New leader named for Itasca Economic Development Corporation

• Mark Zimmerman

Mark Zimmerman

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Grand Rapids’ leading economic development arm has chosen a new president and CEO.

Mark Zimmerman will take the helm of Itasca Economic Development Corporation beginning Wednesday. In a release, board Chairman Mark

Glasnapp said Zimmerman brings a new perspective to the job, along with expertise in the agency’s focus areas: forest products, mining and manufacturing, and information technology and computer science.

“Zimmerman’s experience with marketing and sales, and his strong business development and project management background, will add tremendous value to IEDC’s current projects, including the Itasca Eco Industrial Park,” Glasnapp said.

Zimmerman, a St. Paul native, most recently was vice president of product management and strategy for SunGard Higher Education in Malvern, Pa.

With a longtime family cabin north of Grand Rapids, Zimmerman has strong ties to the area, which led to his family moving to Itasca County in 2011.

“I’m excited to live in the area that has so many wonderful memories attached to it, and even more excited to be involved with IEDC,” Zimmerman said in a statement, noting the agency’s focus on creating quality jobs.

Zimmerman succeeds Joe Broking, who left in March. Jeff Borling served as interim president and CEO.

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