Central Minnesota Leaders Honored with Top State Economic Development Awards

(KNSI) – Two Central Minnesota economic development professionals were recognized for their outstanding contributions at the Economic Development Association of Minnesota’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards banquet.

Leslie Dingman, Business Development Director at the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, received the Economic Developer of the Year award, while Brian Fleming, Executive Director of the Sherburne County Economic Development Authority, was named Emerging Professional of the Year.

Dingman was honored for her visionary leadership and commitment to inclusive economic growth across the Greater St. Cloud region. Among her notable achievements, Dingman played a key role in attracting Niron Mainetics to Sartell, where the company is constructing a cleantech manufacturing facility expected to create more than 175 jobs in its first phase.

Beyond major industrial recruitment, Dingman champions inclusive growth through initiatives like Thrive Minnesota and Launch Minnesota, which expand resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and underserved communities. Her mentorship-driven programs have helped numerous business owners launch and grow sustainable ventures.

Fleming was recognized for his forward-thinking leadership during his first year running the Sherburne County Economic Development Authority.
His accomplishments include spearheading the updated Region 7W Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, which aligned Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties toward shared growth objectives. He also led a countywide housing study, established a local housing trust fund, and hosted a housing study action forum.

Fleming’s innovative projects include creating the first-of-its-kind Interactive Child Care Map and a successful grant initiative addressing food access. Through his efforts, River Station Gas & Convenience Store will soon offer fresh produce and essentials to a multicultural neighborhood in a designated food desert in Sherburne County.

He also helped launch a homeowner rehabilitation loan program and partnered with the Initiative Foundation and Wright County Economic Development Partnership to bring the Enterprise Academy, which supports underserved entrepreneurs, to Sherburne and Wright counties.

The Economic Development Association of Minnesota is a statewide organization of public, private, and nonprofit professionals specializing in economic development strategies and best practices across Minnesota.

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