Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Mean Effective.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

1

.

.

.

.

Work Ethic

2

5

3.5

3.0

3.0

People, integrity, concern for one another.

2

5

3.5

3.0

3.0

We have a value of caring for others. Committment to service.

Nobody will work for us, the lack of anonymity creates a climate of helpfulness and concern for others. We need to do this for ourselves.

3

5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Core group of people who value our region's lifestyle

Need local people to engage and develop the area.

3

5

3.5

3.5

3.5

Quality of Life

It will be the future of the region as it will become more important to the people who continue to live here and to the people who will consider this region as part of thier future.

4

5

1.0

2.0

3.0

Arts related or Ag related counter-culture

Provides economic and social diversity in the region. Important because these activities integrate economic along with environmental and social concerns.

Item

Actions to Use Asset

Partnership Role

1

2

Engaging all people from different backgrounds and ideas, so that everyone profits from the diversity.

Keep working on representation of different groups on partnership board.

2

More people who start to question the tendency to look to the outside for answers. Need to recongize our own expertise.

Bolster this new mindset.

3

Identification of these people, a description, recruitment of these people.

Group is fragmented by older norms and ideologies, partnership needs to bring them together.

3

We need to develop more creative ways to generate economic opportunities that are direct outcomes from the natural resources in the region; farm land, recreational areas and activities, waters, people and open spaces.

Ratchet up what we are doing especially now with the work plan that we have established.

4

Encouraging communities to come up with these cultural/economic efforts and work together to make this work, expand monte coffee shop news/email system.

Communication network development, and collaboration network. Develop community or regional spirit.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Mean Effective.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

1

4.4

4.2

3.2

3.4

Dedicated People

Important to wildlife in the area only decent habitat. Important for people too, might help attract people and resources.

1

4.4

4.2

3.2

3.4

Innovative, talented people

We take the responsibility for our own future; we don't expect the govt. to help us. we know our own needs and are capable of addressing the solutions with partners and university help.

1

4.4

4.2

3.2

3.4

caliber of people that get involved in the projects

it attracts talented, well-educated people to the area. it's a way to keep UMM graduates in western minnesota. some of the young people get involved at the intern level and do amazing things.

1

4.4

4.2

3.2

3.4

Our people

People who live in region need to assume responsibility for personal and community well-being.

1

4.4

4.2

3.2

3.4

Dedicated People

Need people to make any project or initiative work.

2

.

.

.

.

Low Density

3

4.0

4.0

2.0

2.0

Retired persons

It is a growing percentage of our population.

Item

Actions to Use Asset

Partnership Role

1

Involving the Chambers of Commerce, Ortonville COC, tourism agencies. Focus groups on nature, or eco-tourism.

Serve as able get people together, help educate the local communities.

1

it's important to keep listening and really hearing people so that we get new blood and new active citizens involved to continue the growth.

executive director does a good job of promoting and utilizing the assests. not all board memebers contribute enough energy, while some do a great job.

1

sharing our mission and example of what we do with people that might be attracted to west central minnesota.

executive director does a remarkable job matching people and projects. she's worked in the area a long time and does her work quietly without fan fair which helps seek out the talented people.

1

Create a "can do" attitude/promote/utilize skills of citizens/recognize cuase and effect of local decision making.

Continue to nurture citizen involvement; link citizens with resources of university.

1

Publicize projects and build networks of people to support each other.

2

3

Identify retired persons in our communities and what areas of expertise they possess.

Survey local communities thru city councils, civic groups, churches, etc. to identify retired persons and have an ongoing directory that identifies their skills.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Mean Effective.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

1

3

3

3

2

Small town infrustructure for aging population

We have an aging population that is a head of the state curve. We have neighborhoods that are intergenerational. The trend that many communities are looking at are gated communities. Would like to encourage communities to retain the neighborhood infrusture vs moving completed to the gated community.

2

5

5

3

3

Commodities (Corn, Soy)

It is the single most abundant asset of our region

3

5

4

3

4

Ability to Connect to sustainable agriculture, land stewardship, good connections.

4

5

5

3

4

Agricultural Resource Potential

It is important for the development of energy. May be able to use corn and other resources for gas/ethonol. Possible to use for energy and fuel development.

5

5

2

3

.

locally owned smaller businesses and farms

If we lose the smaller locally owned businesses and farms, we lose local leadership that cares about rural communities, schools, public services and the health of the land.

6

5

5

5

.

ability to leverage dollars

all of these projects that are underway needed somebody willing to put some start up money on the table, and money was for verifying the importance of the topic and who the partners are. they got "seed" money to research need and who possible partners are, then they attract money from other sources.

Item

Actions to Use Asset

Partnership Role

1

Celebrate neighborhood living and intergenerational activities. Raise up this asset that most small communities take for granted. Assist in housing projects that enable elderly to live longer in one place and encourage programs such as parish nursing and informal "neighborliness" to assist elderly and young families in need.

