LITTLE FALLS-Central Minnesota communities are encouraged to complete an application-or submit a quick video-by Aug. 17 for the opportunity to be selected for a four-day visit in September by community development specialist Deb Brown, the Initiative Foundation reported in a news release.
"Brown's small-town upbringing (Geneva, Iowa, population 141) and passion has helped countless communities reimagine a hometown where people want to live, work and play," Initiative Foundation officials stated in the release. "Her programs on small business, customer service, marketing and economic development-including what to do with empty storefronts-have been received by chambers of commerce, economic development groups, tourism specialists, museum experts, business leaders and small-town conferences."
Learn more at www.SaveYour.Town .
Up to two central Minnesota communities will be selected. Eligible communities must be served by Xcel Energy (gas and/or electric). To be considered, communities need to complete the application at https://tinyurl.com/hometownturnaround or upload a short video at https://tinyurl.com/hometownvideo (two to three minutes captured on a mobile phone) and describe their community challenge, their level of community engagement and their readiness to host a visit from a community development specialist.
"This extension of the Foundation's Thriving Communities Initiative presents a wonderful opportunity for two communities to get a quick and valuable infusion of ideas and insights to elevate local improvements," said Michelle Kiley, community development program manager at the foundation, in the release.
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Each four-day visit has an estimated value of $5,000. Selected communities will receive a report of Brown's findings along with next-step recommendations to take local action. The Initiative Foundation will provide ongoing support for up to three months following Brown's visit.
Eligible communities in the Brainerd lakes area include: Baxter, Brainerd, Breezy Point, Chickamaw Beach, Crosslake, East Gull Lake, Fifty Lakes, Jenkins, Lake Shore, Manhattan Beach, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Pillager, Pine River, Riverton and Royalton.
To learn more, visit www.ifound.org/hometown . For questions, contact Michelle Kiley at mkiley@ifound.org or call 320-631-2048.
