Access to Opportunity
30 years of job creation, economic diversification and area development.
Who we are
Growth Innovations/Aitkin Growth Inc. is an economic engine for Aitkin County. Access to our resources launches new business in the area as well as expands existing business. We listen to understand what will impact growth, maximize productivity, and partner with businesses to grow the economy.
We get to know your business, help you identify what you need to succeed in our area, and pursue creative and flexible solutions to help your business thrive and profit here.
What we do
Our Mission
Improving quality of life through job creation, economic diversification and community development. We pursue access to opportunity.
We provide funding, guidance and resources to support your business growth. We clear a path for your success. We focus our attention to meet the community needs to bring growth in work force and businesses.
Why We Do It
Lack of resources or simply where to find the resources can be overwhelming. We make it our mission to pursue access for your opportunity. We stimulate engagement within the community and provide resources and support for your business. We do it because we believe in this community!
Meet the board
Our Incubator Space
We know great ideas need more than money. They need time and space to grow and thrive.
Tami Jacobs
Executive Director
I am originally from Deerwood, Minnesota, and have lived in Aitkin for the past 26 years. My husband and I have raised four children in this wonderful community and are now enjoying life as empty nesters. We are proud grandparents to four beautiful grandchildren and continue to appreciate the small-town charm and close-knit spirit of Aitkin.
My professional journey began in the mortgage industry as a mortgage loan assistant, eventually advancing to a mortgage loan originator. Following the housing market crash in 2008, I transitioned to Clearwater Forest Camp & Retreat Center in Deerwood. Over the course of 13 years, I progressed from Office Manager to Office Administrator and ultimately served as the Director of Operations & Finance.
Seeking new challenges, I joined Growth Innovations, where I currently serve as the Office Manager. I am also actively shadowing the Executive Director in preparation to step into that role upon his retirement.
In addition to my professional responsibilities, I am committed to community involvement. I currently serve on the Northeast Minnesota Workforce Development Board and recently joined the Members Cooperative Credit Union Board as an Associate Board Member. I am also an active member of several local initiatives, including the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, the Aitkin County Workforce Summit, and the Aitkin Interactive Career Fair.
Stan Gustafson
Consultant
Stan Gustafson, Executive Director of Growth Innovations has spent a combined 32 years in real estate and economic development projects working for two separate city governments and now Growth Innovations. He spent 10 years listing and selling real estate in southern Minnesota along with owning rental property and remodeling homes for resale and spent 20 years working for city government in Economic Development.fdfd
Stan started working for city government as an economic development coordinator and worked with the Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) with property owners and contractors on historic renovation projects. This position also allowed him to gain knowledge in new industrial recruitment, expansion, utilizing the city’s revolving loan fund to assist with these projects. He wrote to the State of MN for public infrastructure grants and loans for these projects.
He worked on a variety any projects that created new jobs, brought in new business, industrial development, retail, office, redevelopment, multi-family housing development and multiple JOBZ applications assisting industrial expansion and growth along with managing the revolving loan funds. He worked closely with all city staff as no one could do it all. Collaboration with city government and developers is key to making projects successful for any projects.
Knowledgeable in Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatement, which assisted multi-family housing projects, redevelopment, land purchases, and sales. He had the privilege of speaking at various group seminars on what properties are available for development within the city and promoted them to developers.
Development within a city or county is key for community growth and tax base, job creation. He facilitated round table discussions with manufacturers, served on a variety of boards for the city to be abreast of what was happening to the community to answer questions as needed from the public.
The goal with Growth Innovations is to continue the great work that has been taking place for past 30 years to assist small business startups, entrepreneurs, business expansion and create opportunities for new residents to move to the city and county where they can love work and play.
mark baloun
Board Member
Mark Baloun is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Aitkin, MN. I am very passionate about helping people achieve their goals and assist individuals and families with their personal finances.
I currently hold the position of President on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity and serve on the Board of Directors for the Aitkin Chamber of Commerce.
Married to a wonderful woman (Lisa), we have two children. Joey lives in the Brainerd Lakes Area and works in the Financial Industry. Crystal and her family live in Andover, MN. She is an Accountant for the University of MN. They have three
grandchildren Brooklynn, Mason, and Wyatt. They all keep very busy with sports and school.
In my free time I enjoy hunting, fishing, golf, and spending time with my family. Oh did I mention that I enjoy barbeque, I spend many hours with my grills in the summer.
Pat murphy
Board of Directors Chair
Pat currently serves as President of the Aitkin County Lakes and Rivers Association, is an active member of the Dam Lake Sportsman Club. Recently elected to the Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative Board of Directors and Glen Township Board of Supervisors in November 2024.
Patrick brings over 40 years of experience, including 23 years in airline operations and 25 years in transportation, global logistics, distribution, and customer service management. He recently retired as Vice President of Operations at Raveill Trucking Inc. in McGregor, MN.
Patrick joined the Aitkin Growth Board of Directors in 2019, driven by a growing concern over the housing shortage in Aitkin County. Since then, Patrick has championed economic development and housing initiatives that support sustainable community growth.
Mary Poetz
Board of Directors Secretary/Treasurer
Aitkin County Growth, Inc. Board member since October, 2020
Mary joined the Growth Innovations board in 2020 and shares her knowledge of over 40 years in business. Mary holds a B.A. In business and an M.A. in Human Resources from St Mary’s University. Her real estate experience offers insight for growth opportunities that come before the board. Mary worked in the private industry in Minnesota for over 20 years as a district manager managing multimillion dollar portfolios. Mary’s goal as a board member is to revitalize the area and make Aitkin County a destination. Mary and her husband Dick moved to Aitkin in 2015 from Monticello. They had visited the area for over 30 years and eventually retired here. Mary’s passion is playing piano and spending time with Dick and her Yorkies, Sadie and Henry.
tim woodrow
Board Member
Bio to come!
Garry Tibbitts
Board Member
I am currently retired and I am serving as the Mayor of Aitkin. I was born and raised in Aitkin and enjoy doing what I can to make Aitkin a better place and promote growth. I serve not only as Aitkins Mayor but also serve on several boards and clubs around the Aitkin area. I work with the Aitkin Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus, Dam Lake Sportsmans Club, and the Minnesota Deer Hunters to name a few.
I enjoy what I can offer to help make Aitkins future brighter. Serving on The Growth Innovations Board has been very inspiring as they share goals I have, to make Aitkin grow and prosper. In my free time I enjoy deer hunting and just being in the great outdoors