Community leadership - focus work on community visioning and agining infrustructure vs. general leadership skill building.

2

We need to develope more uses for this asset locally thru value added businesses instead of exporting the vast majority to other areas

Bring together the Univ. of MN assets of research,engineering,business mgt.,etc with people willing to invest in value added ventures using commodities.

3

Keep on making connections and links, using agriculture as an economic and quality of life asset in our region.

Continue with projects started, and figure out ways to reach other parts of our populations.

4

Utilizing University (3 parts, ag. envt. science and community development), community (involve citizens in planning) and student (as resources to use to develop ideas and are providing future resources for ideas) to investigate potential product development. Students needed to help implement ideas; they are the future. citizens are also extremely important.

We needed an organization to represent the citizens voice in accessing needs and putting these needs into plans for development. Projects teach people the value of agriculture and environment.

5

Increase public awareness of the social and human capital lost (decrease population and lower incomes) and it's impact on community services, schools and land issues (i.e. Feedlot wars). Provide investment support to develop locally owned businesses and farms. Develop adequate markets/connections

Continue it's support of the local foods work and related small business development support. Be more specific on it's focus---small is beautiful--and don't try to satisfy everyone that feels we need to be broader (ie. conventional farmer groups that want

6

the concept is done well. we need to keep our skills up to date and remain enthusiastic because good news sells.

they need to keep doing what they well; using seed money to attract possible players.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Mean Effective.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

1

4.5

4.0

4

4.5

Center for Small Towns

it offers analysis and direction or help that are very hard for small communities to get otherwise.

1

4.5

4.0

4

4.5

Center for Small Towns

CST has knowledge not only of community needs/assets but also university resources (non-UMM too).

2

4.0

4.0

3

5.0

UMM

The presence of the skills and knowledge at UMM is a valuable asset - it is not always accessible due to the costs of faculty, etc.

3

4.0

3.0

2

1.0

U of MN Extension Service

Extension provides a number of different services in the areas of community/economic development, farm

4

5.0

4.0

3

1.0

Economic improvement groups

The direction of Economic Development work is highly dependent on the support provided by the people on the grounds.

5

5.0

5.0

5

5.0

current projects

because people need a strong example of what the partnership is about to understand us

6

5.0

3.5

4

4.0

Education

Education opens people's lives to opportunities and possibilities, helps economy, makes better people.

6

5.0

3.5

4

4.0

Education availability at all levels: pre to higher ed

7

5.0

5.0

4

5.0

the evolving experience and direction of regional partnership

you need an on going group of cheerleaders and doers; it's good if a wide variety of community and community leaders are involved.

8

3.0

4.0

3

1.0

Churches

Important to people's spiritual health, sense of connection to world, feeling of balance, values.

9

4.0

4.0

2

2.0

Presence of University Resources

help region evaluate and envision the future of the region. Potential to mechanism to create environments to keep people and attract new people to the region.

Item

Actions to Use Asset

Partnership Role

1

it would be nice to have some way of giving a starter account so more communities could use this service.

the current way that the executive director and staff member of center for small towns work together. each one brings something unique to the table.

1

none - a great relationship exists now.

2

Identify faculty that are interested in the WCRSDP project areas to explore areas of collaborative research.

Identify funding line-items to involve faculty every year - we now do this for students.

3

The changes of Extension in the past few years has made it difficult for people to know what they offer.

Now that Extension charges fees for their services, WCRSDP may help to locate and secure funding to offset the costs of their programs.

4

Using facts, show the local ED folks that the economy is 1) not based on agriculture and 2) cannot be sustained on manufacturing alone.

Education of local ED folks.

5

we are doing that really well. the local foods, children's garden and the renewable energy projects are the "cream of the crop."

the public relations that the executive director does and the close working relationship between the partnership and UMM and U of M and area energy companies is just remarkable. we need to keep promoting that to the hilt. i like how CERTS meets three to f

6

Use more internet resources for schools to avoid combining schools. Schools of education (higher ed), could provide assistance or good teachers identified to supplement local classes.

Could encourage from University standpoint, but local school issues are not a likely area for success. Keep small schools open, but provide better services.

6

Adequate funding available, work with public, make aware of current problems and work with public. Encourage youth to be involved with becoming a ed professional.

Continue to encourage collaborations, partnership is helpful.

7

having the five board that exists makes it more difficult because it's hard to get the 3/4 of the directors at the meetings. having better involvement at board meeting and representing projects would be helpful. it's not something the executive director can do by herself; she needs director involvement.

i think this evaluation will help us. we need to take an internal look at ourselves.

8

Sunday Schools integrate ecological, environmental ideas, instead of just near Earth Day. Educate whole congregations with sense of bigger community and area, social mission side, social justice, make whole region better.

