A Heart for Community: Beth Grosen’s Lasting Commitment to West Central Minnesota 

Before she became a respected voice in economic development, Beth Grosen was simply a curious kid on a farm in Horace, North Dakota, with a love for community and a knack for asking big questions. That rural upbringing sparked a lifelong interest in people and places, eventually leading her to earn a degree in urban studies. It was a choice that launched a decades-long career in economic development across North Dakota and Minnesota. Along the way, she’s held the titles of mother of two, grandmother of five, and partner to her husband, Johannes (John), for nearly 50 years. 

Beth spent 19 impactful years with the City of Moorhead, where she supervised the development and operation of the Moorhead Municipal Airport, expanded the MCCARA Industrial Park, and led the Border City Enterprise Zone program. Her work was driven not just by strategy, but by a strong sense of purpose. 

That same dedication extended beyond her professional life. Beth was a key player in the Moorhead Healthy Community Initiative. “The Initiative was a collaborative effort to build developmental assets in children,” Beth explained. “Which is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong health and success.” 

Rooted in Service and Leadership 

Beth’s heart for service was shaped early on by her parents, whose deep roots in farming came with a strong sense of civic responsibility. She recalls their active roles on township boards, in church leadership, and in local planning efforts for flood protection along the Sheyenne and Red Rivers. 

Visits from a great uncle—a Rotarian from New York City—inspired Beth to join Rotary in 1991. Today, she’s a member of the Minneapolis Rotary Club, having previously served as president of the Moorhead Club. 

In 2000, Beth joined the board of West Central Initiative and served for six years. She remembers being inspired by the McKnight Foundation’s vision to strengthen Greater Minnesota in the wake of the 1980s farm crisis—an effort that led to the creation of the Minnesota Initiative Foundations, including West Central Initiative, which serves White Earth Nation and nine counties. 

During her tenure, she saw firsthand how strategic investments—through grants, loans, workforce training, and community and component funds—could support smaller cities with infrastructure that normal taxes can’t provide. Today West Central Initiative holds over 250 community and component funds. 

Planning for a Thriving Future 

Beth has watched West Central Initiative evolve alongside the region’s changing needs. From gap financing and community planning to leadership development and inclusion efforts, she sees the organization continuing to lead with courage and care. 

That’s why she’s chosen to include West Central Initiative in her will. 

“It isn’t just those with great sums of money who can do great things.  We all have resources we can invest in our community,” Beth said.  “I see the bigger picture and I want to make an impact on a larger scale.  As a regional community foundation, I know that West Central Initiative will carefully steward my investments in the region long into the future.” 

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