Panelists Panelists for the Rural Economic Rebound program Jan. 7 at Central Lakes College were, from left, Randy Olson, vice president for economic opportunity at the Initiative Foundation; Robert Schafer, director of the Central Lakes Ag and Energy Center, Staples; Jennifer Hawkins, a renewable energy industry specialist with the state Department of Employment and Economic Development; and Cheryal Lee Hills, executive director of the Region Five Development Commission. Central Lakes College on Jan. 7 hosted a free program on business development in rural Minnesota featuring Colleen Landkamer, state director of USDA Rural Development.

The 90-minute event on the Brainerd campus drew about 60 people and included a panel discussing renewable energy opportunities for regional entrepreneurs.

Panelists included Robert Schafer, director of the Central Lakes Ag and Energy Center, Staples; Cheryal Lee Hills, executive director of the Region Five Development Commission; Jennifer Hawkins, a renewable energy industry specialist with the state Department of Employment and Economic Development; and Randy Olson, vice president for economic opportunity at the Initiative Foundation.

Landkamer said stimulus dollars provided by the American Recovery Act and a commitment from the Obama administration “have made a large difference” to the agency in which she is employed. The 40 rural development programs which offer assistance to individuals and communities include those that help with housing, community facilities, businesses, and utilities.

Colleen Landkamer Working to streamline the application process for grants, USDA is part of an economic impact that Landkamer said will “move communities forward and make a difference in a person’s life.”

Health-care policy changes will play into the overall well-being of most Americans, but so too will be an improving job market. She said that through partnerships and innovation, an economic recovery for the state may focus on renewable energy and commitments moving away from dependence on finite natural resources.

Landkamer said that last year $111 billion was spent in the U.S. on renewable energy projects, $112 million of that in Minnesota. “Farmers and businesses will get a lot of assistance in renewable energy” over the next several years, she said.

Existing businesses and organizations with innovative projects that drive new energy ideas will also be given support from the USDA.

Aside from energy solutions, the agency is working with rental property owners and home buyers to provide housing for qualifying individuals.

The Rural Housing Programs makes a variety of loans and grants to housing developers for the construction and renovation of multi-family housing facilities in rural areas.

“We provided $435 million to about 3,500 Minnesotans in home loans last year,” Landkamer said.

She cited an apartment complex near Fond du Lac College at Cloquet as one example of providing a residential mix to sustain a quality community. The apartment building owners received funds to serve those with means as well as those eligible for subsidized rent.