Tough one.

9

both the community at large and university need to find ways to more effectively engage each other. Efforts have been made, but haven't really reached the potential of what is possible. Still a lot of barriers between these communities.

keep in mind that primary function of partnership is to work with university resources.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Mean Effective.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

1

3

3.0

3.0

2.0

Wildlife

It has the potential to bring more people to our area that will be spending money at local business.(Cafes, Mini-marts,Gas stations, Bed and Breakfasts,Motels, etc) Also, even if you don't hunt it just makes it a better place to live if we have a more abundant wildlife pop.

2

5

3.5

2.0

3.5

Natural Resources

Economic benefit of tourism, renewable energy and quality of life.

2

5

3.5

2.0

3.5

Wind and natural resources for energy use

Cleaner environment Economic development for region Reduce dependency on oil/non-renewable energy sources

3

5

3.0

3.0

3.0

Minnesota River

Environment - major water source in region, tributary to Missisippi River, over 80% of land around it is corn/soybeans and contributes to pollution problem Recreation - needs to be cleaned up for wildlife/fishing recreation and canoeing Landscape - great asset in communities along the river

4

5

5.0

5.0

3.0

Soil Productivity

Historically this has been our most important asset, but the future use of this asset must change.

5

3

4.0

3.0

2.0

Climate Diversity

Within this region there is variation in climate from east to west and somewhat from north to south. This is really beyond the partnership to impact or use.

6

5

5.0

3.5

2.5

Abilitiy to produce (land)

It's what we have. We are a flat land agricultural community. It's what our resources are.

6

5

5.0

3.5

2.5

agricultural land

Primary dollar generator, non-renewable asset that supports renewable assets (plants). Land can manufacture products on an annual and perennial basis.

7

4

5.0

2.0

3.0

Open Spaces, experience nature, breathe clean air

7

4

5.0

2.0

3.0

Physical Space

It can affect how we think, enable us to think bigger, and the potential to think differently. Using space as an asset instead of a hindrance. Understanding this will give us a different understanding of our other assets and differences. Sideways to the issue of big versus little.

8

4

5.0

3.0

1.0

Glacial Ridge

Forces alternative land use, other than commodity crops. Great place to live if not over-populated. Too many people is a real dange.

9

5

5.0

3.0

3.0

Closeness to nature

open spaces and natural beauty are becoming more scarce with time, and thus increase in value to us and others.

Item

Actions to Use Asset

Partnership Role

1

Bring together groups involved in wildlife, agriculture, conservation, government farm programs and put together a model that farmers, local sportsman organizations or individuals might use to create fee based hunting business,s or wildlife refuges.

Bring the various groups together and start a dialog.

2

prudent planning and development of infrastructure for renewable energy.

be a facilitator role, communicator role, led by outside interests and groups.

2

Continue the current work in the region. Work with legislation to provide incentives for development and research.

There are many players in this work. The initial work we did got the ball rolling. Our best role now is working with CERTs so that the average citizen that is not part the business or community leadership roles can have a say in the plan of renewable clea

3

Diversify crop land to reduce sediment in the river Clean up for recreation Sustainable Tourism development/marketing

Continue to support projects/collaborations that diversify crop land and develop sustainable tourism using the MN River as the focal point

4

Neet to change from corn soybeans to other plants that cover the land for a longer period.

Keep promoting projects that protect land and water.

5

6

I think we need some educational upgrading to realize the changing markets and conditions. There is a lot of progressing being made and a lot of changes are being made in ag. and we have to evaluate and stratigies how we market. we have to move forward and use what we have today and maintain it to afford to live here and have our families continue to stay here.

They can get educated. They have done some really good things in the partnership, but it started as a vehicle to build and strengthen relationship between citizens and the university. What happened is it got one-sides on sustainable ag. Sustaiable ag. los

6

Concentrated, specialized production that produces the highest return ($) with the greatest amount of environmental preservation (saves and enriches the soil).

Call on University research to deliver new "crops" that meet the aforementioned actions. Re-establich farm to market to customer channels that focus on quality not commodity.

7

Keep promoting in a positive light, not negatively.

Keep promoting in a positive light, not negatively.

7

Part of making ourselves more effective in development planning. If we thought about space more effectively we might consider other alternatives. Diverting to something else.

Understand the psychology of space and insert this into regional planning in new ways.

8

Get more into tourism, eco-tourism would be nice.

Get together a glacial ridge working group, "corridor", consortium.

9

planning and balance with the need of residents to procure livelihood. Balance between environmentally and economic planning.

keep a strong position on maintaining envir integrity, but we may limit our potential partners by how we approach issues. Try to stay open and accessible to all potential partners, avoid confrontational attitudes at beginning before they can be engaged in

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Mean Effective.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

2

5

4

2

4

entrepreneurs

They represent the businesses, employers, inventors, taxpayers, and residents of the future "rural minnesota".

