Lyon and Murray CEO announces name change to Buffalo Ridge

Entrepreneurship program add for more schools

MARSHALL -- Over the past few years, a program helping high school students build their business skills has grown to include four different school districts.

Now, Lyon and Murray CEO is announcing a name change that reflects a wider region.

On Thursday, Lyon and Murray CEO announced that it is becoming Buffalo Ridge CEO. The area CEO program started out as a partnership between Marshall High School and Murray County Central, but now also includes Tracy-Milroy-Balaton and Russell-Tyler-Ruthton.

CEO, short for Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, is a program that gives high school students the chance to learn from local businesses through tours, mentorship and networking, as well as by developing their own businesses.

"The growth of this program is a testament to the support we have received from our local businesses, schools and community partners," said CEO facilitator Shanda Walker. "The Buffalo Ridge CEO name reflects where the program is today and where we are headed as we continue to bring students and businesses together across our region."

Buffalo Ridge CEO said the program has had a total of 58 alumni from area schools since its launch in 2022. There are currently 15 students participating in the 2026-27 class.

Minnesota is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation for new CEO chapters, Walker said. The national CEO network says there are chapters in 10 different states throughout the country, with the majority of chapters based in and around Illinois, where the program originated.

With the addition of RTR to the area CEO program, there was discussion about changing Lyon and Murray name to reflect a wider region, Walker said. The RTR district includes communities in Lincoln and Pipestone counties, in addition to Lyon County. There could also be future opportunities for additional schools to join, as well, she said.

"The board of directors took a look at what would be reflective of where we are," Walker said.

There is already a Southwest Minnesota CEO program based in the Pipestone and Luverne areas, so the board looked at the Buffalo Ridge as a possible namesake, she said.

The name "Buffalo Ridge CEO" was voted on by the area CEO board, and then it went to the national CEO organization for approval, Walker said.

"While the name is changing, our mission remains the same: to connect students with our local business community and give them meaningful, real-world experiences that help prepare them for their futures," said Walker.

Support from area businesses and communities has played a big role in the growth of the Buffalo Ridge CEO chapter over the past four years, Walker said.

"Every community that we represent has been amazing," when it comes to supporting the program and working with students, she said.