LISMORE, Minn. – An open house for Global Center Meats, 170 S. Third Ave., Lismore, is noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 13.

Manuela Alejandra Pinto Jacobo took over the former Lee’s Locker on Nov. 14 from previous owners Lee and Shanelle Henning. She and her staff will continue to provide the same services offered at Lee’s and she hopes to expand and grow the business.

“This is an exciting new chapter for me and the locker,” Pinto Jacobo said. “We look forward to meeting the community and sharing our vision for the plant as we continue to provide local producers and consumers with the same quality services they’ve come to expect.”

The Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) Meat Processing Bottleneck Project worked with the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) to help Pinto Jacobo secure a Meat Processing Train and Retain grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Funds will be used to help with workforce development for the business.

“Supporting entrepreneurs like Ms. Pinto Jacobo keeps critical processing capacity in Minnesota’s rural communities,” said Paul Sobocinski, Manager of the MFU Meat Processing Bottleneck Project. “We’re excited to see Global Center Meats keep this facility going strong and proud to help connect them with the resources to grow.”

“Helping entrepreneurs secure support they need is central to our mission,” said Alma Flores, Executive Director for Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC). “Train and Retain grant funds will create jobs, expand meat processing capacity and strengthen rural economies.”

A brief ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 13.  Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen will be in attendance to celebrate the occasion.

“Investments like this help ensure farmers have reliable, local processing for their livestock,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “We’re proud to support this work and excited to see Ms. Pinto Jacobo build on the strong tradition of service in Lismore.”

“When processors succeed, entire communities benefit,” said Commissioner Petersen. “This transition is great news for producers in Nobles County, and we’re glad to be here to assist and celebrate this milestone.”

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is a state government agency that works to improve the quality of life in Minnesota by ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength of our agricultural economy. Learn more about MDA programs and grant opportunities at mda.state.mn.us.

About MFU Meat Processing Bottleneck Project

The MFU Meat Processing Bottleneck Project works to address the bottlenecks in the Minnesota meat processing industry through research, helping small processors with workforce and succession planning, and connecting potential apprentices with employers and programs at Ridgewater College and Central Lakes College. Learn more at https://bottleneckproject.weebly.com/.

About Latino Economic Development Center

As the only Latino-focused Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in the Upper Midwest, LEDC is committed to creating economic opportunities and strengthening communities by supporting Latino and immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners through access to capital, technical assistance, business development resources, and regenerative agriculture assistance for emerging farmers. Learn more at ledcmn.org.

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