Grow Your Business with Minnesota Programs
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
$20 per person
(Includes Lunch)
Grow Your Business with Minnesota Programs
Join the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the East Grand Forks Economic Development Authority for an informative seminar focused on helping Minnesota businesses grow, expand, and compete.
This session will highlight a range of state-supported programs and resources designed to support business success at every stage. Attendees will gain insights into financing and incentive programs, strategies for business expansion, and workforce development tools available specifically to Minnesota employers. Whether you are looking to scale your operations, navigate regulatory processes, or strengthen your workforce, this seminar will connect you with the people and programs that can help move your business forward.
Presenters from DEED and the East Grand Forks EDA will walk through available resources, explain how to access them, and answer questions to help you identify the best opportunities for your business. This is a valuable opportunity to better understand how to leverage state and local partnerships to support your growth goals.
Lunch is included with registration.
This seminar will be held at the GF/EGF Chamber.
Featured speakers:
Chet Bodine | Business Development Manager, Northwest MN
Chet has worked at DEED since 2014, starting as a regional labor market analyst. In 2021 he was promoted to Business Development Manager in Northwest Minnesota, where he works with individual businesses, industry sector partners and consultants to promote and support the regional economy. In this role, Chet also coordinates Minnesota Business First Stop, and interagency group that assists developers and businesses to understand and navigate the regulatory environment in Minnesota.
Prior to DEED, Chet attended the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, graduating in 2013; worked for the University of Minnesota and the U.S. Department of State; and served in the Minnesota National Guard as a Civil Affairs NCO.
Sam Jenson | Workforce Development Representative, DEED
Sam Jenson is a new but familiar face to the Greater Grand Forks economic development ecosystem. After graduating from UND with a degree in Political Science in 2021, he accepted a role with the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals (GGFYP) as their Executive Director. As Executive Director, Sam supported organizational development and helped organize over 60 events per year. After his tenure with GGFYP, Sam gained experience in sales with Leighton Media. While maintaining and growing a book of business with Leighton Media, he was able to develop relationships with area entrepreneurs on a more professional level. Finally, in January of 2026, Sam accepted a role with DEED to become a Workforce Development Representative. In his current role, Sam supports job seekers, works with local business, and collaborates with regional stakeholders.
Maggie Brockling | Economic Development Director, East Grand Forks EDA
Maggie Brockling is an economic development leader and entrepreneurial ecosystem builder with more than two decades of experience advancing business growth across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She specializes in designing and implementing programs that support entrepreneurs, strengthen local economies, and translate strategy into measurable outcomes. Her work includes launching microloan and incentive programs, leading business retention and expansion initiatives, securing and managing grant funding, and building high-impact public-private partnerships. Recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree and Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, Maggie holds a Master of Public Administration from UND and is known for her ability to move complex initiatives from concept to execution.
