Meet the City of Wabasha's Economic Development Consultant: Cris Gastner

Cris Gastner is a lifelong resident of Lake City, where he grew up and continues to enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of small-town life. He has visited Wabasha many times over the years, taking part in community events and activities. Cris graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse with a degree in Business Administration. He has two adult children. His daughter works at Mayo Clinic, and his son lives in South Carolina.
Currently, Cris runs his own consulting firm. Before that, he spent nearly twenty years with Community and Economic Development Associates, or CEDA. His work there focused on helping rural communities thrive by providing small business assistance, grant writing and management, and community support programs. Through his experience with CEDA, he has worked with cities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, including some early projects with Wabasha. After his time at CEDA, he joined a firm in Seattle. That experience deepened his commitment to economic development consulting but highlighted what was missing: his passion for working face-to-face with small business owners. Over the years, he has gained extensive hands-on experience in what it takes for small businesses to grow and become sustainable, and he is eager to apply this knowledge to a community that is close to home.
Cris is enthusiastic about his new role with the City of Wabasha. He looks forward to working more closely with city staff and local business owners. Through his upbringing in Lake City, he understands that small businesses are at the heart of rural communities. While each town has its own unique character, supporting local economies is at the heart of every small town.
With a wide range of experience, Cris is prepared to adapt his approach to meet Wabasha’s specific needs. He is available at City Hall on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and welcomes anyone interested in discussing business ideas, marketing strategies, succession planning, or other challenges. He has helped many small business owners develop new approaches, solve problems, and create plans for growth or ownership transitions. He is especially familiar with helping generational businesses navigate the process of selling or passing them on.
Cris has always admired Wabasha for its ability to recognize and use its community assets to encourage growth. He notes that many of the challenges faced by business owners in Wabasha are similar to those he has seen elsewhere, and he plans to draw on his knowledge to help address these issues.
Since starting his position at the Port Authority at the beginning of January, Cris has been busy learning about Wabasha’s businesses and ongoing projects. His immediate goal is to understand the projects currently underway, and then to visit local businesses so he can offer his support and make himself available as a resource. He recognizes the importance of being visible in the community and plans to attend local events, such as the Grumpy Old Men Festival, to better connect with residents and business owners.
In addition to his work with the Port Authority, Cris has reached out to the Chamber of Commerce to further understand the needs and opportunities in Wabasha. He values the important work happening on Main Street and hopes to support and enhance local economic efforts. The challenges faced by Wabasha are not unfamiliar to Cris; for example, he has helped other towns find creative solutions to issues like downtown parking after speaking directly with business owners.
Cris also believes in the value of bringing business owners together. He has experience hosting educational presentations, which he hopes to continue in Wabasha. He plans to attend City Council meetings as needed to stay informed about local developments so his work aligns with community priorities.
Resources available through the Port Authority, such as the Façade Improvement Program, are just one example of the support Cris hopes to help local businesses access. He is also knowledgeable about additional programs and funding opportunities available through the state and other sources. Guided by the Port Authority, he will focus on the identified needs of Wabasha’s businesses. Cris is in the office most Tuesdays and Wednesdays and encourages business owners to reach out through City Hall or by email to arrange a meeting. His advice and services are free of charge, and he is looking forward to helping Wabasha’s businesses and local economy.