About the Faribault County EDA

About Us

The Faribault County EDA was established in 2003 after the County took over operation of the Faribault County Local Redevelopment Agency. With a renewed focus on entrepreneurship, the EDA began promoting small business loans and provided a vehicle to connect entrepreneurs to area resources. In addition the EDA has focused on its key economic drivers by hosting various events and trainings.

Today, the mission of the Faribault County EDA is to support businesses to promote an entrepreneurial spirit for the benefit of Faribault County.

The EDA has three main focus areas including

Business Planning
Gap Financing
Succession Planning

Below is a link to our most recent annual reports.

Lars Bierly• President

Lars Bierly grew up in Blue Earth and after graduating from Macalester College in 2000 returned to work in the insurance industry. He has worked as an insurance agent for Minn-Iowa Insurance Agency since moving back and purchased the agency in 2015. Lars has been involved in many community organizations in addition to the Faribault County EDA. He currently serves on the Blue Earth Board of Public Works and the United Hospital District Foundation board. Lars believes that we live in an exceptional area that we must all work to support and help to grow.

David Roper• Vice President

Grew up in Blue Earth, but left for college at Hamline University and stayed in the Twin Cities for 20 years. Got my business degree at Hamline then went into the work force. I am a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Blue Earth and have hold my series 7 license since 2009. Moved back to Blue Earth to be closer to my wives and my parents and to raise our kids in a smaller town. We have 3 kids all under the ago of 10 and are busy. Along with this board position, I am a Co-Chair Trustee at Hope United Methodist, volunteer time with Habitat for Humanity, coach many youth sports (wresting, baseball, football and soccer). I'm excited to be back in my hometown and to support Faribault County - Looking forward to seeing how we can grow and adapt in the future.

Joel Sonnek • Secretary/Treasurer

I grew up south of Minnesota Lake on a farm and attended Maple River High School. I worked for Grain Land, /WFS and Cenex for 24 years. I am married to my wife Carly Sonnek, and I have 4 children, Steven, Gavin, Bryce and Macy. In 2015 Carly and I purchased our family Country Butcher Shop from my mom. In 2019 we relocated the Country Butcher Shop to the town of Easton, and I began working our business full time. I enjoyed watching my kids play sports and helping them work with show livestock. Now that they are grown, we enjoy time at our seasonal campsite and enjoy relaxing with family and friends when we have down time. We spend a lot of time outside on our farm as well. I am retired from the Easton Fire Department and keep very busy at the Butcher Shop. I feel very proud to be a lifetime resident of Faribault County and am committed to doing what I can to help it continue be a county that people want to call home.

Gloria Pederson

Gloria Pederson's journey began on a farm in Mansfield Township. A graduate of Kiester High School and St. Cloud State University, she earned a B.S. in Business Management. Returning to Kiester, she and her husband, David, raised three sons over 40 years. Gloria's career spanned roles from assistant manager at Three Sisters to accounting at healthcare facilities. In 1990, she embraced telecommunications at Cannon Valley Telecom, excelling in accounting and cellular sales. Following Bevcomm's acquisition in 2007, she specialized in regulatory accounting until her 2022 retirement.

Post-retirement, Gloria actively contributes to her community, managing payroll for the Kiester Market Board and providing insights to the Citizens' Advisory Committee. She recently joined the Faribault County EDA board, advocating for mental health and community vibrancy. Gloria enjoys camping, travel, and fishing, prioritizing time with family and friends in this fulfilling post-retirement phase.

Amos Boeck

Bio Coming Soon

Bruce Anderson • Commissioner

Bruce Anderson brings decades of leadership, agricultural experience, and community service to the Faribault County Economic Development Authority Board.

A graduate of Bricelyn High School and the University of Minnesota–Waseca, Bruce has spent more than 50 years farming in the Bricelyn and Blue Earth area. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in supporting agriculture and strengthening the communities he serves.

Bruce has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as President of North Blue Earth Lutheran Church, helping establish Good Hope Parish, and serving as its president for three years. He has also served on the St. Luke’s Board and as Chair of the St. Luke’s Foundation Board. In addition, Bruce is a past president of the Faribault County Corn Growers Association.

Since 2021, Bruce has served as a Faribault County Commissioner and currently serves as Board Chair. As a member of the Faribault County EDA Board, he is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen local businesses, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents across the county.

Bruce and his wife, Becky, who owns Fit on the Farm, are proud to call Faribault County home and remain dedicated to investing in the future of their community.