Item

Actions to Use Asset

Partnership Role

2

Educate, train, counsel these entrepreneurs to be calculated risktakers. Teach them to be risk tolerant, risk adverse, and prudent. Teach them to be moderate in new business development, not overly cautious (never getting started, always on the sidelines) and not overly zealous (all your eggs in one basket)

Establish entrepreneurial counceling and training classes. Compliment the exising "Business Planning" materials with some psychology/management/entrepreneur cirriculum.

item

Frequency

Percent

Agricultural Land

2

16.67

Open Spaces

2

16.67

Wind, Energy Resources

2

16.67

Climate Diversity

1

8.33

Glacial Ridge

1

8.33

Minnesota River

1

8.33

Nature, Clean Water

1

8.33

Soil Productivity

1

8.33

Wildlife

1

8.33

item

Frequency

Percent

People

5

71.43

Low Pop Density

1

14.29

Retired Persons

1

14.29

item

Frequency

Percent

Center for Small Towns

2

18.18

Education

2

18.18

Churches

1

9.09

Current Partnership Projs

1

9.09

Economic Improvement Groups

1

9.09

Regional Partnerships

1

9.09

UM Extension Service

1

9.09

UM Research

1

9.09

UM, UMM

1

9.09

item

Frequency

Percent

Ability to Leverage Dollars

1

16.67

Ag Resource Potential

1

16.67

Ag commodities

1

16.67

Connect Land Steward and Sust Ag

1

16.67

Infrastructure for Aging Pop

1

16.67

Locally Owned Sm Business

1

16.67

item

Frequency

Percent

Entrepreneurs

1

100.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Caring for others

2

33.33

Core Group who value lifestyle

2

33.33

Arts Culture, Counterculture

1

16.67

Work Ethic

1

16.67

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Dependence

Mean Effect.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

Other Relevant Assets

1

5

3

3

Young People

They are the future, we need to replace existing agriculture, businesses, and community leaders.

Farm Beginnings program in Land Stew program to help young people get organized, Center for Small towns help be a support system for youth. Retireee move ins can help temporarily.

Item

Comment

1

Nothing specific.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Dependence

Mean Effect.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

1

4.00000

4.00000

3.00000

local process of some food products

local process of food products adds value to the local economy and contributes the ability for farmers to produce and sale local food products

2

4.66667

4.33333

2.33333

Quality Jobs

Dev can occur when people can support themselves and families. This happens will quality, high paying, high value jobs and caeers.

2

4.66667

4.33333

2.33333

Lack jobs that pay a living wage.

Obvious.

2

4.66667

4.33333

2.33333

Enough businesses that provide medium and high paying jobs

If we don't have high paying jobs that give individuals disposable income they cannot invest in the growth of our region. I know it's a Catch-22.

4

5.00000

5.00000

5.00000

Energy and Alternative Energy Sources

We currently import all conventional energy from outside our region, development of this asset will help create self-sustaining, local controlled energy sources.

5

5.00000

3.00000

2.00000

Broadband , electronic communication

Crucial for educational and economic progress in the future.

6

5.00000

5.00000

3.00000

Economic opportunity

Economic opportunity will be the only way we can grow this region. The lack of this asset is the core reason why the region as declined in vitality over the past 30 or more years.

7

5.00000

5.00000

5.00000

Local Foods Network, Food Supply

people need food supply, have ag land expertise here, why not use it, safety of food, economic multiply effects regional. Value added.

8

5.00000

2.00000

2.00000

Local Investments

Lots of money leaves the area and invests in the competition. There are few independent banks that may not loan funds to local businesses. Need a way for local people to easily invest in their community and local businesses in a form of investments.

Item

Other Relevant Assets

Comment

1

the growing group of farmers producing food in the region

continue to support the local foods project and continue to expand the circle of partners around the work. Consider supporting an investment structure to support such ventures.

2

We are an innovative region, innovative thinking helps bring and spawn these jobs. Sometimes we still have trouble breaking through traditional barriers to make these changes.

Develop and create opportunities for dialogue, has been successful creating environment for people to take chances in business.

2

Financial institutions, bigger businesses could encourage entrepreneurship, govts, county commissioners.

Need to keep as a high priority, keep stating the need for good jobs and not just jobs.

2

4

We have natural resources of wind and soil productivity that can be used in energy production. Ideally energy production should be integrated with better land use practices.

5

Could produce local network to make wireless networking happen.

Put all results on website and get access to surveys and results to use in push to get these services.

6

The potential is enormous for developing this asset. However, it will take major mind set changes from the individuals still here. It will mean thinking in terms of local economies, nonindustrial crop and livestock production systems and loyalty of customers to the base revenue sources of land and people. Diversity across the landscape is primary starting with the land and moving across the sprectrum to the people who live on the land and how they make their living on this land.

