Wright County Economic Development Partnership

Jake Budenski is a real estate development and finance professional at Ebert Companies, a premier commercial general contracting and real estate development firm serving the region. Bringing a comprehensive background in development, finance, and construction, Jake aligns private-sector investment with regional growth strategies. He leads projects through the entire lifecycle—from site discovery and public-private entitlements to long-term asset stabilization—making him a vital asset to public-private initiatives like the Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP).

We are happy to present the 24th WCEDP Golf Classic presented by our Premier Sponsor, Guardian Angels!

⛳️Fore! Registration is now open for the WCEDP Golf Classic! Gather your team, enjoy a fun day on the course, and connect with local business leaders. Register here: http://bit.ly/4vHKA5y

⭐ 𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬
𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗡𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗘𝗡 ⭐

The Wright County Economic Development Partnership
(WCEDP) is proud to recognize Board Member Nadine
Schoen in this week’s Board Member Monday
spotlight.

Nadine brings extensive public service leadership,
small business experience, and a strong commitment to
economic development to the WCEDP Board.

As a longtime business owner and community leader,
she offers valuable insight into the needs of both
residents and local employers across Wright County,
Minnesota.

In her role as a Wright County Commissioner, Nadine
supports initiatives focused on infrastructure
investment, workforce development, and maintaining a
strong, diverse business climate that includes retail,
manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and
family-owned businesses.

Her dedication to collaboration, community advocacy,
and long-term planning helps advance WCEDP’s
mission of building a thriving, resilient regional
economy.

We are grateful for Nadine’s leadership and service to
Wright County.

👉 Join us in thanking Nadine for her continued impact
and commitment!

𝗪𝗖𝗘𝗗𝗣 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: IntegriPrint

Need help making your business stand out on paper, in person, and everywhere in between? 👀

This week, we’re proud to highlight IntegriPrint, a trusted printing and marketing solutions provider in Buffalo, MN, serving businesses across Wright County. From eye-catching marketing materials to large-scale displays, IntegriPrint helps businesses turn ideas into high-impact visual communication that gets results.

IntegriPrint offers a full range of print and marketing services, including:
✔️ Business printing (brochures, postcards, stationery & more)
✔️ Direct mail marketing services
✔️ Trade show booths & event displays
✔️ Vehicle wraps & large-format graphics
✔️ Acrylic signage & promotional materials

They’re more than just a printer, they’re a strategic partner focused on helping businesses grow through effective marketing.

Their philosophy is simple: Make their clients look great and help them succeed.

Whether it’s a direct mail campaign, trade show presence, or branded signage, IntegriPrint helps local companies:
✔️ Increase visibility
✔️ Generate leads
✔️ Build brand recognition
✔️ Compete in a crowded market

🤝 𝗪𝗖𝗘𝗗𝗣 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Partners like IntegriPrint play a key role in economic development—helping businesses grow, attract customers, and tell their story effectively.

When local businesses succeed, our entire community benefits.

Today, we celebrate the individuals who keep Wright County businesses and organizations running smoothly... our Administrative Professionals.

From coordinating operations and managing communications to supporting leadership and driving efficiency behind the scenes, administrative professionals play a vital role in strengthening our local economy. Their attention to detail, organization, and dedication are essential to the success of businesses across Wright County.

At the Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP), we recognize and appreciate the hardworking administrative professionals who support our partners, communities, and workforce every day. Your impact does not go unnoticed.

Join us in celebrating Administrative Professionals Day by thanking the people who help your organization thrive.

Today, we celebrate an incredible legacy and extend our deepest gratitude to Gene Janikula as he retires from the Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) Board of Directors.

Gene has been a part of WCEDP since the very beginning, serving as a founding member and dedicating more than three decades to the Partnership. His presence has been a constant, steady force—offering wisdom, perspective, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right for Wright County.

But Gene’s impact goes far beyond the boardroom.

With an extraordinary 61 years of public service to Woodland Township, Gene’s dedication is truly historic. From constable to treasurer to supervisor, his leadership has shaped not only his township, but the entire county. His service is widely regarded as one of the longest tenures of any elected official in the country—a testament to his unwavering commitment to community.

