Amplio Economic Development Corporation recently celebrated another year of helping businesses grow, communities thrive and opportunities expand at its 2026 Annual Meeting, themed “Grow Into the Best Version of Yourself.” The event brought together lending partners, clients, community leaders and small business advocates to recognize the impact of entrepreneurship, collaboration and investment across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Over the past two years, Amplio and its partners helped drive meaningful economic development throughout the region, including:
- 65 loans approved
- $43 million in SBA 504 financing
- Nearly $1 million in Amplio Internal Loans
- $123.3 million in total project investment
- 803 jobs created or retained
- 50 communities supported across the region
These outcomes were made possible through strong partnerships with local lenders, business owners and community stakeholders who share Amplio’s mission of expanding access to capital and helping businesses grow.
The meeting also recognized outstanding lending partners for their commitment to small business success. Highland Bank was honored as Amplio’s 2025-2026 Financial Institution of the Year. Ken Wilmer, SVP/Commercial Banking Team Lead at Bell Bank, and Eric Haney, Small Business Banker at Highland Bank, were named Amplio’s 2025-2026 Lenders of the Year.
Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Steve Grove, CEO and Publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune, and enjoyed a client panel moderated by Andy Clausen featuring Jami Olson of Centro Restaurant Group, Saleem Karmaliani of Karmith Brands and Primrose Schools, and Nathan Whipple of Karol Coffee Co. Panelists shared candid insights on leadership, perseverance and business growth, bringing this year’s theme to life through their own entrepreneurial journeys.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to the clients, lending partners, community organizations, board members and supporters who continue to help Amplio create opportunity, strengthen communities and expand possibilities for small businesses throughout our region.
Client Panel
Nathan Whipple, Founder, Karol Coffee Co.
Jami Olson, CEO/Owner, Centro Restaurant Group
Saleem Karmaliani, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Karmith Brands – Primrose Schools
