Emerging Developers Workshop
October 4, 2023
8 am - 12:30 pm
The Wilder Center
451 Lexington Parkway N
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Join us on Wednesday, October 4 from 8 am - 12:30 pm at the Wilder Center in St. Paul for the Emerging Developers Workshop! Attend the workshop to learn more about developing environmentally contaminated sites. Environmental contamination issues found at potential economic development sites can be a barrier and an opportunity.
Minnesota Brownfields is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting brownfield redevelopment throughout the state of Minnesota. This workshop is a part of our partnership with the Opus Foundation and KSU TAB. The program is offered free of charge due to the support of our partners! Although a free event, registration is required.
1. Registration/Coffee 7:30 am - 8:00 am
2. Welcome 8:00 am - 8:15 am
Speaker: Richard Manser – The Opus Group
3. Introduction – What is a Brownfield? 8:15 am - 8:45 am
Speaker: Elizabeth Schmiesing – President, Minnesota Brownfields, Shareholder – Energy & Environmental Group,
Winthrop & Weinstine
4. Brownfield Lending Issues 8:45 am - 9:30 am
Moderator: Richard Manser – The Opus Group Speakers: Meredith Udoiboik – DEED, Peter McLaughlin – LISC, Mary Stoick – Sunrise Bank
5. Break 9:30 am - 9:45 am
6. Working with an Environmental Consultant 9:45 am - 10:15 am
Moderator: Elizabeth Kluesner – Minnesota Brownfields
Speakers: Derek Schilling – Braun Intertec, Kaitlin Ouverson – Geosyntec, Sean Leary – GZA, Jennifer Force – SEH, Jim Hutchens – Ramboll, Ryan Spencer – WSB, Peter Moore - WSB, Adam Zobel – Stantec
7. Personal & Professional Experiences of a Successful Brownfield Developer 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Speaker: Johnny Opara - President, and CEO JO Companies
8. Public Funding 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Moderator: Kristin Prososki – SEH
Speakers: Brigid Higgins & Kevin Carroll – City of Minneapolis, Martha Faust – MPCA Outreach Unit, Mary Finch - Hennepin County, Ella Mitchell - Ramsey County, Marcus Martin - The Metropolitan Council
9. Break-Out Q & A Session with Environmental Consultants (Various Minnesota Brownfield Members) 11:30 am - 12:30 pm