Madelia Awarded $100,000 from the Economic Development Administration
Madelia Reconstruction Plan
Following the February 3rd fire in Madelia, the City of Madelia and Region Nine Development Commission worked together to apply for a $100,000 technical assistance grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Region Nine has received notification from the EDA that the technical assistance grant to establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region has been awarded. 

This EDA planning investment supports the development and implementation of a resiliency and communications plan for the City of Madelia. The Region Nine led project will focus on developing a more diverse community, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.

"It was wonderful to have such strong support for this application at the local, state and federal levels," expressed Region Nine Executive Director Nicole Griensewic Mickelson. "This award will help position Madelia for a bright and prosperous future. We look forward to working with the city and residents as they make plans to help guide the future development of the community."

EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application's merit, the applicant's eligibility, and the availability of funds. The grant award was matched by the State of Minnesota to total a $200,000 work plan for the city. More information on EDA's grant process and investment process can be found at www.eda.gov.
Region Nine Awarded NADO Innovation Award for the Third Consecutive Year
Region Nine will be awarded the 2016 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation for Creating a Dementia Friendly Community

Creating a Dementia Friendly Community began in August 2014 when Region Nine was awarded funds from the ACT on Alzheimer's to begin the Mankato/North Mankato Act on Alzheimer's Initiative. The initiative was not a top down approach, but rather that brought numerous community residents together ranging from city officials to caregivers. All had a common goal of increasing dementia awareness and improving the quality of life for all that dementia touches. 

 "Since 1986 through its Innovation Award program, NADO has recognized the transformative work regional development organizations perform every day. Award winning projects showcase best practices across the country in regional development that support prosperous communities, stronger local economies, and improved quality of life for residents," explained NADO Executive Director Joe McKinney. "We appreciate Region Nine Development Commission's efforts to assist the region's aging population to support dementia-free communities. This initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships and collaboration to address important regional challenges." 

RNDC has won the Innovation Award the past three years and was the only Minnesota recipient this year. 
   Read More
Share Your Ideas Regarding the Future of Our Region

Region Nine is requesting your response to a Regional Economic Development Survey.  Input from this survey will assist in creating an economic development roadmap for the region. This will help mitigate threats, overcome weaknesses and capitalize on strengths to create a more viable and prosperous region. 

It is imperative to gather as much information as possible to help understand what is most important to communities, local residents and business owners in south central Minnesota.  Ensure your voice is heard by completing the survey. 
Celebrating 60 Years of Service - Open House
On October 12th, Region Nine will hold an open house to celebrate three retiring commissioners who have served Region Nine for a combined 60 years. Commissioners Jim Berg, Jim Broich, and Frederick Juni, all representing Brown County, are not running for re-election and therefore will no longer be eligible to serve on the Region Nine Development Commission. Special guest, Congressman Tim Walz, will be present to thank the retiring commissioners for their service.

The open house will be held from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. at Turner Hall, 102 South State Street, New Ulm and is open to the public. 
Help Set Region Nine's 2017 Legislative Priorities!

Region Nine is requesting your assistance in determining the 2017 legislative priorities. Your feedback on economic development issues and state programs is important in determining those priorities. 

T o provide your feedback, please visit rndc.org/2017priorities.
Free Marketing & Communications Training
Region Nine and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation are kicking off a series of marketing and communication events to provide an opportunity for small businesses, entrepreneurs, non-profits, government agencies, and marketing professionals alike to have access to quality training and networking that is effective, convenient and affordable for participants. 

Jeff Ferrazzo,
Jefferson Service Co.
On Tuesday, October 18, international speaker Jeff Ferrazzo, from Jefferson Service Co., will kick off the series with his presentation Focused Marketing for Growth and Profit. There has never been a better time to be in business for yourself or working in a small business trying to grow, but the stakes are high. With the challenge of change all around you, how you choose to invest your time, energy, money and creativity is up to you. 

When: Tuesday, October 18 | 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Where: South Central Service Cooperative, 2075 Lookout Dr., North Mankato
Cost: Free, refreshments provided 


Thank you to the event sponsors: 
  
Join Our Team!
To help achieve our mission, Region Nine is seeking a proactive, forward-thinking individual with a passion for working with communities and local units of government to fill a Community Engagement Manager position. 

Learn more and see other opportunities at:  rndc.org/employment.
Commissioners Opportunities Available

Region Nine  is accepting applications for two special interest group commissioners representing Minority Populations and Health and Human Welfare to serve on the Commission. Applicants must reside in Region Nine's nine-county service area. 
Grant Funding Opportunities
Rural Initiative Program, Cities Under 10,000 The Laura Jane Musser Funds  wants to encourage collaborative and participatory efforts among citizens in rural communities that will help to strengthen their towns and regions in a number of civic areas including, but not limited to, economic development, business preservation, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education. Proposals will be accepted starting October 2, 2016 and must be submitted online by November 2, 2016
Learn More

Transportation Alternatives: The Transportation Alternatives program is a competitive grant opportunity for local communities and regional agencies to fund projects for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, historic preservation, Safe Routes to School and more.  Letters of intent are due  October 30, 2016.   Learn More
Upcoming Events
September 29 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
South Central Service Cooperative, 2075 Lookout Dr, North Mankato

September 30 | 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Best Western Plus, 2101 S. Broadway, New Ulm
 
October 7 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
South Central Business Development Network Meeting
Mankato Workforce Center, 12 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato

October 11 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Region Nine Area Inc. Board Meeting
Intergovernmental Center, Mankato

October 12 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Turner Hall, 102 South State Street, New Ulm, MN

October 12 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Region Nine Commission Meeting
Turner Hall, 102 South State Street, New Ulm, MN

October 14 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Region Nine Renewable Energy Task Force Meeting
Intergovernmental Center, Mankato

October 18 | 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Marketing & Communications Training
South Central Service Cooperative, 2075 Lookout Dr, North Mankato
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