Founded in 2006, the nonprofit is celebrating its 20th year of fostering leadership, communication and partnership among the county’s communities.

Executive director Karen Haala described the organization’s mission as bridging divides between distinct communities.

“We are a nonprofit dedicated to ‘bridging’ the gaps between the different communities within our county,” Haala said. “We focus on connecting people, fostering leadership, and encouraging communication across city lines to make the entire county stronger.”

The organization’s core purpose, Haala explained, centers on ensuring all Brown County residents feel empowered to participate in regional leadership and collaboration.

Curt Van Asten awarded the 2026 Bridge Builder of the Year Award, recognizing his commitment to community engagement and collaboration throughout Brown County.

“We want to ensure that whether you live in New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Springfield, or a rural township, you feel connected to your neighbors and empowered to lead and collaborate,” she said.

Participation in Bridging Brown County programs and events is open to anyone who lives or works in the county.

“It’s a wide mix!” Haala said. “Essentially, it’s anyone who lives or works in Brown County and has an interest in community growth.

Erin Hernandez, of SouthPoint Financial Credit Union and a board member, emphasized the importance of collective effort in opening remarks.

“Each of us have something to bring to the table, and it’s only when we come together, work together, are we able to see our towns, communities, and county be the best version of itself,” Hernandez said.

Guests gather Wednesday evening at the New Ulm Country Club for the Bridging Brown County annual banquet celebrating the organization’s 20th year.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 Bridge Builder of the Year Award to Curt Van Asten of August Schell Brewing Company. The annual award recognizes individuals who exemplify the organization’s mission by strengthening relationships, encouraging collaboration and helping unite communities across Brown County.

Van Asten was recognized for his longstanding commitment to community engagement through festivals, nonprofit partnerships and the use of gathering spaces that bring residents together. 

Haala praised him as “approachable, collaborative, and deeply committed” to the region’s success.

Van Asten said connection remains the foundation of strong communities.

“It’s really about connection,” Van Asten said. “We aren’t just in the business of brewing beer, we’re in the business of bringing people together and creating those memories.”

Van Asten said supporting local causes and providing opportunities for residents to gather is a shared responsibility among businesses, organizations and individuals. He highlighted initiatives such as the brat stand at Cashwise, a volunteer group he helped launch to aid local nonprofits.

“It’s only as strong as what you’re able to give back,” he said, emphasizing that lasting community success depends on continued collaboration and volunteerism.

In addition to honoring community leaders, the organization highlighted the ongoing impact of its Bridging Brown County Leadership Cohort, a program designed to help emerging and established leaders better understand the region’s economic, civic and social landscape. Participants meet monthly for leadership training sessions, business tours and collaborative discussions that build professional networks while encouraging civic engagement.

Leadership program educator Rachael Evers said the cohort focuses on providing participants with practical skills they can apply within their workplaces and communities.

“The program is designed to help participants learn valuable leadership skills — including business accountability, conflict resolution and what it means to work effectively as a team,” Evers said. “It’s also about networking and building the relationships that help communities move forward.”

Evers said the cohort experience, which spans nine months and includes participants from multiple generations, emphasizes both personal and professional growth while encouraging participants to remain involved after graduation by mentoring future classes and supporting community initiatives. The long-term goal, she said, is to create a sustainable network of leaders who continue strengthening Brown County through collaboration and service.

The evening also featured a wine pull and sealed-bid silent auction, with local businesses contributing gift baskets and certificates. Youth ambassadors and other volunteers helped with logistics and outreach, demonstrating how civic engagement often begins at the grassroots level.

Enrollment is now open for the 2026-2027 Bridging Brown County leadership cohort, which will feature monthly full-day sessions from September through May. Each session combines leadership development instruction with community tours that introduce participants to local businesses, public institutions and nonprofit organizations, helping them better understand how different sectors work together to support regional growth.

Haala said the leadership program plays a central role in the organization’s long-term vision and announced that two new board seats have been opened to ensure countywide representation.

Since its founding in 2006, Bridging Brown County has worked to create opportunities for residents to learn from one another, share resources and build partnerships that benefit the entire region. Through leadership programs, community tours, annual events and recognition awards, the organization continues to encourage residents to look beyond city boundaries and focus on common goals.

As the nonprofit enters its third decade, organizers say the continued success of the program reflects the commitment of local leaders, businesses and volunteers who recognize that strong communities are built through shared effort.

Haala said she hopes participants and attendees recognize the value of working across community lines.

“I hope that they see the value behind our mission,” she said. “That while our towns are unique, we share the same goals and can achieve much more when we work together.”

Residents interested in participating in the upcoming leadership cohort or learning more about Bridging Brown County programs are encouraged to apply during the current enrollment period. 

Organizers say the initiative remains open to anyone who wants to develop leadership skills, expand professional networks and play a more active role in shaping the future of Brown County.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​