During today’s climate of economic uncertainty, we are bringing together women business owners to support and learn from one another. The challenges we’ve overcome in the past are everyday realities for others. When we share our experiences, we lift others up and pave the way for more women to succeed in business.

SOAR is more than a conference. It is also a mindset, an action plan and a community for women business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders in our region who are taking steps to make incredible things happen.

We’ve moved to a fully online format to keep everyone safe and also encourage more women business owners in Minnesota to attend. The virtual SOAR Conference features expert speakers, engaging panels, skill-building sessions, peer networking opportunities and actionable resources delivered over three days. To learn more about the Soar Conference, click here.

In the first 2.5-hour session, we’ll dive deep to explore a topic that’s always on an entrepreneur’s mind: Finance.

Day 1: Embracing An Entrepreneurial Money Mindset
Thursday, November 12 (9:00AM – 11:30AM)

Keynote Speaker: Jill Blashack Strahan, Tastefully Simple

Spark - Six Ways to Move Through the Fire

Strahan is a top female entrepreneur, author and professional speaker who has inspired thousands across the country, sharing her riveting stories and memorable lessons.

In 1995 Jill launched Tastefully Simple in a shed, offering high quality, easy-to-prepare foods. Although rocked by tragedy, Strahan grew Tastefully Simple to a $113 million company within eight years. Recognized as an exceptional CEO, she has earned numerous awards for her achievements and unique philosophies.

People connect with Jill’s charismatic and down-to-earth nature and, more importantly, they learn how to think differently and understand their immense, transformative power. 

PANELISTS

Kim Ellingson Business Banker Bremer Bank

Kim has over 30 years of banking experience and has been with Bremer Bank for 20 years. Kim currently serves as the President of the North Central MN Region, which includes the Brainerd Lakes area, Aitkin, International Falls, Duluth and all points in between. Day to day involvement includes overseeing all operations, including but not limited to, executing local decision making, influencing and executing enterprise leadership, growing the market profitability while remaining committed to our clients and engaging, inspiring and recognizing high performing talent. Prior to taking on the role of Region President, Kim managed the business banking and treasury management areas for several years and has individual experience in managing a business banking portfolio. Kim is currently the Vice-Chair for the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls and volunteers at Trinity Children’s Center. Kim and her husband David have two adult children, and in their spare time, they enjoy spending time outdoors, golfing and traveling. 

Adelle Starin Founder Baby's on Broadway

Have you ever been so obsessed with something that you eat, sleep, and breathe it? Meet Adelle, the MN Baby Lady and owner of Baby's on Broadway! Since the day she found out she was pregnant, she became obsessed with all things mothering. While preparing for her first baby, she discovered a vast world of useful and amazing products existing to make the crazy busy lives of mothers a little less hectic. She had the desire to touch the products, see them, figure out what was worth the money, what was going to keep her little loves safe and what made sense to buy in the beginning, but her tiny hometown (located in Central Minnesota) had a severe lack of these unique products. This obsession had her driving far distances to make purchases. So, after 12 years of being a real estate closer, she took the plunge into the baby world, and Baby's on Broadway was born. You will more than likely find her there 7 days a week sharing her love of all things mothering and baby and helping customers design and find their picture-perfect nursery.

 

Andrea Stordahl Owner Minnesota Rust

Andrea Stordahl is the owner and operator of Minnesota Rust, a decor and design shop in McIntosh, MN. She is also the owner and operator of McIntosh Properties, a company that purchases, remodels and rents several buildings in downtown McIntosh, MN. With the help of her husband and partner, Bryce Stordahl (Stordahl Construction), they have built these two businesses around their passion for community and belief in the importance and vitality of rural Mainstreet. They currently live on a homestead right outside McIntosh with their two children, Jens and Adler and Bryce's mother, Roxanne Stordahl. 

To learn more about the Soar Conference, click here.