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Joe Folsom

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Meeting Preference: In Person, Video

Languages: English

How I Can Help You

Pierce County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director- November 2017 to September2024. As Executive Director Pierce County EDC I was responsible for execution of its economic and business and economic development program.
Folsom Entrepreneurial Ventures, LLC - owner from December 2014 to present. I am sole owner of multi--enterprise business providing economic and business development services and developing lingonberry production enterprise
U.S. Small Business Administration District Director for Iowa from May 2004 to September 2014. I was responsible for all aspects of SBA’s programs, delivery, administration, operations and representation in Iowa. This included lending programs, government contracting and business development, entrepreneurial development and assisting the office of disaster assistance in times of disaster. I managed a staff of 12 (originally 18) including a branch office in Cedar Rapids. Accomplishments include leading a very successful lending outreach and marketing program that resulted in a record $210 million in lending in fiscal year 2009, $261.3 million in fiscal year 2010, and $293 million in fiscal year 2011. These efforts include lender marketing, outreach and training programs that reach 400+ lenders each year with a personal contact, monthly newsletters, training, and webinar sessions tailored to lender needs and close collaboration with the Iowa Bankers Association. In 2011, I provided leadership to 2 very successful entrepreneurship summits. SBA hosted a Women's Entrepreneurship Summit in August with 180 attendees and co hosted with 28 other organizations a rural youth entrepreneurship summit in October with 150 attendees. I led the creation of one day government contracting procurement conference in 2008 that in its second year in 2009 became a multi day event that drew over 500 attendees from the region. The development of this conference was done in a way that led to the small businesses and the procurement community taking ownership of what is now planned to be an annual event. Under my leadership we have taken a lead role in reaching out to the new immigrant community with a cosponsored Immigrant Entrepreneurship Summit that in its third year drew 450 attendees. As a leader and SBA's representative I served on the Iowa Rural Development Council and the Federal Executive Council. My leadership in working with state and local leaders in the tornado and flood recovery efforts of 2008 has been publicly acknowledged several times. I received a Special Act Award for these efforts.
USDA Rural Development/Farmers Home Administration I held various locations and positions in Minnesota from Oct 1976 to May 2004. From 2001 to 2004 I was responsible for the development and implementation of a statewide program of community and cooperative development technical assistance to rural communities, the states 11 tribal communities, and cooperatives. I supervised a staff of community and cooperative specialists; developed and implemented a program of technical assistance activities; assisted in the targeting of program resources to unserved and underserved communities; marketing and providing an overarching link between Rural Development programs and other resources. Through my leadership in 2003 we were able to provide community visioning and planning services to 9 Northwestern Minnesota communities, provide in depth technical assistance to 19 cooperative projects, assist a tribal community and tribal college in their strategic planning efforts and assist in conducting a conference on SE Asian and Hispanic cultures. Effective partnership relationships were developed. A database of the states 847 cooperatives was established, a survey completed and an analysis of their economic impact to the state completed. I worked with specific cooperative groups on organizational development, strategic planning, market feasibility analysis and business planning in addition to program leadership. Prior to 2001 I held various positions as a Cooperative Development Specialist, Business Programs Specialist, Assistant District Director, District Loan Specialist, County Supervisor and Assistant County Supervisor administering, underwriting, processing and servicing various single and multi-family housing programs, farm, community infrastructure(water and sewer and community facilities), business and cooperative loan, grant, and technical assistance programs.
Community Development Bank, Ogema, MN- February 2016 to November 2017 I originated conventional and guaranteed single family home loans.
McVay Farms- from 1974 to 1976 I was assistant manager and manager of 750 head cow calf operation with 1100-1800 head of beef cattle. Responsible for overall operations including employees, herd, pasture, crop and feed.

Areas of Expertise

  • Accounting & Finance
  • Business Plan
  • Business Structure
  • Cash Flow
  • Disaster Prep & Recovery
  • Funding/Loans
  • Government Regulations
  • Management & Operations

Industry Experience

  • Accounting & Tax Services
  • Agriculture
  • Professional Services
  • Retail
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220 South River Ridge Circle
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Burnsville, MN 55337
(952) 938-4570

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Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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