Region Five Development Commission

10/21/2026

We are a little more than 6 weeks away from the beginning of our winter farm transition retreats. The first retreat will be in Marshall on December 4th and 5th at the Merit Center.

These retreats are for ALL generations who are thinking about, or going, through a farm transition and topics covered include: family and business goals, job responsibilities, financial needs of farms and families, inheritance considerations, and mechanisms of transfer

Data shows from previous retreats, on a scale of 1 to 10, participants rate them at 9.9 with recommending them to friends and neighbors.

Learn more and register at https://centerofagriculture.org/farm-transition/ and share with those in your network who might benefit from them.

10/20/2026

Purple Carrot Market continues to seek a General Manager

About Us: Purple Carrot Market, a brand-new cooperative grocery store located in Little Falls, MN is ready to hire our General Manager. We are dedicated to providing local, sustainable, organic and clean conventional products to our members and community. We are committed to cooperative principles, equity, and fostering a thriving local food system.

Purple Carrot Market is a member of the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) with an anticipated opening in late 2026. Join our team now to participate in planning, product placement, building supplier relationships and hiring.

Position Summary: The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and operational management of the Purple Carrot Market ensuring the market remains financially sustainable, operationally efficient, and mission-aligned, while delivering high-quality service to owners, shoppers, and the broader community. For a full job description, please click here: https://www.purplecarrotmarket.coop/

The GM leads the market’Directors, and champions a vibrant, inclusive, and community-driven cooperative model.

Key areas of responsibility include:

· Leadership & Strategic Management

· Financial Oversight

· Operations Management

· Human Resources & Staff Development

· Marketing, Outreach & Engagement

· Board Relationship & Governance

Little Falls: With an affordable cost of living, excellent schools, and abundant outdoor recreation, Little Fallsand personal well-being. Residents enjoy easy access to hiking and biking trails, fishing, paddling, local arts and cultural events, and a charming historic downtown. Located 90 minutes from the Twin Cities and conveniently located between St. Cloud and the Brainerd Lakes Area, the community offers the amenities of larger regional centers while maintaining the welcoming spirit and close relationships that define small-town living.

Salary range: $55,000-$65,000

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Purple Carrot Market is an equal opportunity employer.

https://www.purplecarrotmarket.coop

10/12/2026

As of September 21st, Baxter fares match Brainerd fares, making it more affordable to use Brainerd & Crow Wing Public Transit!

📍 Trips originating in Baxter:
➡️ Advance-booked trip: $3.00 (formerly $7.00)
➡️ Same-day trip: $5.00 (formerly $11.00)

Their service is open to everyone and provides convenient, curb-to-curb transportation.

To schedule a ride or for more information:
📞218-825-7433
📧 [email protected]
🌐 brainerdmn.gov/195/Transit
📱 Brainerd Dial A Ride app
💻 brainerdmn.gov/655/Spare-Rider-App-and-Web-Portal

Lower fares. Same great service. Give them a try! 🚌

View transportation services available in Brainerd.

10/09/2026

Nurse Navigator Transportation is excited to have a driver in the New York Mills area! If you need Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, check them out.

To schedule a ride, call 320-815-7220 or visit https://www.nursenavigatortransport.com/appointments to request an appointment.

10/05/2026

We are celebrating two years with Thomas on our team this month!🥳

We are grateful for his knowledge and expertise, witty sense of humor, and passion for making our region a better place to be! 🙌

His favorite thing about working here is revealed below... 🧡

09/24/2026

We had the honor and privilege of receiving a tour of Camp Ripley from the Garrison Command Sergeant Major Turner and Major Jonathan Propst.

Camp Ripley and R5DC are long-standing partners who have worked together to address regional challenges, and Camp Ripley is a major economic driver in the region.

We are so grateful for the time and attention they gave us, along with the briefing from Colonel Steve Hall. CSM Turner currently serves on our Commission, and Col. Hall has served multiple times over the past 16 years. We are deeply grateful to them for their service to our community and our country, and we look forward to future collaboration.

Plus, we got to go to Valhalla. 🇳🇴

09/14/2026

Our friends at U of MN Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships are hosting an Interactive Workshop and Gathering for Rural Grocers: Strengthening Your Rural Grocery Store in Menahga on October 6.

This event is for store owners, managers, staff, and others who work alongside rural grocers. Learn more and register here:

Join fellow rural grocery store owners and operators for a hands-on day focused on growing sales, strengthening store operations, and learning from one another. Led by grocery consultant Jeanie Wells, the day will begin with practical strategies for increasing customer count, growing basket size, im...

09/09/2026

We are so grateful to all of you who graciously shared your thoughtful feedback in our regional survey. ❤️

Congrats to our gift card winner, Kendra G! ✨

08/27/2026

Please join us in celebrating Stephanie's 8 years of service with R5DC & NCEDA! 🥳

Steph, your warm personality, positive attitude, and thoughtful approach make working with you a pleasure and strengthen the relationships you build with businesses and partners every day. 💙

We are grateful for your dedication to helping businesses succeed, making a meaningful impact across our region. 🤩

08/04/2026

Angela brings a rare gift to our team - turning the everyday into the eye-catching and finding the words the rest of us didn't know we needed. Under her voice, our communications have genuinely transformed: sharper, warmer, and more human.

Happy 8 Years at R5DC! 💙✨