Quarterly Newsletter | January 2019 In this issue we share our Annual Report from 2018. You'll also learn more about current projects, news, upcoming events and have access to Welcoming Communities resources.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2019 from all of us at Region Five Development Commission! Thank you for helping us make 2018 a successful year, filled with positive change and accomplishments. We look forward to fostering long-standing partnerships and creating new ones. We are excited to continue our work in the region!

What are we up to?

2018 R5DC & NCEDA Annual Report We've released our Annual Report for 2018! It's packed with details about our work in Community and Economic Development and Transportation. Four outstanding partners were selected and honored at our December commission meeting. Congratulations to Northwest Area Foundation, Fiducia Benefits Group, Baby's on Broadway and 3 Cheers Hospitality! Read 2018 R5DC & NCEDA Annual Report.

Dawn Espe to Participate in Equity Works Leadership Institute Program The Equity Works Leadership Institute (EWLI) program builds adaptive leaders to lead inclusively and equitably in the field of workforce development. Individuals from Greater MN, working in state agencies and private firms are part of this leadership cohort. Learn more. 

Regional Transportation Coordination Council (RTCC) The RTCC public meetings to gather feedback and input from the communities in Region 5 have begun, with the first public meeting held December 4th at Timbers in Staples. We heard from Friendly Rider Executive Director Randy Jahnke, transit riders Joe Ebner and Wanita Pilcher, and Todd County Veterans Service Officer Pete Berscheit. Watch to learn more.

Upcoming Events

RTCC Public Meeting: Pine-River Backus High School February 5th | 6pm - 8pm Read more and register here .

Sustainable Farming Association Annual Conference February 9th | 8am-5pm Read more and register here .

Minnesota's Transportation Conference March 13th-14th Read more and register here .

‌ Women in Business: Impacting Diversity and Inclusion March 19th | 11am-1pm Read more and register here .

MnDOT CAV Scenario Planning Workshops Connected & Automated Vehicle Workshops Multiple Dates & Locations Read more and register here .

Sprout Marketplace : Mark your calendar!

Join us from 10am-3pm for the indoor market at Sprout. All are welcome to enjoy live musical and dance performances as well as a cooking demonstration in the Sprout kitchen. Shop for handmade, homegrown food, art, and gifts. Stay for a pop-up lunch and bar, while supplies last. Watch the video at left to learn more. See you there!

‌ January 26th | 10am - 3pm January event details can be found here .

‌ February 23rd | 10am -3pm February event details can be found here .

‌ March 23rd | 10am - 3pm February event details can be found here .

In the News

Farmers Encouraged to Consider Resources in Times of Financial Distress New Faces, Familiar Issues for Legislators, Including Rural-Urban Divide Efforts Build on Momentum for Downtown Brainerd

Welcoming Communities Resources

The Welcoming Communities initiative is well underway and focused on building workforce attraction in our region. We have ten organizations in the process of completing the IDI assessment and a waiting list! Read more . ‌ Sambusa Recipe

Recommended Reading: A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota Recommended News: How to Get Started on Digital Inclusion  Overcoming High Barriers to Financial Inclusion

Ringing in the New Year with a New You?

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? Yes! I make them. Actually following through with them is another story... Select You betcha! I've got my list and my plan and I'm sticking to it all year. Select Nope. I'm cool with kicking back and doing more of the same. Select

Stay updated on what's happening in the region! Check out our Events on Facebook: Region Five Development Commission Facebook The Good Life North Central MN Facebook

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