Minnesota & Wisconsin Buisness Moves: October 26, 2024 – Key Appointments & expansions
This week brings a flurry of exciting changes across the minnesota and Wisconsin business landscapes. From legal powerhouses to innovative manufacturers and vital non-profit organizations, we’re tracking the key personnel shifts and strategic expansions shaping the region’s economic future. Here’s a extensive overview of the latest business people on the move.
Legal Sector Sees Strategic appointments
The legal field is experiencing significant movement.Several firms have announced key hires, bolstering their expertise and capacity.
* Fredrikson & Byron: Welcomed Pals Pals to its Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts Group in Minneapolis. Pals brings valuable experience from Heidman Law Firm in Sioux City,Iowa,and prior judicial clerkships,including service with the Iowa Fifth District Court.
* Southern Minnesota Regional Legal services (SMRLS): Appointed Micaela Schuneman as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 13th. Schuneman’s background includes leadership roles at Mid Minnesota Legal Aid and the International Institute of Minnesota, demonstrating a strong commitment to legal aid and immigrant services. She succeeds the retiring Jessie R. Nicholson, who concludes a remarkable 40-year career.
Manufacturing Innovation & Leadership
Minnesota’s manufacturing sector continues to push boundaries, and recent appointments reflect this drive for innovation.
* Protolabs: Named Marc Kermisch as Chief Technology and AI Officer,starting October 13th. Kermisch’s experience at Emergent Software and Case New Holland positions him to lead Protolabs’ technological advancements. He takes the reins from Oleg Ryaboy.
* niron Magnetics: Appointed Shyamli Mohamed as Chief Financial Officer. Mohamed’s background as CFO at geothermal startup Eavor Technologies brings valuable financial expertise to this Minneapolis-based developer of rare earth-free permanent magnets.
Nonprofit Sector Gains New Leadership & Support
The region’s non-profit organizations are strengthening their boards and leadership teams to better serve their communities.
* Sheltering Arms Foundation: Expanded its Board of trustees with the additions of Katherine Madsen (St. Paul), Elizabeth Olson (Minneapolis), and Suzanne Lamb Steinhauer (St. Paul). heidi J. Kim (Minneapolis) was also elected as the new Board President for 2025-2026, leveraging her experience on the Episcopal Church executive council.
Retail expansion & Community Investment
Growth and investment are evident in both retail and community initiatives.
* Shoppes at Arbor Lakes (Maple Grove): Announced that L.L.Bean will be opening a 17,000 square foot store in the summer of 2026, bringing its outdoor lifestyle brand to the area.
* Hormel Foods: Demonstrated its commitment to fighting hunger through its Hunger Action Month campaign. The company donated $10,000 to each of its U.S. production facilities, totaling $460,000 in support of local hunger-relief organizations.
Service Industry Updates & Relocations
Changes are also happening within the service sector, with businesses adapting to meet evolving needs.
* American Rug laundry: Plans to relocate from its current Minneapolis location on East Lake Street to the Mac-Groveland neighborhood in St. Paul. This move, expected by the end of 2025, will allow the carpet cleaning service to better serve its customers.
Wisconsin Business news
Across the border in Wisconsin, key appointments are driving economic development.
* wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA): Appointed Jodi jean Amble as Director of marketing and Communications. Amble brings eight years of experience from RENEW Wisconsin, including a recent role as Interim Executive Director.
Stay Informed
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Why This Matters to You
These personnel changes and business developments aren’t just headlines; they represent opportunities for growth, innovation, and community impact.Understanding these shifts allows you to stay ahead of the curve, identify potential partnerships, and navigate the
