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 newsletter, using the form to the right.
An Absolutely Amazing Journey
Jordan Espeseth grew up in Thief River Falls. He raced snow cross during his growing up years, right up until the age of 17, “I always thought I was going to go into snow cross professionally, but after my junior year of high school I...
All Hands On Deck
Brenda Hamre, and daughter Avery, shared the story of BlackBarn at the March 2, 2021 TREK. BlackBarn is a new business in the Thief River Falls area. They opened their doors in November of 2020, offering a unique, rural shopping...
Bringing the Fun
Steve and Ladora Dahlen started Baker Street Sales back in 2005 with a small $1,200 food vending trailer that provided food at area farm auctions. When they had a successful event, they put the money back into the business and continued to...
When You Come in You’re a Friend
Kim Rosendahl talked about his entrepreneurial journey at the February 2, 2021 TREK. He moved to Thief River Falls in 2003, where he took a position at Dakota Clinic, which has since transitioned to Sanford Thief River Falls Medical...
Drew Erickson “Rocks” TREK
Drew Erickson, owner of Solid Rock Financial, was a presenter at the January 5, 2021 TREK. He talked about his growing up years in Thief River Falls, and the secure, stable home that his mother and father provided. "Not only did they...
Joe Kezar’s Music TREK
Joe Kezar presented at the January 5, 2021 TREK. He has owned and operated a business in Thief River Falls since 1991. Joe has successfully navigated the many changes that have impacted the industry over the past 30 years. When asked what...
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.
218-280-1755
Michelle Landsverk
Economic Development
Advance Thief River
PO Box 773
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
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