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Each one of us are called to "Be a Leader" to help revitalize the economy. Whatever happens in our local communities will depend on our own enthusiasm and this is the topic of the Cass County EDC's annual meeting. The event will be held on Thursday, October 27 at the beautifully restored Chase on the Lake Hotel and Conference Center.

Keynote speaker is the leader of the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development, (DEED) Commissioner Mark Phillips. Commissioner Phillips has more than 25 years of leadership in development and finance, including launching new and creative programs for community and economic development, real estate development and business financing.[[In-content Ad]]

Prior to accepting the governor's appointment to head DEED, he was director of business development for Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson Construction Co.

Phillips also was director of community and economic development at the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) under Gov. Rudy Perpich, director of development for Duluth-based Minnesota Power, and vice president of Northeast Ventures Corp. in Duluth. The Economic Development Association of Minnesota presented him with its Career Achievement Award.

Phillips is a graduate of the Minnesota Executive Program within the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

The Board of Directors of the Cass County Economic Development Corporation enthusiastically invites the public to join us at this event. Tickets are $25 each for a scrumptious 2 meat buffet and reservations can be secured by calling the EDC office at 218-947-9723.

The Cass County EDC is a community non-profit corporation with the mission to "Improve the business environment of Cass County by encouraging a strong, diverse and sustainable economy and to build better relationships between business, government agencies and local communities."

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