The partnership needs to continue to raise the awareness level of the citizens of the region, their sensitivity to the potential of the region and the education piece that must accompany this awareness raising responsibility.

7

Pride of Prairie is exactly what is needed, but needs to grow and prosper. Truck farms.

8

Independent banks, community foundations, city bonding

WCRSDP role - build awareness of this idea and connect with the financial folks that have the expertise and will to take it on.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Dependence

Mean Effect.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

1

5

5

4

health care

Important in maintaing rural areas. You have a diverse population which includes elderly as one of the people to be concerned with. If you are going to develop business, you need to have a good healthcare package. If you have elderly population need to help keep them there. Need hospitals/providers to help.

2

5

5

2

lack of trust by the deans within the university of minnesota system

the U of M leadership represent the entire state of minnesota, not just biotechnology. they say they have listening sessions throughout the state, but they don't listen. you write down your comments but they don't internalize them.

3

4

1

1

A Regional Development Commission (RDC)

The West Central Initiative does provide the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) which fulfills part of an RDC role. However, the lack of planning that is normally does by these groups is missed. See the umvrdc.org for examples of what they do.

4

4

4

3

Information and education about benefits of region

Need to have people appreciate the benefits and positive aspects of the region, that the grass isn't always greeener. Will help retain and attract people to the area

Item

Other Relevant Assets

Comment

1

There are a large number of healthcare facilities in Morris. Businesses need to provide healthcare and retirement. We have a group of doctors, providers and citizens; they are a diverse group coming up with alternatives to our current system which needs to be improved.

By citizen participation to examine the constant changing needs of the area. Utilizing University research resources for development.

2

we've tried everything; i'm open to new ideas.

as a board member i try to ignore this part of it because it kills my enthusiasm for what we do.

3

Center for Small Towns does GIS mapping for local clients. The West Central Initiative, as indicated earlier, is also helpful.

4

Dedicated people, the partnership, local groups, everyone.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Dependence

Mean Effect.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

1

5

5

3

Land Use Thinking

Current mindset is stuck on concepts like zoning, soybean/corn usage. What might provide a better outcome for region would be change or expand the possibiliteis of land and land use. Beyond legal definitions or ramifications. Trying things.

Item

Other Relevant Assets

Comment

1

We have good mapping, may not have asked the right questions, but we have a starting point. Soil mapping been done, but could be used more effectively. Can we pull out info about soils good for wineries or berries, or grazing.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Dependence

Mean Effect.

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

2

5

5

4

Environment, Economic development and diversity (they are interconnected; can't exist with out each other)

You can have ag. as an asset but you need to develop it so it is economically viable; but must also protect the envt. that supplies assets and need diversity of people.

3

4

5

3

Lack of Integration of Interests

If we dont get bodies to work together we don't have the critical mass to make things happen.

4

5

5

3

citizens with enough time to devote to effort

they are the people with vision and energy to make west central minnesota sustainable.

5

4

4

3

Young entrepreneurs with a "community building" demeanor or commitment

Entrepreneurs with community integrity are crutial to development of rural areas.

6

5

2

3

visionary people, realistic people with what is happening in the world

If we don't become visionary what we have here is going to leave; opportunity for ag. is going to Brazil. We put fear into people about corporate america w/out being educated about what it is.

Item

Other Relevant Assets

Comment

2

You have to have goals and planning, strategies for achieving goals and be able to evaluate them. Need to look at new opportunities for development.

We developed a set of criteria involving the project's idea, planning, goals and citizen involvement.

3

Lack of anonymity helps easily identify important players.

City and county boards need to have more common purpose, same concept or integration of effort. Thinking of possibilities in a regional way, integration.

4

it takes enthusiasm by the current board to be open and observant of possible new players. the type of people we want, are very busy; how can we present in a nutshell what it is they can contribute and not expect them to spend 4-5 years of their life doing it. we need to give people a beginning and an ending time inorder to capture them.a lot of the communities work with a blanded leadership; how can we get some of those emerging leaders involved before they get too busy on other things.

in the past year, i've seen the energy of two new younger board members really pump up the rest of the board.

5

Technology (high speed internet, etc.) that can connect us locally so people can live in our state and still pursure a job which doesn't require being at the office.

WCRP can encourage building of this network by linking players in the field; help remorve roadblocks, etc.

6

People have to be open. We draw lines; we are either for it or against it. We draw conclusions and can't operate for the betterment of the community by doing so. We need the ability for all sides to sit down and work things out together, probably more locally.

