The Northland Foundation has hired Alex Bastien as Loan Portfolio Manager. He will work with the Foundation’s Business Finance Program providing flexible lending, in partnership with banks or other development lenders, to businesses and nonprofit organizations to start up, maintain, and expand within northeastern Minnesota.
Bastien is a graduate of The College of St. Scholastica with a degree in management and marketing, and past professional experience includes marketing and finance with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, 50 Below, and as Business Manager at Krenzen in Duluth.
“Alex will be a great addition to our team, working with Michael Colclough, our Business Finance Director, lending partners, and business owners to support the region’s economy and jobs,” said Tony Sertich, Northland Foundation’s President.
Over the course of the past 30 years, the Northland Foundation has been recognized at the state and national levels for innovation, strong partnerships, leadership, and community impact. It is most unique in the ability to engage in business lending with a social benefit to strengthen rural communities and help individuals and families thrive. Since closing its first loan in 1988, the Program has invested more than $59 million in nearly 550 unique lending projects in the Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Lake, Koochiching and St. Louis, as well as Douglas County, WI.
Northland serves northeastern Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region through its Grant Program, Business Finance Program, KIDS PLUS Program, Assisted Living, and other special initiatives. Learn more about the Foundation and Business Finance Program at www.northlandfdn.org.