Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) today announced the hiring of Kirk Bustrom to the position of Director of Economic Development. He most recently worked for Northwest Bank & Trust Company as Assistant Vice President for their Economic Development Division.
Bustrom will lead negotiations on business partnerships for commercial and industrial business development and oversee aspects of the financial elements of RAEDI’s mission including the creation of funding initiatives for new and existing business.
“We are pleased to welcome Kirk to the RAEDI team to help advance our mission to retain, grow, and diversify our area economy. His extensive background in planning, development, and finance will be a great fit for our organization,” said RAEDI President John Wade.
In addition to previous designation as a certified public accountant, Bustrom has over 20 years of professional experience in consulting and project management in the capacity of community and economic development. His experience includes working in various capacities in community and economic development with the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission, the University of MN-Duluth Center for Economic Development, and Itasca Economic Development Corporation.
“I’m excited to work with the RAEDI team and to advance the already dynamic development environment in the Rochester area,” said Bustrom.
Bustrom began his new position with RAEDI on October 18, 2021. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota, and a Master of Science in Geographic Information Sciences (MSGISc) from the University of Denver.
