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Mia Ruchie,
Marketing & Communications Associate
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Big ideas, thoughtful questions, and a box of donuts made for a great morning at our Nobles County Powered Data Park office in Worthington, Minnesota.
The team recently welcomed five students from the 59 Corridor CEO Program for a conversation about entrepreneurship and what it takes to build a business that positively impacts the local community.
The visit was hosted by Geronimo Power team members Kenna Bancroft, Community Engagement Specialist, and Ron Honken, Project Development Liaison, who shared realworld perspective on leadership, building relationships, and learning directly from local leaders.
Ron brought a unique perspective to the conversation. Along with his work at Geronimo Power, he also serves as chairman and board member of the Southwest Minnesota CEO Program—a sister initiative that gives students hands-on experience in launching and running their own businesses.
Drawing from that background, he underscored just how transformative programs like this can be.
“I’m intimately familiar with the 59 Corridor CEO program through my involvement as a board member with another program, as a member, and as an investor,” Ron shared. “There simply is nothing that better prepares young professionals who want to start their own business, build a business network, and create value within their community.”
Fueling the discussion were donuts from Hy-Vee, and plenty of ambitious ideas. Students shared plans for future ventures including an IT repair service, a real estate concept focused on high-quality property photography, a fruit cup partnership, and even a wellness sauna featuring red light therapy.
The group is guided by instructor Roxanne Hayenga of Minnesota West Community & Technical College, who helps students connect classroom learning with real-world business experience and local mentorship.
Opportunities like this reflect Geronimo Power’s commitment to being an active, supportive partner in the communities where we live and work. By creating space for youth voices and connecting students with real-world opportunities, mentorship, and leadership experiences, we help build pathways to local careers and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers. When young people can envision successful futures close to home, they are empowered to strengthen the communities they care about.
We’re grateful for the chance to spend the morning with these students and excited to see where their ideas take them next.
