Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the future of Minnesota’s workforce
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) officially opened its new Career & Services Campus today at 1270 Energy Lane in St. Paul. The launch marks a major milestone in the organization’s mission to eliminate barriers to work and independence. The grand opening celebration on November 4, 2025, brought together community leaders, employer partners, donors, and national representatives from Goodwill Industries International and Easterseals.
Spanning over 50,000 square feet, the new campus represents a bold investment in the future of Minnesota’s workforce. It expands GESMN’s capacity to provide industry-specific training, clean technology education, digital literacy programs, and personalized career support to more than 5,000 Minnesotans annually.
“This is more than the opening of a building—it’s the beginning of new opportunities, new partnerships, and new possibilities for the people we serve,” said Dr. Michael Wirth-Davis, President and CEO of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, who also celebrated his 35th anniversary leading the organization. “This campus was built not just with bricks and mortar, but with vision, purpose, and a deep commitment to creating career pathways that strengthen our local economy and empower our communities.”
Community Celebration and Recognition
Guests at the event included Steven Preston, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries International; Kendra Davenport, President & CEO of Easterseals; Kortney Cartwright, GESMN Board Chair and Director of Strategic Partnerships at BCforward; and Lauren Beecham Henry, Goodwill-Easter Seals Foundation Board Chair and Chief Philanthropy & External Affairs Officer at Project for Pride in Living. The ceremony also featured a City of St. Paul Proclamation declaring November 4, 2025, as Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota Career & Services Day.
Campus Features
The new facility combines education, technology, and hands-on training to prepare job seekers for the evolving economy.
- Auto workshop with vehicle hoists and dedicated classroom space
- Construction workshops and flexible classrooms for young adults and adults
- Clean technology workshops for solar panel installation, heat pump installation, and electric vehicle support equipment repair
- Programs including FATHER Project, Work Incentives Connection, Job Placement Services and more
- Three computer labs for digital literacy and skill-building
- Flexible small-group meeting spaces
- Large multipurpose conference rooms for hosting small and medium-sized events
- Mural by Twin Cities artist Kada Goalen
- Roughly 100,000 square feet total, with 50,000 square feet leased to tenant All Solar Energy
A Legacy of Service, a Future of Possibility
Since 1919, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota has provided career training and support to help people enter and advance in the workforce. The new Career & Services Campus represents the next step in that legacy—one that reflects both the challenges and opportunities of today’s rapidly changing labor market.
“We invite Minnesotans to explore the new campus and discover the opportunities it holds for individuals, families and communities across the state,” added Wirth-Davis.
Learn More
GESMN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides career training and support to eliminate barriers to work and independence. Proceeds from thrift retail stores, recycling operations and financial contributions fund nearly 20 services that help over 5,000 Minnesotans advance in the workforce each year.
Goodwill-Easter Seals MN
New Career & Services Campus
The new campus opened this fall in the Energy Park neighborhood of St. Paul.
New Campus features Clean Tech Training
Training certifications in solar panel installation, heat pumps and electric car repair will be available at the new campus.
Dr. Michael Wirth-Davis presents Proclamation
GESMN President & CEO, Dr. Michael Wirth-Davis shared the proclamation from the City of St. Paul: November 4, 2025, is "Goodwill-Easter Seals MN's Career & Services Day"
Mural unveiled
A mural by a local artist is featured in the new campus.
GESMN Board Gathers
Members from GESMN's Board gathered at the grand opening
Presentation at Grand Opening
People gather in the large conference and board room
Steve Preston greets attendees
Steve Preston, the President & CEO of Goodwill Industries International, shared his thoughts on Goodwill's 100+ year legacy.
Kendra Davenport speaks with Andrew Freeberg
Kendra Davenport, President & CEO of Easterseals, speaks with Andrew Freeberg, Director of GESMN's Family Stability Programs in the break room at the new campus.
Nearly 200 Attend Grand Opening
The grand opening, hosted on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, from 8-10 a.m. was busy as employer partners, supporters and community leaders came to tour the facility.
Kortney Cartwright presents
Kortney Cartwright, the GESMN Board Chair, celebrated the achievement.
Lauren Beecham Henry speaks
Lauren Beecham Henry, the Goodwill-Easter Seals Foundation Board Chair, addressed the crowd
Crowds Gather at Open House
People explored the building during the grand opening.
Touring the State-of-the-Art Facility
Employees answered questions as people toured the construction and auto shops.