At WCEDP, Gene has been known as a “keeper of the flame”... someone who carried forward the history, values, and purpose of the organization while helping guide its future. He has been a voice for rural Wright County, a champion for agriculture, and a leader who always prioritized unity over individual interests—moving conversations from “me” to “we.”

Gene has never sought recognition, but his impact has not gone unnoticed. As a past WCEDP Outstanding Member of the Year, he exemplified what it means to lead with humility, integrity, and heart. Whether sharing his insight at the board table or passing along knowledge to new members, Gene has always been driven by one simple purpose: giving back to the community he loves.

As Gene once shared, his work has always been about creating a sense of place and purpose for his family, and for generations to come. Because of him, Wright County is stronger, more connected, and better positioned for the future.

Gene, thank you for your decades of service, your leadership, and your unwavering dedication to this county. The legacy you leave behind is one that will not be forgotten.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement, you’ve more than earned it.

⭐ 𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗪𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗟𝗘 ⭐

The Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) is proud to recognize Board Member Marc Weigle in this week’s Board Member Monday spotlight.

Marc brings extensive community development expertise, municipal leadership experience, and a strong commitment to regional economic growth to the WCEDP Board. His perspective helps strengthen collaboration between local governments, businesses, and community partners across Wright County, Minnesota.

In his professional role as Community Development Director for the City of Saint Michael, Marc supports initiatives focused on strategic planning, business attraction, infrastructure investment, and sustainable community growth.

His dedication to partnership, long-term planning, and economic vitality plays an important role in advancing WCEDP’s mission of building a resilient and thriving regional economy.

We are grateful for Marc’s leadership and service to Wright County.

👉 Join us in thanking Marc for his continued impact and commitment!

𝗪𝗖𝗘𝗗𝗣 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: EMEX Benefit Systems

Struggling to understand employee benefits, insurance options, or compliance requirements for your business? You’re not alone, and that’s exactly where EMEX Benefits steps in.

Based right here in St. Michael, MN, EMEX Benefits is a trusted partner helping Wright County businesses simplify one of the most complex parts of running a company: employee benefits and insurance.

EMEX Benefits provides employee benefit consulting, insurance solutions, and benefit management systems for businesses of all sizes, including:
✔️ Group health, dental, vision & life insurance
✔️ Employee benefits packages (small + large employers)
✔️ Medicare, individual & family insurance options
✔️ Compliance support & benefit management tools
✔️ Onboarding, enrollment, and HR-related systems

Their team works as an advisor and advocate, helping employers control costs, stay compliant, and build benefit packages that actually support their workforce.

In today’s workforce, benefits aren’t just a perk... they’re a competitive advantage.

With decades of experience and access to dozens of insurance carriers, they help businesses find the right fit—not just a one-size-fits-all solution.

🤝 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁:
From small businesses to companies with hundreds of employees, EMEX Benefits supports organizations across Minnesota and beyond—helping strengthen our local workforce and economy.

🤝 𝗪𝗖𝗘𝗗𝗣 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Partners like EMEX Benefits bring real, behind-the-scenes value to our business community, helping companies grow stronger by taking care of their people.

Learn more: https://www.emexbenefits.com/

The Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) is grateful to Midwest Business Finance Corporation (MBFC) for their generous $2,000 grant supporting workforce and entrepreneurship development right here in Wright County.

This funding played a key role in supporting the Wright Technical Center Entrepreneurship Opportunities (WTCEO) program. WTCEO is an innovative, hands-on class that connects students with local businesses to gain real-world experience in starting and operating a business.

Through Wright Technical Center in Buffalo, students had the opportunity to learn directly from local business owners, mentors, and a dedicated instructor—building practical skills while fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

At WCEDP, our mission is to create a healthy and diverse environment for new and existing businesses, ultimately strengthening our local economy and expanding job opportunities across Wright County. Partnerships like this make that work possible.

We are proud to collaborate with MBFC and grateful for their continued investment in our community, our businesses, and our future workforce.

📸 Pictured: Mark Lee (OJT & Youth Apprenticeship Instructor – Wright Tech Center Entrepreneurship), Joe Kammermeier (Vice President – MBFC), and Mellissa Meidinger (Executive Director – WCEDP)