Many of us want to protect one tree but don't see the entire forest. The less people we have here, the more it happens. We might have to work with corporations.

item

Frequency

Percent

Land Use Thinking

1

100.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Young People

1

100.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Health Care

1

25.00

Info and Ed about region

1

25.00

Lack of Trust by Deans in TC

1

25.00

Regional Dev Commission

1

25.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Lack of Paying Jobs

3

33.33

Electronic Communication

1

11.11

Energy, Alternative Energy Sources

1

11.11

Food Network

1

11.11

Local Investment

1

11.11

Local Processing of Food

1

11.11

Opportunity

1

11.11

item

Frequency

Percent

Citizens with time to devote

1

20.00

Econ, Envir Dev and Diversity

1

20.00

Lack of integration of interest

1

20.00

Visionary People

1

20.00

Young Entrepreneurs w community building

1

20.00

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Actions

Mean Effect.

Need Name

Reasons Important

Required Assets

Required Actions

3

5

4

3

Need to stop thinking about the way things have always been done.

The stress of being in decline works against opening our thinking.

Understanding the intrinsic value of growth or loss. To understand what is happening to our thinking by being in a state of decline.

Item

Comment

3

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Actions

Mean Effect.

Need Name

1

5

3.00000

3.00000

New commodity based business's using existing and new technologies

2

5

2.50000

2.50000

Capital

2

5

2.50000

2.50000

Money, Wealth, Resources

3

5

5.00000

2.00000

Opportunities to invest locally.

4

5

3.33333

4.33333

Affordable and accessible health care

4

5

3.33333

4.33333

Affordable healthcare coverage

4

5

3.33333

4.33333

Healthcare, is available, but financial limitations exist.

5

5

3.00000

3.00000

Increase of markets for crops that diversify the landscape

6

5

3.00000

1.00000

Community foundation

7

.

.

.

It is my opinion that given the success in enhancing the economic opportunites of the region that the needs of the region would be met as a consequence; needs like state of the art medical care, affordable health insurance, greater oportunities for experi

Item

Reasons Important

Required Assets

1

We will get value added income for our commodities.And so our children have a reason to stay in this region.

Commodities, Business expertise, Capital

2

If you invest money, you want a resonable return. If I invest in community to have community grow, my interest in seeing it happen will be there. For example, ulumi invest in University so it grows. You invest for Univerisity Capital of education. If you invest in economics of community, you do it do get a return.

University is an available asset. If it does research in ag. and there isn't community application, the university isn't useful. So if the university does, it is useful and becomes vital to development. Citizen groups but they are difficult to work with because there is a lot to organizing them.

2

Activities and development follows money and resources, needed to make progress.

Lost original input screen, can't recall this one.

3

Keep funds in region.

Education for better understanding.

4

Entreprenurs would develop if health care was not such an obstacle.

4

It impacts the local economy and viability of the current healthcare infrustructure

Change how we deliver healthcare services, need to get real on if this can be delivered in a market form when the cost continue to rise, need to decide if there should be age limits on certain procedures....big picture and social discussion

4

Keep families present, attract others, have access to quality healthcare.

People working together, providers, insurers, public, legislature.

5

In order to maintain a healthy landscape and to clean up the MN River, we need to get off the corn/soybean merry-go-around.

Support our land grant system to do this work and less emphasis on biotech and same old corn/soybean production.

6

The availability of local funds is a necessary part of building community. We have not been able to communicate effectively the ability of local people to sustain their future through their own funds - many times they believe the funds must come from outside.

Financing mechanism

7

Item

Required Actions

Comment

1

Should we be working with business's that benefit our region, like CENEX, to help answer the many quetions that will arise in the comming years. We have a valuable asset in our region. The Chairman of the Board for CHS (Cenex)is a farmer,Mike Tolle,from Browns Valley, MN

2

Need to look at economics, education, physical planning to develop capital. Need social planning from citizen involvement to develop a model and get all people to work together to develop the need. We haven't looked at physical planning much in this area. We need to cordinate physical planning with transportation and communication system and information system.

Capital was slightly addressed.

2

Need to focus more on people resources and abilities rather than outside funding and resources to get things done.

3

People of influence need to be on board, support the concept.

4

4

Currently supporting the Healthcare purchasing alliance formation but not sure if creating another product will address the ills of the healthcare system. Healthcare may need to become such a crisis that society won't pay for it anymore!

4

5

creativity, quit subsidizing producing more of the same and instead support . Research/education and markets of alternative croppenvironmental stewardship....will cost less in the long runing systems and foods.

6

not entirely sure

7

It is my opinion that given the success in enhancing the economic opportunites of the region that the needs of the region would be met as a consequence; needs like state of the art medical care, affordable health insurance, greater oportunities for experiencing the fine arts, and the growth of secondary service industries.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Actions

Mean Effect.

Need Name

Reasons Important

1

5

4

5

Health Care Infrastructure

Health care system provides professional level people, lots of aged people needing health care, and the population needed to support a regional hospital.

2

5

2

1

Regional broadcasting media

All the news focus on national and twin cities. Rural communities don't know what's going on in their back yard unless they read the local news papers.

