NEWS & UPDATES
On this page, we feature a variety of news and information, everything from economic developments to business success stories.
Here you will find breaking opportunities and news on development, as well as a strong dose of inspiration. If you don’t want to miss a blog post, make sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, using the form to the right.
Trusting Her Gut
The story of Lisa Robson’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1993, when her mom and Diana “Granny” Josephson bought “Lon’s Bar and Pub.” Soon after purchase, they renamed it the “Evergreen Eating Emporium.”
Finding His Passion
All things considered, Blake Kuznia was an unlikely restaurateur. He was young and lacked experience in the food service industry. After finishing high school in Thief River Falls, he left for Duluth for a couple of years…
Gracewin Development
Advance Thief River Director, Michelle Landsverk, interviewed Lisa Anteau of GraceWin Living, to learn about their new housing development coming to Thief River Falls. This development will increase the housing supply and provide a new...
Fourth Generation Business
Derek and Stacy Lee are fourth-generation owners of Lee Plumbing and Heating. At the November 3 TREK, they shared the story of their entrepreneurial journey and business philosophy…
An Entrepreneur at Heart
Terry Blacklance has been an entrepreneur since as long as he can remember, but it wasn’t until 2012 that he decided to pursue his lifelong dreams of owning his own business. Together with his wife, Tammie…
Lees and Blacklances to Present at TREK November 3
Thief River Falls, MN—October 30, 2020: Two Rivers Entrepreneur “Kinnection,” or TREK, will host its second gathering on November 3. While TREK’s first meeting was held online, via Zoom, the November 3 meeting will use a hybrid format—a physical gathering at River...
County Announces Second Round of Grants
Pennington County CARES Grants October 12, 2020 Pennington County has released the guidelines and application information for a second round of CARES grants. This follows a first round of funding, which provided about $750,000 in funding to Pennington County...
Allie Enge – My Biggest Inspiration
Allie’s business story started about 10 years ago. “At that time, I had a wonderful job at Digi-Key, with amazing benefits and I really loved what I did.” The thought of owning her own business was the last thing on her mind.
Promoting the Area to New Residents
Advance Thief River is in the middle of a marketing campaign, promoting the Thief River Falls area with the goal of attracting new residents.
Meet the TREK Team
The TREK team has been working behind the scenes over the last few months, leading to the launch of “Two Rivers Entrepreneur Kinnection,” a platform for local entrepreneurs to learn from and support one another.
TREK Launch October 6
The launch of Two Rivers Entrepreneur Kinnection (TREK) is October 6. TREK is a monthly gathering of entrepreneurs, mentors, advisors, and others, to educate, engage, and “kinnect” area entrepreneurs.
CARES Act Loan Funds Available
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $23 Million in CARES Act Funding to Capitalize Revolving Loan Funds to Help Small Businesses Across Minnesota Respond to Coronavirus July 28, 2020 U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic...
Money Smart Training Starts September 17
Advance Thief River will be offering Money Smart training beginning September 17. This curriculum is designed for new or existing small business owners, and provides a practical introduction to many of the most important aspects of managing a business. Training will...
Retail Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit everyone hard, and retailers are no exception. This video features great information for retailers, during this unprecedented time, with strategies for you to consider as you start to think about reopening and...
Advance Thief River is a Launch Minnesota Navigator
Advance Thief River is excited to be part of Launch Minnesota, a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation.

218-280-1755
Michelle Landsverk
Economic Development

Advance Thief River
PO Box 773
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
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