This page will feature news, information and updates about economic development and livability here in Freeborn County. We will also feature links and resources to help local business grow and expand our local economy.

Economic Development Strategic Plan and Implementation Map

February 11, 2020

Community and Economic Development Strategic PlanDownload Implementation MapDownload Use the links above to access the strategic plan and implementation map. A community event will be held on Thursday, February 27th…

ALEAP Topic Night on January 16th – downtown Albert Lea

January 6, 2020

Join ALEAP on Thursday, January 16th from 6 to 8 pm at the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency conference room (132 N Broadway, Albert Lea). ALEAP meets monthly and offers…

Shop Albert Lea Passport Tour

November 30, 2019

Saturday, November 30th is Small Business Saturday in Albert Lea and around the nation. Small Business Saturday was created to encourage people to Shop Small during the biggest shopping season…

Strategic Plan Interim Report and Feedback

November 7, 2019

Use the link below to access the interim report and summary for the Economic Development Strategic Plan. A community event will be held on Tuesday, November 12th from 6-8 pm…

ALEDA and Chamber to Share New Office Location Downtown

October 9, 2019

The offices of Albert Lea Economic Development Agency and the Albert Lea – Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce will now be located together in the heart of Albert Lea. The…

A New Plan for Albert Lea and Freeborn County

September 20, 2019

We are excited to announce that we will be developing a joint economic development strategic plan with our partners; the plan will bring together a broad group of stakeholders to create a five-year economic development strategic plan.

Business Plan Recognition Program – The Outlet

August 27, 2019

The Albert Lea Business Development Center (ALBDC) advisory board has selected The Outlet to receive a loan award from the Business Plan Recognition Program.  The Business Plan Recognition Program, created…

Business Plan Recognition Program – The Thirsty Fox

July 18, 2019

The Albert Lea Business Development Center (ALBDC) advisory board has selected The Thirsty Fox to receive a loan award from the Business Plan Recognition Program.  The Business Plan Recognition Program,…

ALBDC Business Incubator welcomes new tenant

April 2, 2019

ALBDC Welcomes new tenant: Southern Minnesota Battery, LLC. The Albert Lea Business Development Center (ALBDC), housed under the ALEDA umbrella, serves as a place for entrepreneurs and small business owners…

U.S. Treasury Approves Minnesota Opportunity Zones

June 21, 2018

128 census tracts in Minnesota to receive the designation ST. PAUL – The U.S. Department of Treasury today approved 128 low-income census tracts in Minnesota to be designated as Opportunity Zones. All of the…