Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV) proudly hosted the fourth annual Mille Lacs Tribal Economy (MLTE) Summit on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
A key event dedicated to strengthening the regional economy here in Minnesota, this year the summit focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing the region: workforce housing.
Led by the event emcee and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Tribal Member Adrienne Benjamin, with opening remarks by Kelly Sam, Grand Casino Hinckley Assistant General Manager, MLCV welcomed a variety of stakeholders to participate.
Event speakers included Luke Greiner, Labor Market Analyst from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), who presented data on the housing gap, with needs and solutions, that deepened the audience’s understanding of the state of housing in our region.
Additionally, Kathy George, City Administrator of Sandstone, and Meghan Elliot, of Jillpine, presented a case study on their workforce housing and historical site renovation project. Their presentation highlighted community wellness, and the importance of partnerships.
“The Summit was so fun. I think the crowd really enjoyed the networking activity and speakers. It was so nice to see everyone laughing, chatting, building connections, and maintaining relationships.”
Jaeden King, Community Engagement Officer, shared that the event provided her with new ways of thinking about workforce housing, and new opportunities to connect. “The day was so fun. I think the crowd really enjoyed the networking activity and speakers. It was so nice to see everyone laughing, chatting, building connections, and maintaining relationships.”
From speakers to collaboration-building exercises to networking, attendees were invited to discuss the necessity of investing in workforce housing, including MLCV Associates, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Tribal members, community members, regional leaders and employers, funders and policy makers.
Everyone in attendance was invited to gain insights and share ideas on workforce housing best practices, funding strategies, and case studies from tribal and non-tribal communities.
The MLTE Summit is an important launchpad for driving economic growth within our tribal and regional communities, and it would not be possible without the partnership of our summit sponsors. We wish to recognize the contributions and collaborations of the following organizations.
During the summit, MLCV recognized leaders and partners who made significant contributions to advancing the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Tribal Economy. Those recognized include:
Babaamiziwinikewinini
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Wanetta Thompson, Bear Paws Cultural Art — Wanetta is the creative force behind Bear Paws Cultural Art, a nonprofit she founded in June 2023 to bring Ojibwe art and stories back to life through community classes. As an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and an Initiative Foundation fellow, Wanetta sees art as more than craft — but as a way to bring about healing, sharing and connection.
What started with a $150,000 Blandin Foundation Boost Grant quickly evolved into free, culturally rich programming across multiple tribal community centers. Wanetta, her daughter Laikora, and friend Lana Oswaldson launched Maada’oonidiwag — “sharing knowledge” in Ojibwe — where participants learn beadwork, moccasin making, ribbon skirts, drums, and more. Each class features a “make one/give one” model: students create an item for themselves and one to donate, weaving art, generosity, and community together.
She didn’t stop there. Recognizing the power of smaller classes, Bear Paws now limits them to around ten students to support deeper learning and meaningful engagement. The impact has been remarkable and the ripple effect continues through every finished piece, class, and conversation. Wanetta’s leadership is about community, culture, and compassion — and how a single spark can light a movement.
Eni-wiidookaazod Inini (Community Partner Award)
Community partners are essential in accomplishing shared well-being. The Eni-wiidoodaazod Award is given to community partners who have demonstrated a willingness to partner and engage with communities from across the region. This award honors and recognizes their commitment and vital role in successful collaborations that bring our communities together.
Community Partner Award Recipient, Mayor Don Zeman, Hinckley, Minnesota
Our first Community Partner Award goes to Mayor Don Zeman. Mayor Zeman of Hinckley has been a steadfast and imaginative partner in building a stronger Mille Lacs Tribal Economy. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration — always willing to sit at the table, share ideas, and push for creative solutions that benefit everyone who lives, works, or travels through Hinckley.
Together, we’ve advanced projects that make a lasting difference: Lady Luck Estates and Sugar Maple Crossing, two workforce housing developments that address critical community needs; the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy Business Incubators, creative space for innovation and entrepreneurship; and our ten-year master plan, which charts a bold, shared vision for the future of this region.
Mayor Zeman’s steady partnership and genuine care for the community are evident in every one of these efforts. He doesn’t just support projects—he champions them, ensuring that
Hinckley and the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy grow stronger, more resilient, and more welcoming for generations to come.
Community Partner Award Recipient, Kathy George, Administrator for Sandstone
Kathy George has been a driving force in bringing vision and tenacity to life through projects that strengthen both her city and the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy. She is more than a partner — she’s a mentor, collaborator, and tireless champion of community progress.
Her leadership shines in the Sandstone School redevelopment project, where she guided the effort to secure nearly $17 million in funding to transform the historic “Rock” into workforce housing. This bold initiative will bring more than 30 new housing units to Sandstone by 2026, breathing new life into the city’s downtown and meeting a critical community need.
Kathy’s work extends beyond any single project. She consistently shares best practices, mentors others in this work, and offers steady encouragement and insight. Her willingness to collaborate has made her a trusted ally in shaping the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy.
Kathy is visionary, generous with her knowledge, and unwavering in her determination to see ideas through to reality.
Eni-wiidookaazod Inini
Community Partner Award
This year, MLCV is proud to recognize two Community Partner Award recipients.
Because workforce housing development isn’t possible without strong partnerships, the summit provided an opportunity for people from a variety of professions and industries to interact in order to foster new connections, collaborations and strategic partnerships.
Summit attendees were also invited to tour MLCV affordable workforce housing community Sugar Maple Crossing, located in Hinckley, Minnesota.
At MLCV, we remain committed to making strategic Tribal Economy Investments to improve the lives of Band and regional community members. This includes developing affordable workforce housing to ensure employers in our region can attract and retain talent.
Currently, MLCV has invested in four workforce housing development projects, including Lady Luck Estates, Red Willow Estates, Sugar Maple Crossing Estates, and most recently, an urban native housing development, the Ventura Project.
MLCV’s workforce housing projects have officially grown with the recent groundbreaking of its third housing development, Sugar Maple Crossing. And we know that the strength of our community will, too. Our ongoing work in this area addresses housing needs in rural Minnesota and positively impacts economic, social, and emotional well-being.
Housing shortages across the state of Minnesota, as well as in many areas of the country, have hit historic levels and show signs of worsening. As this crisis escalates, Baby Boomers continue to age out of the workforce; deepening labor shortages that have already challenged employers in every industry. Employers need a qualified labor force to grow their businesses, but employees simply cannot find affordable housing within a reasonable commuting distance. While developers focus the insatiable demand for luxury housing, employers can partner with the public sector to meet their labor demands by satisfying the public’s need for affordable housing supply.
At MLCV, we are committed to improving the lives of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Members — and community members in the regions where we do business. Across our portfolio, you’ll find opportunities to drive economic and community growth to build lasting impact.
