Growing Partnerships Lead to Economic Opportunities |
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Developing strong partnerships has been a key strategy for RNDC as it works to increase economic opportunities in the region. This includes not only partnerships throughout the region and state but also internationally. One of these partnerships is the growing relationship with the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, government, community, and business leaders.
Since Region Nine sent a delegation to NRW, community stakeholders have continued a dialogue with their German counterparts. This led to Guido Wallraven, Technical Director for the City of Saerbeck, visiting the region to talk with business leaders, answer their questions, and suggest next steps as they consider the transition to a clean energy economy.
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Wallraven also visited St. James and since his visit, the city has created the Climate Smart Communities program and has been holding regular meetings to keep the discussion going. New Ulm and Comfrey also hosted Wallraven and leaders from all three areas recently participated in a meeting with members of the German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) Midwest Chapter.
RNDC organized the event which brought Region Nine business and community leaders together with representatives from NRW and the GACC. This event provided an opportunity for stakeholders from both areas to start conversations about mutually beneficial partnerships. These initial conversations are vital to put Region Nine in the minds of foreign companies looking to expand into Minnesota.
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The goals of the GACC are to promote economic relations between Germany and Minnesota, provide resources and integrate German companies entering the state, and assist with government regulations. Connecting cities with international companies looking to expand puts the region in a position to be competitive when trying to attract businesses.
Associate Sustainability Planner, Sabri Fair said “although they live in very different places, Germans and Minnesotans are working to solve the same issues and reach the same goals. By sharing ideas and increasing our understanding of these technologies the communities, companies, and residents who attended were empowered to act sooner and with more certainty to make sure every aspect of our region remains resilient.”
The connections created through the learning exchange with NRW, Wallraven’s visit to Region Nine, and the GACC business-to-business event, show the potential opportunities that can grow from fostering relationships. RNDC will continue to look for ways it can be Your Regional Partner for Progress.
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RNDC Members Attend NADO National Policy Conference |
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RNDC Executive Director Nicole Griensewic, Community Development Planner Paola Ferrario, RNDC Chair Mike Laven, and Vice Chair Andera Boettger, were in Washington, D.C. for the annual National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Policy Conference.
This conference included sessions on regional development, the federal landscape, and the programs and policies that matter most to Regional Development Organizations and their stakeholders. The conference was also an opportunity for the group to educate members of Congress about the work the organization does and what issues are important to the residents of the region.
Some of the issues that were at the forefront of the conversations were workforce development, rural broadband, clean energy, and creating welcoming communities.
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RNDC in the News: New Ulm Named Best Small Town to Visit in MN |
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New Ulm has been named the best small town to visit in Minnesota by Family Destinations Guide. The list was made with the input of 3,000 families and highlighted New Ulm's German heritage, outdoor activities, and being home to the August Schell Brewing Company as some of the reasons for the city's high marks.
New Ulm was one of only three Minnesota cities to make the list of the Best Small Towns to Visit in America.
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RNDC Joins the Welcoming Network |
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RNDC has joined the Welcoming Network, a global network of local governments and nonprofits committed to making communities more welcoming. Led by the nonpartisan nonprofit organization, Welcoming America, RNDC will have access to research, technical assistance, webinars, and collaborative programs with other Welcoming Network organizations.
Welcoming America leverages the Welcoming Standard as a comprehensive roadmap to identify areas where members can make their community more equitable. As a member, organizations receive timely resources related to various topics including government leadership, language access, healthcare, economic development, and more.
“We are thrilled to have RNDC join the Welcoming Network. Their membership is a testament to their commitment to creating a more welcoming place for everyone living in Region Nine. We look forward to working with them,” said Rachel Perić, Executive Director of Welcoming America.
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Interns Needed for Local Foods Week |
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RNDC is offering summer internships to help with Local Foods Week! Local Foods Week celebrates the partnerships between local farmers and restaurants by enjoying delicious food and highlighting the work of the Region Nine Grower’s Network.
During the internship, participants will create a minimum of six videos and provide demonstrations of cooking with foods available at farmer’s markets. Interns are part of a two-person team responsible for planning and implementing all aspects of the cooking demonstrations and videos.
The ideal candidate would have knowledge of food and nutrition as well as experience cooking. Candidates interested in public relations and marketing are also encouraged to apply. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.
Internships pay $15 an hour and will be approximately 10 hours a week for 10 weeks from June 1 to early September 2023.
The Region Nine Grower’s Network will be celebrating Local Foods Week from July 24-30.
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Public Input Needed for MnDOT District 7's ATIP |
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Join Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) in reviewing the MnDOT District 7’s Area Transportation Improvement Program (ATIP). This public meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 12 at 4 p.m. at Bridge Plaza, 201 N. Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001. There will be a brief presentation and MnDOT staff will be available for questions and comments for the remainder of the open house.
The ATIP lists all federal and state-funded transportation projects in District 7 for 2024-2027. This may include highway construction, railroad crossing improvements, bridge replacements, bike trails, and transit vehicle acquisition.
“Public input is essential to ensuring our taxpayer funds are invested wisely in Southern Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure. Our communities, manufacturers, farmers, and families place their lives and livelihoods on our roads nearly every day,” said Steve Rohlfing, Le Sueur County Commissioner.
If you have questions about the public meeting, please contact Nathan George at nate@rndc.org
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Take the Greater Mankato 2040 Survey |
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Staff Spotlight - Nathan George |
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This month's staff spotlight is on Communications Specialist, Nathan George. Nathan is a Mankato native and a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato and South Central College. He has degrees in Mass Media and Sales & Marketing Management as well as minors in Studio Arts and English.
Nathan has been with RNDC since February 2022.
What brought you to RNDC?
I was looking for a different career path and it was important to me that my next position be involved with community improvement. I have definitely found that at RNDC. I am part of a staff that works tirelessly to make our region prosperous and welcoming.
What is your favorite part of working at RNDC?
Being surrounded by such talented and dedicated people. I am still amazed that I get to be a part of this incredible team.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy getting outdoors as much as I can and disconnecting from technology. Any opportunity to get on my bike or hit a hiking trail and I'm there.
What are some highlights from your time with RNDC?
Being part of the Region Nine Delegation to Germany was certainly a highlight. I had never been to Europe and getting to cover the learning exchange as it happened was a great opportunity.
I also really enjoy being involved with Local Foods Week. Not only do I get to work with an amazing group of farmers and restaurants, but I also get to sample the dishes. By the way, Local Foods Week is taking place July 24-30.
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$$ Grant Opportunities $$ |
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Regional Health Equity Network Grant
The Minnesota Department of Health is offering funding to projects that will work toward shifting conditions that hold inequities in place and open pathways to advancing health equity and intentionally build relationships that are foundational for successful public health partnerships.
Deadline: April 28, 2023
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Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Grant
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for projects that buy local food primarily from socially disadvantaged and emerging farmers and distribute that food to underserved communities.
Deadline: May 30, 2023
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Region Nine Development Commission takes great pride in working with and on behalf of counties, cities, townships, and schools throughout South Central Minnesota. Since 1972, being a partner for progress has led to the development of programs and identification of solutions in the areas of economic development, business development, healthy communities, transportation, community development, and leveraging regional resources. To learn more about our work and mission, visit www.rndc.org.
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Follow RNDC on social media to stay up-to-date on events, news, and more! |
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