3

5

3

2

more cross-county line county commisioner partnership or shared roles

needs across the region are very similar, but from the government end of it, we don't colaborate very well.

4

5

4

2

improved telecommunications

Opportunities to re-populate the country side with people who want to live in rural areas for the quality of life they perceive we have.

Item

Required Assets

Required Actions

Comment

1

Need to think about providing health care in different ways , need numbers of people to provide specialties, can this be worked around. Integration of services

Everyone pulling together and think of a way for people to access specialists.

2

local broadcasting. We do have minimal coverage in Alexandria...but it's very minimal.

I assume lots of financial capital and greater awareness of what we have lost. Maybe look at how we can work with Public TV in Appleton to play a bigger role in this.

3

fewer territorial county commisioners.

a dream action would be to get county boards in this area together for a day and a half where we dream about what is possible instead of addressing the money. there needs to be a regional effort; it needs to come from the grass roots.

4

Some towns/areas have good access...other lack. Need to support local utilities to equalize the access.

grants/legislative fund to equalize the support through local vendors.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Actions

Mean Effect.

Need Name

Reasons Important

1

5

1

1

modest housing, the ultimate rural home

It is my understanding that the baby boom (persons born '46-'64) are planning to migrate back to rural america in the next 10-20 years if they can find "comfortable" housing.

Item

Required Assets

Required Actions

Comment

1

1) Rural cluster zoning to allow homes to be grouped for access, safety, utilities, and socialization. 2) Cluster utilities technology for the power (windtower), sewer (cluster septic systems), and water (a single well or rural water system). 3) An efficient, modest, two-three bedroom home or duplex to build in the cluster development.

Architects design, civil engineer's ideas for cluster utilities, etc.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Actions

Mean Effect.

Need Name

Reasons Important

2

3

3

3

Harness the expertise of mature/retired adults in the mission of developing the communities in which they chose to live in

We have great migratino of retired people to "small town" America; they appreciate lower density of people (returning to their roots). How do we get them involved in community building?

3

5

2

1

open our doors up to opportunites, not close them

I have six children and all have gotten their educations and have showed interest to come back to farm. How can they farm? b/c what opportunities are there for them to make a living they could make with their jobs using their education. We are creating a vaccum where there are no kids coming back to farm unless there is one child to inherit the farm. I am surrounded by farmable land but there aren't opportunities here to make a living. The ethonol plant heloped out. Renewable fuels can be developed and give us opportunities. the by products should be fed to livestock, which we don't have.

Item

Required Assets

Required Actions

2

Retirees need information about rural infrastructure that brings insight into needs of erea and that this lifestyle requires bith tax money and their expertise to keep it workable.

Community education and opportunities and get involved that are "short term;" easy to access and offer stimulation and education.

3

Realistic zoning laws and visionary people. We need to be educated and informed citizens. We have to look at all sides and see the whole picture. We have the wide open spaces to grow crops to create opportunities.

Education on all sides of the issue; corporate ag., sustainable ag., family farm ag., world-wide ag.

Item

Comment

2

I see many seniors who are "bored" with retirement and play golf and bridge. They need meaningful activities to plug into that enhance community and their own lifestyles.

3

we had an opportunity to (4 or 5 farmers) put up a hog establishment but were shot down for envt. reasons, but now we have the technology. We can't lose opportunity for employment and expect people to stay here. Profits from ethonol plant stay here, and we are saying no to those types of things. We have to see both sides; small farmers and corporate farmers.

item

Frequency

Percent

Modest Housing

1

100.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Health Care Infrastructure

1

25.00

Improved Telecomm.

1

25.00

Regional Broadcasting Media

1

25.00

Shared Roles Commissioners

1

25.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Affordable Health Care

3

30.00

Wealth Capital

2

20.00

Community Foundation

1

10.00

Econ Development

1

10.00

Expansion of Markets for Diverse Crops

1

10.00

Local Investment Opps

1

10.00

New Tech Businesses

1

10.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Harness Elderly Expertise

1

50.00

Welcome Opportunity

1

50.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Stop Doing Past Methods

1

100.00

Variable

Label

N

Mean

Minimum

Maximum

overeffect
sustain

Overall Effectiveness
Sustainability

13
13

3.5384615
3.9230769

2.0000000
3.0000000

5.0000000
5.0000000

Overall Effectiveness

overeffect

Frequency

Percent

2,

1

7.69

3, Neutral

5

38.46

4,

6

46.15

5, Very Effective

1

7.69

Sustainability

sustain

Frequency

Percent

3,

4

30.77

4,

6

46.15

5, Very Sustainable

3

23.08

Sufficient Project Diversity

diversity

Frequency

Percent

Yes

10

76.92

No

3

23.08

Overall Effectiveness Comments

Sustainability Comments

Could choose own executive director, rather than have it appointed. University does it. University politics conflicting with group working with legislature to get funding, independence or conservatism of rural people conflicts with University perception of an outside group.

make sure project has clear goals and plans for attaining these goals. Projects have often been too vague, outcome evaluation is too vague, too general to be useful. Science training lacking, basic understanding of correlation and causation, better ability on board. Conflicts of interests on board, recognition of conflicts of interests. Board training would be helpful. Good evaluation of the projects is needed, less qualitative more quantitative evaluation and assessment.

find ways to engage diverse philosophies and understand different perspecives.

