Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI)

Happy National Entrepreneurship Day to the trailblazing entrepreneurs in the Rochester area. Your hard work, innovation, and vision are shaping the future of our region. Keep building, growing, and inspiring!

Last evening was a fantastic celebration of local entrepreneurs at the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. (Recognizing, Awarding, Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event, hosted by RAEDI at Two Discovery Square in Rochester. The night honored a remarkable group of entrepreneur awardees, including Michelle Hamilton of Dandelion Naturals, Dr. Atta Behfar and Dr. Andre Terzic of RION, and Francisco and Maria Lopez of Lopez and Son Construction and La Michoacana Purépecha. The prestigious Warrior Award was presented to Bucky Beeman, and the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Benike Construction. Congratulations to all the deserving award recipients!

See the latest article in the Star Tribune on job growth for the Rochester area.

Join us for the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. (Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event on Thursday, November 7th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Two Discovery Square in Rochester. RAEDI will be honoring Benike Construction with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the company’s 87 years of excellence since its founding by Alvin E. Benike. Tickets for the event can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/RAVE2024

Join us for the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. (Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event on Thursday, November 7th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Two Discovery Square in Rochester. RAEDI will be recognizing Dr. Andre Terzic and Dr. Atta Behfar, co-founders of RION, a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company based in Rochester. Committed to transforming medicine, RION’s pipeline includes next generation therapies for patients suffering from often incurable medical conditions. Rion Aesthetics, born from RION’s cutting-edge science and technology, is a regenerative aesthetics company that focuses on research in hair restoration and facial wrinkle treatments. In 2022, Rion Aesthetics introduced (plated)™ Skin Science, an award-winning skincare line that harnesses Renewosome™ technology to enhance the skin's appearance. Tickets for the event can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/RAVE2024

Join us for the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. (Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event on Thursday, November 7th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Two Discovery Square in Rochester! RAEDI will be recognizing Bucky Beeman for the Warrior Award for his creation of Market Update in the Rochester area. Several years ago, Bucky began documenting his daily experiences on Snapchat, which led him to create a platform that would spotlight new businesses, community events, and noteworthy changes in the Rochester area. Every Thursday, Bucky showcases updates about local businesses across multiple social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. With a dedicated team, he has since captured over 400 interviews, chronicling the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Southeast Minnesota. Market Update has become a vital resource for the community, highlighting the stories of those who are inspired to contribute to the local economy. His journey is a testament to the power of community, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, inspiring others to embrace their passions and support one another in the ever-evolving business landscape. Don’t miss the chance to see his inspiring story! Get your tickets and learn more about the R.A.V.E. event here. https://bit.ly/RAVE2024

Join us for the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. Event on Thursday, November 7th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Two Discovery Square in Rochester! This week, we are spotlighting entrepreneur award winners, Francisco and Maria Lopez, co-founders and owners La Michoacana Purépecha ice cream shop since 2022, and Lopez & Son Construction since 2004. Don’t miss the chance to see their inspiring story! Get your tickets and learn more about the event here. https://bit.ly/RAVE2024

Join us for the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. Event on Thursday, November 7th, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Two Discovery Square in Rochester! We’re excited to spotlight one of our amazing award winners, Michelle Hamilton, the founder and owner of Dandelion Naturals, a homemade natural soap company based in Hayfield, Minnesota. Since launching in 2022, Michelle’s products are now available in stores across 39 states! Recently, she relocated her business from the family farm to an existing commerical building in Hayfield, which will serve as her manufacturing, distribution, and future retail space. Don’t miss the chance to see her inspiring story! Get your tickets and learn more about the event here. https://lnkd.in/g7TFEhK6

The Rochester Public Schools approved an investment plan aimed at enhancing student learning through an operating levy increase. RAEDI urges strong community support for the 2024 referendum because: 1. Investment in Education: The referendum will provide critical funding to enhance opportunities and resources, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success. 2. Community Growth: A strong public school system attracts families and businesses to the area, fostering economic growth and stability. Investing in education helps build a vibrant community. 3. Workforce Development: By improving schools, we equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed for a competitive workforce, which is essential for the region's economic health. 4. Long-term Sustainability: Supporting the referendum contributes to the long-term sustainability of the school system, ensuring that Rochester remains an attractive place to live, work, and invest. By backing the 2024 Rochester Public Schools Referendum, RAEDI is committed to fostering a thriving community that prioritizes education and economic vitality.

Join us in celebrating the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. (Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Two Discovery Square, 209 5th Avenue SW, Rochester. The festivities will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., starting with networking, appetizers, and refreshments, followed by the awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Each award recipient will be honored with a special video tribute. This year, we are excited to present entrepreneurial awards to Dr. Andre Terzic and Dr. Atta Behfar, co-founders of RION; Francisco Lopez, founder of Lopez and Sons Construction and owner of La Michoacana Purepecha Ice Cream Shop; and Michelle Hamilton, founder of Dandelion Naturals. We will also honor Benike Construction with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the company’s 87 years of excellence since its founding by Alvin E. Benike. Additionally, the Warrior Award will be presented to Bucky Beeman for his advocacy and work on the digital Market Update series, which highlights new businesses in the Rochester area. Get your tickets here: