Life-Science Innovations (LSI), founded in 2005, is a multi-faceted company comprised of LSI Shared Services, Research & Development, and the Executive Leadership Team. Combined, we provide a diversified range of support to our family of companies, helping them grow and develop in their industries. The companies we support span across the industries of engineering, processing, poultry genetics, and agriculture. In total, they employ around 2,000 people across multiple states and countries. As a company, we foster an environment of discovery, collaboration, and challenging the status quo. We understand the next innovative idea is right around the corner, therefore, we encourage our employees to bring their strengths and ideas to the table every day. We are located on the beautiful MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar, MN. With a population of 20,000 people, Willmar offers the benefits of a larger city while still providing many of the amenities of a small-town community.

The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation. As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.

As a leading national point-of-sale solutions provider, North Country Business Products maximizes business performance for thousands of customers across the country. Specializing in the grocery, retail and hospitality industries, NCBP partners with the best hardware and software technology companies in the industry to develop customized solutions that encompass innovative technologies, services and responsive support. North Country Business Products is a 100% employee-owned organization (ESOP). With an entrepreneurial spirit, associates are dedicated to working hard and providing the best products and services to support customer needs. Driven to think creatively, committed to taking ownership, and striving for the highest level of customer satisfaction, all associates have a stake in the company and benefit from the its success. A happy customer means business success and personal success.

We specialize in solutions that transform waste materials into valuable end products like colored landscape mulch, animal bedding, compost, and more. As a factory-direct company, we focus on customer success by combining the right industry knowledge, the right equipment, and the right customer support. We launched the Rotochopper brand with a philosophy that waste materials are opportunities, along with a mission to create sustainable solutions for releasing their value. We continue to develop the most innovative grinding equipment by channeling customer input into “Perfect In One Pass” technology. We believe that working directly with customers is not simply the best way to develop innovative solutions for waste recycling challenges—it’s the only way to create true sustainability.

Our focus is on commercial, industrial and transportation electrical projects. New construction, remodeling and service work. We have been in the St. Cloud area for over 50 years. Our staff is dedicated to making Design Electric the "go to" contractor in the area. We have large, well trained staff and equipment to handle any electrical project. We back up our work with 24/7 emergency service.

Traut Companies is a leader in the drilling industry with over 35 years of experience in residential, agricultural, commercial, municipal and environmental drilling.

Malco Tools started in 1950 when a young steel supply salesman, Mark W. Keymer, decided to manufacture and market a pipe crimper he had invented to install the “new” sheet metal ductwork used with forced-air heating systems. More tools soon followed, including the first hand seamer to employ compound leverage, a time-saving hand notcher that made a V-shaped cut in one motion, and a hand-operated snap lock punch to complete the basic sheet metal toolset. Metal duct fabrication could now be done easily at the job site, and contractor-installers received the tools well. Mark Keymer’s manufacturing operations had to move from a garage to the more spacious basement of his Minneapolis home. Mr. Keymer relates that the Malco name originated from combining his first name and the first name of an early associate named Al: Malco for “Mark and Al’s Company” (it was Al’s garage). The fledgling tool company’s humble move upward, so to speak, from a garage to a basement, was the first of many moves and plant expansions. Corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located in Annandale, MN. Over 70 years later, Malco's legacy of innovative products lives on. Hundreds of other specialty tools have since joined the early product line of crimpers, seamers, notchers, and punches. Malco is still known for regularly introducing exciting new hand tool designs and modifications for the markets it serves.

West Central Steel is a carbon steel service center and parts fabrication business. Focused on helping customers meet their commitments and grow through responsive service, reliable deliveries and innovative processing capabilities.

A locally-owned, family-owned, and family-operated community bank with branches in Glenwood, Villard, and Alexandria.

Deerwood Bank has been a partner in Northern Minnesota's progress since 1910. We have helped businesses grow and prosper for over 100 years by providing superior services to our customers. Our staff of experienced professionals will respond to your financial needs in a timely and effective manner. Our goal is to help you reach your goals. We are committed to providing the best in financial products and services, and will search for creative solutions to your needs. Our flexibility and responsiveness to your requests allow us to tailor our services to meet your unique needs and to provide you with the best banking services available. We want to be your bank. Give us the opportunity to make you one of our valued customers.

Advanced Process Technologies, Inc. (APT) serves the Dairy & Food Industry with plant concept, design, process, mechanical and electrical/automation engineering; along with equipment manufacturing and complete installation. To better serve their growing number of customers, APT is currently building its fifth facility, a manufacturing facility in the Cokato, MN corporate office complex. Between Minnesota; Idaho; and California they have over 100,000 square feet in state-of-the-art facilities to partner with customers as they integrate dairy plants from milk receiving to packaging for your new or existing facility. APT’s flagship product the Advanced Cheese Vat (ACV) was developed to provide the industry with a design proven to enhance performance that is unsurpassed in cheesemaking operations. With 3 US patents, the ACV is a signature piece of equipment manufactured by APT. With over seventy ACV’s throughout US and Canada, customers are touting the ACVs performance, reliability, and superior customer service. APT’s line of cheesemaking equipment also includes an Advanced Dosing System, an enclosed Advanced Finishing Vat, custom designed Advanced Cheese Packaging line and complete Bulk Packaging Conveyor System. Their experienced Controls/Automation department, includes engineers with the knowledge of food manufacturing and all aspects of integrating complete process systems. Their capabilities not only include the automation of their own equipment but they have the talent, size, and experience to automate and integrate their customer’s entire process. APT’s talented staff is continuously working as the main automation integrator taking the responsibility of integrating all other components into an overall cohesive plant system. APT believes in starting each project with proven technology and expertise and completing each project earning their customer’s trust by continued support and service after project completion.

AWI Manufacturing is a second-generation family business base in Winsted, MN At AWI Manufacturing we work to create the best product and experience for our customers with skilled workers, advanced technology, and dedication. Offering stainless steel product manufacturing and ISO certified custom fabrication services, we’re constantly looking towards the future. Investing in the latest technology and hiring top-of-the-line employees provides the resources needed to constantly deliver quality products and services. We’re taking what’s been done well for the past 50 years and making it current. AWI was built on the back of hard work and word of mouth. We are working to keep our strong history, improve upon it and modernize with technology and innovation. As manufacturing needs increase, so do our product lines, staffing, and building. Investing in equipment and staff is important. Maintaining a top of the line facility is critical for quality product manufacturing, and it provides a safe and comfortable work environment for our dedicated staff. Providing a top of the line manufacturing work environment is essential to AWI and staff. Keeping them comfortable, happy and having a little fun along the way allows people to enjoy their work and produce a quality product for customers. The Second Generation took over the company from their father in 2004 and renamed the company AWI Manufacturing. While wanting to honor what Art had created they also wanted to forge a new path, grow the company and also diversify the product offerings and services. Since 2004 the company has had tremendous growth and expanded from a 30,000 square foot facility to 100,000 square feet and double the employees. The product offerings have expanded and the development of a World Class Custom Manufacturing Facility was developed along with their product lines.