They can become more diverse. There needs to be accountability of the money we funded and the impact of the funding. Perhaps we need more availabity of resources and education. The organization receiving money needs to be accountable to show effectiveness of the results.

The partnership can't fund projects for four or five years. They give money to start projects. There needs to be empowerment of people to continue once they have received funds.

i think it's in the commitment and enthusiasm of capable board members. anything is possible if we could keep that.

the work being done on renewable energy and local foods is leading to a remarkable form of sustainability. we need that same effort when it comes to accessable healthcare for this region.

We're small and a young organization. Being the best convener we can possibly be with other organizations in the region is a key role due to little staffing and funds. We also need to be clear on our role with the UM and not try to do more then we can. Also...need to frame our work in "local and small" and to bring the UM resources to that work.

Sustainable funds from UM is always a challenge. Some UM Administration do not respect "citizen" driven work and decrease of the funds become an issue. The project funds enable us to leverage other funds for projects to help them develop and be more sustainable.

Continue to work with linking groups of citizens and showcasing results to media and communities.

More money but probably more important, our ability to link "players" with each other to maximize strategy and outcome.

provide more accountability measures and start to systematically examine the partnerships that will be necessary to sustain newly created organizations.

Utilization of citizens in planning for development of economic, envt. and diversity factors. (we are at a 3+ b/c some people didn't expect us to last; but we are still here, and they are getting the idea that we are important).

(3+)By looking at the economic impact of the projects. The economical, envt. and diversity (human capital). If not increasing or maintaining economics of project it will die; if not looking at envt., you will have a problem; if not looking at human capital, it is not viable.

Continue to be creative and thoughtful in our actions. Avoid being radical, unfounded, or entrenched.

Outstanding exec director, board members have other committments, but if every board member could stay engaged could get more done.

Find ways to communicate to community members so they know what's happening and welcome to participate.

More people resources needed , pretty small base to tackle these things. Can only do so much with the money and people available. Not reached the potential for thinking outside the box. A very effective organization.

In some fashion we as a partnership must engage more people in the activies that we have outlined in our work plan. How we go about this certainly must be at the core of our retreat discussion this year. I also think we need to evaluate ourselves more often and with more outside people. We as a board may be too close to the forest to see the trees so to speak. Certainly we have some great projects on deck and have a significant history of several completed activities. What I may be saying is we need to get this message out more clearly so others will become "galvanized" so to speak and become engaged.

The nature of the activities are very sustainable; renewable energy, local foods, health purchasing, environmental husbandry. The issue may be whether we can make the activities around these activities sustainable. This will take committment from the citizenry on a much larger scale. And that defines the role of the partnership board.

More resources at disposal would help.

N = 13

Diversity Comments

both yes and no answers, not possible to do better with the funds and scope available. Could be stronger if we could branch out and include others with different perspetives.

We went way to heavy into pride of the prairie which is a wonderful idea but it was already in existance when partnership started. how did our money impact the project? What were the gains that the p of the p made to stand on their own feet. we may need to spend more on the renewable energy (wind power). (this was the status 4 years ago) Selection of projects to fund was done ineffectively. People sometimes used their special interests and contacts to pick projects rather than seeing the big picture.

it addressing something in each of the areas that the original charge is for, environment, economics and agriculture.

For the funds we have, we can't support more. This year we're focusing our work more and driving the work vs. reacting. It enables us to be more strategic with the funds and to strengthen current work.

We are still a young organization; need to continue to prioritize careflly our focus with limited funds.

The seed funds provided by WCRSDP have leveraged many dollars to date. There are many projects that are now able to stand on their own once the right partners have been put at the table.

Of the five partnerships, we did ours independent and came up with 3 or 4 similarities. We all come up with the same major things that need to be looked at which are energy (fuel), fresh food, clean up envt. (water) and human capital.

We may need to address some rural social-capital needs and rural lifestyle preservation. "community" issues and opportunities.

Like the variety of projects, not too many at this time, good number at present. Does a good job of covering needs we have identified.

The partnership does what it can.

I think the activites quite well address the needs of the region. These are core needs being met. What we must do now is meet these needs with enhanced and increased engagement from the citizenry at large.

Very good cross section and diversity of projects, maybe even too much variety?

N = 13