Otter Tail County is proud to announce that its Empowered Worker Program has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Economic Development Award by the Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers (MAPCED). The award was presented on December 9 at the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Annual Conference in Bloomington.

MAPCED is a professional association for county-level economic developers in Minnesota, who champion economic growth through the advancement of county economic development professionals in Minnesota.
 

The Empowered Worker Program is a County-initiated, workforce development program that provides training and supportive navigation services to individuals and families to overcome barriers to employment and obtain high-demand, household-sustaining wage jobs. Several county departments, including Community Development, Human Services, and Probation, coordinate on the program to ensure a holistic, whole-person approach to the services provided. Participants receive personalized, one-on-one navigation services that are shaped by their own goals and experiences. The program taps into the untapped and underutilized talent that already exists in Otter Tail County to build a pipeline of workers equipped to fill local employers’ needs.

“This recognition is a testament to the heart and innovation behind our Empowered Worker Program,” said Otter Tail County Administrator Nicole Hansen. “We’re thrilled to see the work of our staff and community partners acknowledged at the state level.”

“This award means a lot to us. It’s proof that when you’ve got good folks working hard and motivated individuals wanting a better life for themselves, you can make real change,” said Otter Tail County Board Chair Wayne Johnson. “Our staff didn’t just follow a playbook. They built something that fits Otter Tail County, and now others are taking notice.”

Otter Tail County extends its gratitude to MAPCED and AMC for this honor and remains committed to building a more inclusive, resilient, and opportunity-rich future for all residents. More information about the Empowered Worker Program and Otter Tail County’s workforce efforts is available at ottertailcounty.gov/otc-works.

Videos found at https://ottertailcounty.gov/news/county-receives-statewide-economic-development-award/