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When it comes to recruiting and welcoming new leaders from many cultures, risks and honest conversations are required. It pays off, but it isn t easy. It s human nature to feel uncomfortable at first when reaching out to people who seem different. Extension wants Minnesota s newcomers to lead in places where they know they are supported and feel welcomed by their colleagues, says Jocelyn Hernandez-Swanson, Extension educator in leadership and civic engagement.
The need is real
Each community is moved to act for different reasons. In Greater Minnesota, one of every 34 adults must take on leadership roles for elected offices, non-profit boards and committees, according to Ben Winchester, Extension s rural sociologist.
Region Nine Development Commission awarded $290,000 grant
Region Nine Development Commission awarded $290,000 grant By Kelsey Barchenger | April 26, 2021 at 12:54 PM CDT - Updated April 26 at 12:54 PM
MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Region Nine Development Commission is awarded thousands of dollars to support local foods and underserved farmers in the nine-county area.
The more than $290,000 grant comes from the Natural Resource Conservation Service. The grant is expected to provide starter farming plots and training about sustainable soil health to new farmers, along with scholarship opportunities for attending conferences and additional training.
The funds will also help as Region Nine partners with local restaurants for weekly Farm to Table Days, increasing awareness about farm retail sites and eco-system benefits.
Mar 11, 2021
SPRINGFIELD Springfield was one of four Southern Minnesota cities selected to be a part of the three-year Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program.
Part of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), the program will work with Springfield, Montgomery, Wells, and Mapleton to explore different approaches to supporting entrepreneurs and economic growth.
The program supports long-term economic growth in towns of 5,000 or less. It includes a “coach” from the SMIF, Region Nine Development Commission or the University of Minnesota Extension to help guide the community for three years.
U of M Extension Community Economics Educator Neil Linscheid was chosen as Springfield’s REV coach.
EDA grant targets south central Minnesota manufacturers hit hard by pandemic
EDA grant targets south central Minnesota manufacturers hit hard by pandemic By Bernadette Heier | January 28, 2021 at 6:21 PM CST - Updated January 29 at 2:47 PM
NORTH MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) A $74,552 Economic Development Administration grantis set to aid south central Minnesota manufacturers.
Democratic Sen. Tina Smith, of Minnesota, says the grant will help manufacturers and communities in the region recover from economic losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“A lot of businesses have struggled with COVID. Some businesses have done just fine and others have been deeply challenged and this is a way of helping those businesses and helping those that work for them,” Smith stated.
Austin Utilities makes a change; SMIF doles out $160,000 in grants.
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Post Bulletin staff reports | 7:21 am, Jan. 19, 2021 ×
PINE ISLAND Pine Island s eighth annual Winter Fest will be held Jan. 30.
Activities for this year’s Winter Fest will promote getting out while keeping a safe social distance.
There will be groomed cross country ski and snowshoe trails at the golf course provided there s enough snow.
New this year is a Pine Island Scavenger Hunt that can be completed from the comfort of your home. Questions will be uploaded to the Image Committee’s Facebook page and the Chamber’s website starting Jan. 27. Hard copies of the Scavenger Hunt will be available at Van Horn Public Library.