News and Stories
Latest News & Stories
Two Entrepreneurial Journeys, One Morning at TREK May 5 at 8:30 AM
Join TREK on May 5 at 8:30 AM to hear from two local startup founders, Davis Engen of Echo Healing and Brenna Drevlow of B Sew Cute. This session highlights two unique entrepreneurial journeys—from a wellness-based business to a student-led venture launched through Prowler Tank. Learn how each is turning passion into action, building skills, and growing with community support. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in local innovation.
Pull Up a Chair: The Longest Table Returns April 23
Join the Longest Table on April 23 at 6:00 PM at Northland Community and Technical College for a Scandinavian-themed community dinner. Enjoy Swedish meatballs, lefse, rømmegrøt, and more, with live nyckelharpa music by Renee Vaughan. Designed to bring together newcomers and long-time residents, this event creates meaningful connections over a shared meal. Limited tickets available—reserve your seat today.
Ashton’s Mowing Story
Learn how Ashton’s Mowing Service and Snow Removal grew from a young entrepreneur’s goal into a trusted, full-service property maintenance and light construction business in Thief River Falls. Founded by Darwin and Ashton Klemetson, the company is built on hard work, strong partnerships, and community support. Hear Darwin share the journey, lessons learned, and growth story during his upcoming TREK presentation on April 7 at 8:30 AM.
The Longest Table
Experience The Longest Table in Thief River Falls on April 23 at Northland Community & Technical College—a Scandinavian-themed community dinner for newcomers and long-term residents, featuring traditional Scandinavian cuisine, live nyckelharpa music by Renee Vaughan, and a unique shared table designed to bring people together. Join this one-of-a-kind cultural event celebrating food, music, and connection.
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.
Meet Bruce Gangelhoff: Innovation at the Intersection of Golf & Technology
Bruce Gangelhoff, owner of BA Custom Products, will speak at TREK on March 3 at 8:30 AM. Learn how he built a commercial-grade golf simulator manufacturing business and is now integrating custom software solutions to create smarter, easier-to-manage simulator systems for clubs, businesses, and home users worldwide.
Upcoming Events
Inside Juiced: Automating Lead Growth
Discover how Juiced is driving smarter lead growth by simplifying real-time lead distribution. By handling the complexity of matching, pricing, and delivering leads, Juiced allows businesses to focus on scaling, efficiency, and performance. In this TREK session, owner Nolan Nordlund shares insights on building a tech-enabled platform designed for sustainable lead growth, and why automation and systems thinking are essential for entrepreneurs looking to compete and grow in today’s digital marketplace.
Klasen’s Greenhouse: A Year-Round Destination
Join TREK on January 6 from 8:30–9:30 AM for an inspiring entrepreneurship presentation by Kade and Ricki Klasen of Klasen’s Greenhouse. Learn how this family-run Minnesota greenhouse grew from a small side hustle into a year-round business with nine greenhouses and popular seasonal attractions. TREK is a professional development and networking series highlighting real-world business growth, innovation, and leadership in Northwest Minnesota.
Building Strong Foundations: How One Entrepreneur Turned Community Need Into a Growing Business
Falls Pressure Washing LLC founder Sam Lemky delivers reliable, integrity-based exterior cleaning services in Thief River Falls. His journey reflects resilience, faith, and community commitment. Sam will share his entrepreneurial story at TREK on December 2, offering insight into building a purpose-driven business grounded in strong values.
Spotlight on Local Entrepreneur: Paula Peterson to Speak at TREK
Join us Tuesday, November 4, 8:30–9:30 AM at the Old Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls for TREK, featuring local entrepreneur Paula Peterson. Hear her inspiring story of business growth, learning, and community impact. Hosted by Advance Thief River. Coffee and conversation provided—everyone welcome!
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
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