Business and Economic Development

From Public Service to Entrepreneurship

From Public Service to Entrepreneurship

Join us for TREK on September 1 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Thief River Falls, featuring local entrepreneur Brady Meunier. Hear how Brady transitioned from a 10-year career in law enforcement to co-owning Northstars Construction, Northstars Properties and Energy on Main. Learn about his journey into entrepreneurship, the realities of business ownership, and the importance of flexibility, family, hard work and community involvement. TREK is free and open to everyone.

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Building a Business Outdoors: Tony Dorn to Speak at TREK

Building a Business Outdoors: Tony Dorn to Speak at TREK

Join Two Rivers Entrepreneur Kinnection (TREK) on August 4 in Thief River Falls as local entrepreneur Tony Dorn, owner of Kingpin Bear Baits & Scent, shares how he built a successful business around hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Learn from his entrepreneurial journey, enjoy coffee and networking, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members. TREK is free and open to anyone interested in small business and a vibrant local economy.

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Small Businesses Have Big Impact

Small Businesses Have Big Impact

Small businesses have a big impact on Thief River Falls and Pennington County. Across Minnesota and the nation, small businesses create jobs, support families, strengthen local economies, and keep dollars circulating close to home. This Advance Thief River blog highlights national and state small business statistics while adding a local lens on entrepreneurship, business ownership, and the important role small businesses play in building a strong, resilient community.

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Community & Workforce

Welcoming Week Brings Community Together September 12-19

Welcoming Week Brings Community Together September 12-19

Celebrate Welcoming Week in Thief River Falls September 12–19, 2026. Enjoy live music, local shopping, a historic walking tour, community open houses, and behind-the-scenes tours of Arctic Cat, DigiKey, and Northland Community & Technical College. Everyone is invited to connect, explore, and discover what makes our community feel like home.

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Welcoming Week September 12-19

Welcoming Week September 12-19

Celebrate Welcoming Week in Thief River Falls, Sept. 12–19. Join us for a week of celebrating the people, cultures, and connections that make the Thief River Falls area a welcoming place to live, work, and call home. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, or just arrived, Welcoming Week is a chance to meet neighbors, learn about different cultures, and help build a stronger community together.

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Become a Good Jobs Designated Employer

Become a Good Jobs Designated Employer

Join Advance Thief River, Inter-County Community Council, Rural Minnesota CEP, and the Regional Workforce Alliance for a Lunch and Learn on Monday, June 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Legacy Event Center. Local employers can learn how to become a Good Jobs Designated Employer, access workforce development resources, and participate in regional initiatives that support employee recruitment, retention, workplace quality, and long-term business growth in Northwest Minnesota.

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Advance Thief River Updates

Nonprofit Training Event September 10

Nonprofit Training Event September 10

Join other area nonprofit staff and board members for this free nonprofit training event hosted by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. This free Minnesota Council of Nonprofits nonprofit training event features practical board governance training, insights on the state of the nonprofit sector, networking, conversation and a meal. Nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers are welcome.

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Advance Thief River to Receive National Impact Award

Advance Thief River to Receive National Impact Award

Advance Thief River and NWRDC have been selected to recieve a national impact award for their Thrive in Thief River project. The two organizations teamed with University of Minnesota Extension, Department of Community Development and EAPC Architects to develop Thrive...

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Thrive in Thief River Strategic Plan Rollout

Thrive in Thief River Strategic Plan Rollout

Join us April 9 from 12–1:30 PM at Northland Community and Technical College for the public rollout of the new Strategic Plan. Discover key priorities, long-term goals, and actionable strategies shaping the community’s future. Connect with local leaders, partners, and residents as we move from planning to implementation and build momentum for sustainable growth.

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Contact Advance Thief River

Contact Michelle Landsverk, Executive Director of Advance Thief River with specific questions or to set up a meeting to discuss your needs.

Advance Thief River

Mailing Address
PO Box 773

Thief River Falls, MN 56701

Office
By Appointment Only
Spark Hub
(Inside Garden Valley Building)
1412 3rd Street West
Thief River Falls, MN 56701

(c) 2026 Advance Thief River. All rights reserved.