and west central Minnesota.  He has been partnering with colleges, agencies, schools, and businesses for 25 years to provide unique enrichment opportunities for k-12 students.  Currently he is leading the LYFT Career […]

Rani Bhattacharyya

Rani is a Community Economics Extension Educator that has been working with the University of Minnesota since 2012. In her role as a regional Extension Educator, she has been serving 11 counties in Northwest Minnesota. As one of the more rural parts of the state, the Northwest region has many entrepreneurial resources available to residents […]

Josh Haag

Mr. Haag was selected to lead the  Moorhead Area Career Academies this summer. Prior to being named principal of MACAs, Mr. Haag was an assistant principal at Moorhead High School. Mr. Haag is tasked with creating a team of teachers and industry partners to develop  the  Moorhead Area Career Academies, allowing area students a chance […]

Angie Kalthoff

Angie Kalthoff is the program manager for Tufts’ Early Childhood Technology (ECT) graduate certificate program. Previously, she was a Technology Integrationist in the St.Cloud Area School District 742 in Minnesota. She has taught in St.Cloud since 2008. Her teaching career began as an English as a Second Language teacher in an elementary setting in 2008. […]

James Beal

As Managing Editor of EIX.org (Entrepreneur & Innovation Exchange), James manages technology operations and websites, while collaborating with entrepreneurship thought leaders, scholars, faculty, and directors from universities and organizations nationwide. Over the years, he has worked on technology projects for companies large and small and also founded or joined several startups, some of which ascended […]

Craig Oftedahl

Josh Mickolio

Josh Mickolio began his career with Digi-Key in 2002, working in various roles in Application Engineering support and Product Management. His current role is Sr. Product Manager, IoT and Wireless, responsible for new supplier engagements, training and strategy.   About Digi-Key Electronics Digi-Key Electronics, founded in 1972, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Digi-Key employs […]

Adam Choe

Adam is the Managing Director of gener8tor Minnesota and the healthcare program. He has worked with 40 companies over the last 3 years and those companies have gone on to raise $22+M in funding (both dilutive and nondilutive). 21 of the 40 founders he’s supported are underrepresented founders. He also is the Co-Founder of his […]

Jake Smith

Jake attended the University of St. Thomas to pursue electrical engineering, and found himself enveloped in creative thinking at the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship. There, Jake discovered a zeal for early-stage venture development. Jake played baseball for the University of St. Thomas, and then went on to play semi-professionally. Upon finishing his baseball career, Jake […]

Cindi Koll

Cindi Koll has been the facilitator of the Central Minnesota Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities Class for five years.  Her thirty-five years as a high school educator have contributed to her strong belief in the CEO class. As a  Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America adviser she dedicates much time and energy to providing students with […]

Tiffany Fettig

Tiffany Fettig is the Director of Business Development at Greater Bemidji, Inc.  She has been working with Bemidji’s economic development organization for the past 5 years and was instrumental in the creation of LaunchPad, an entrepreneur hub in the Historic Mayflower building in downtown Bemidji.  Tiffany has also worked with Headwaters Regional Development Commission for […]

Amy Hochgraber

Amy Hochgraber is passionate about building relationships with regional business and industry partners by listening to workforce training needs and then designing and delivering customized curriculum to meet the desired outcomes. As director of business and industries in the Workforce Development Solutions (WDS) division of Minnesota State Community and Technical College, she is thrilled to work […]

Lee Westrum

Lee Westrum has served as Superintendent of Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools since 2013. Prior to that he was Superintendent of Benson Public Schools for six years. He has been on the advisory board for Central Minnesota CEO since its inception in 2013 and currently serves as Board Chair.

Kate Evinger

Kate is the program manager for gener8tor Minnesota and OnRamp Insurance, both programs are based in the Twin Cities. Kate started as an associate for gBETA Madison in 2016 and was promoted to Program Manager in 2019 when she graduated from Indiana University with a Major in Finance and Co-Major in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation. Kate […]

Tomorrow through the Eyes of a Kindergartner – Why our TODAY Matters!

Angie Kalthoff, Tufts University Early Childhood Technology Graduate Certification Prgm

5min

Angie Kalthoff

Angie Kalthoff is the program manager for Tufts’ Early Childhood Technology (ECT) graduate certificate program. Previously, she was a Technology Integrationist in the St.Cloud Area School District 742 in Minnesota. She has taught in St.Cloud since 2008. Her teaching career began as an English as a Second Language teacher in an elementary setting in 2008. […]

Closing Celebration and Awards!

SPONSOR – EIX.org/e-Fest – James Beal, Managing Editor, EIX.org & Director, E-Fest Lois Josefson, Principal, Greater Minnesota Development Services, LLC

15min

James Beal

As Managing Editor of EIX.org (Entrepreneur & Innovation Exchange), James manages technology operations and websites, while collaborating with entrepreneurship thought leaders, scholars, faculty, and directors from universities and organizations nationwide. Over the years, he has worked on technology projects for companies large and small and also founded or joined several startups, some of which ascended […]

Lois Josefson

I am dedicated to helping individuals, businesses, organizations and the communities they call home to realize their full potential; and, in so doing, their efforts will advance the strength of our economies – making the lives of each of us better while laying the foundation for a quality future for the next generations.

Adjourn