Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Asset Name

1

5.00

3.00

3

Work ethic of the population, high knowledge and skill level of the population- OUR GREATEST ASSET IS OUR PEOPLE

1

5.00

3.00

3

People; traditional midwest values (hard work, honesty)

3

5.00

5.00

.

I love the bright, creative people who appreciate the prairie lifestyle

4

4.75

4.25

4

I love the Prairie Rennaissance Cultural Alliance, the Pride of the Prairie, the Easy Bean Farm, Pomme de Terr Foods, the Tickwoods band, Big Stone Wildlife Refuge, Java River Cafe, Glacial Lakes State park, the prairie horizon and sky

4

4.75

4.25

4

UMM Performing Arts Series, Alternative Energy Research and Demonstration unit and Hort Gardens at WCROC, etc.

4

4.75

4.25

4

Arts Events

4

4.75

4.25

4

Arts and Events

5

5.00

4.00

2

Diverse students and faculty

Item

Reasons Asset Important

Actions to Use Asset

1

People are the main ingrediant in any/every venue of success. An educated and dedicated workforce is critical in attracting or retaining of business and industry. Also a highly skilled and motivated work force encourages education and specialization in preparing for work and life in general.

Reward educated and dedicated work force with adequate pay, fringe bendfits, and encouragement/appreciation. We need to have better jobs to retain/attract quality citizens to help grow our economy.

1

The upper midwest grew from its rich soil and hard-working people.

Today, corporate, mega-scale farming and an absence of attractive life-style options for young people threaten the region with depopulation.

3

4

these are the lifeblood resources

4

4

Must demonstrate there are "things to do" in our area.

Better targeted publicity, and a more welcoming approach to area residents.  Have UMM partner with local entities.

4

Gives me a feeling of being connected to the rest of the world.

Spread the word. Invite neighbors/friends/newcomers to come with you.

5

Helps our schools and area young people learn about how the real world is.

Find ways to engage our diverse populations in the affairs of our community.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

1

4.83333

3.83333

4

Human capital

Economic development requires commitment from people who will take risks, and who believe in the value and opportunity in rural living.

1

4.83333

3.83333

4

human capital: individual and institutional

source from which change will come, core for problem solving,

1

4.83333

3.83333

4

People!

you have some terrific people in the region generating ideas, awareness and identifying possibilities

1

4.83333

3.83333

4

Creative and energetic citizens

it's not the number of people in a community that makes it go round as much as it is the passion and willingness of these people to take calculated risks and contribute to community well-being of those

1

4.83333

3.83333

4

Human Resources, people

Knowledge of rural area, knowledge of rural issues.

1

4.83333

3.83333

4

well educated people

ads to economic basis; gives us a sound footing. creates more well-paying jobs. the number of phds ads to our economic bases.

Item

Actions to Use Asset

1

Raise awareness and appreciation of value of rural assets; Reach people through workshops, media, especially metro media (as in recent appeal for local control by Mary Jo Forbord and others) and alliances.

1

link scattered resource toward commom goal, train and create sustainability together, reduce barriers to sustainability

1

continue to seek new opportunities and partnerships

1

provide reasons for hope and support the social and economic skill development

1

People that need hear the message don't get it. Rural citizenry not engaged.

1

become aware of the skills that are available in the community; realize we may have the answer to some of our problems here and need to become familiar with the types of individuals we have hear to help solve our problems.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

4

5.0

3.75

3

agricultural production

economic, social, and political system that has been the backbone of the the region, supplies food to the nation

4

5.0

3.75

3

Agricultural Infrastructure

Is important base to our region.

4

5.0

3.75

3

Growth of new industries - new "industries" many derived from agriculture, but many other entirely new.

There is much to be developed, wind power, light industry, tourism, and, of course, agricultural related industries (dairy farms, etc). The potential is there but, far from full unilization. Until we develop our industries, we will not turn the population

4

5.0

3.75

3

Agricultural Farm Land

Land provides base for bringing wealth and prosperity to our region.  We need to use it better.

5

5.0

2.50

2

Passionate, engaged small farmers

long term viability for community, and also for conservation.

5

5.0

2.50

2

Farmers raising great food sustainably in our region

Economic investment in our community, land, people.

7

4.0

4.00

.

work in local food systems

helping to build local food systems is a great way to increase markets for farmers, build on the community image and increase awareness among consumers

12

4.5

2.50

3

DECENT JOBS- PAY, BENEFITS, and AVAILABILITY

ECONOMIC VITALITY SHOWS THE TRUE CONDITION OF A REGION

12

4.5

2.50

3

Low Cost Labor Force

A low cost, educated work force can help attract economic activity to the area

12

4.5

2.50

3

Space, cheap cost of living

13

5.0

5.00

5

economic base of private industry

provides realatively well-paying jobs. helps keep the population in Morris.

Item

Actions to Use Asset

4

more government programs supporting production

4

4

We need to develop assets, venture capital for new industries, tax incentives, etc.

4

Need to move toward ag products that can be consumed locally for food, energy, or export.

5

first, awareness for the consumer of locally produced foods; second, the producers need to work to make local food convenient and mainstream it.

5

Build infrastructure to make local foods conveniently available. Support new/transitioning farmers in building sustainable, direct market, work with other regions of MN to meet explosion of insitutional/restaurant demand in a way that works for all.

7

keep up the good work in Morris and with Pride of the Prairie

12

Better education, more entrepurerial opportunites, more Federal aid,

12

more publicity

12

13

state programs to promote expansion and growth in industries. continue to build on infrastructure (highways) b/c vital life line in and out of community.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

2

5

4.5

3.5

UMM

It provides expert knowledge; otherwise hard to get for small towns.

2

5

4.5

3.5

UMM Institution

as employer, and the existing knowledge base, and the culture tends to be forward thinking.

2

5

4.5

3.5

University of Minnesota Morris

provides support for various agencies, citizens; experise of the people

2

5

4.5

3.5

University of Minnesota Morris

Provides a sound economic base for employement; students asset to comunity through spending and population count for funding for local government.

6

5

5.0

4.0

Educational institutions

Develops regions human capital. Provides options for rural young people to stay in the area for college and return for jobs. Provides for life-long learning.

6

5

5.0

4.0

Strong public educational system K-12, community technical colleges and higher education

A well educated workforce is a key ingredient to the development of the region.

9

5

5.0

5.0

institutions especially higher ed. and especially U of M

supply additional valued resources to areas where inherent resources are limited

11

4

3.0

4.0

Pioneer Public Television

provides diverse programing for people in the viewing area, and an outlet for locally produced programs

12

5

3.0

4.0

Associations and non-profits

these groups allow citizens a venue for involvement and are often very productive in improving community health

Item

Actions to Use Asset

2

University should provide more funds, free-up faculty times and communities should be willing to work with the university.

2

UMM needs more regional visibility and seem welcoming to the general public. From public perspective there is a fear and disdain for intellectual pursuits. Discounting UMM has to offer or dismiss it.

2

more marketing and PR and more resources, more people

2

Sharing of more programs; comunity reaching out to University. The C.O.P.C. grant is a good way to do this.

6

This area of the state can assist Minnesota in pushing the agenda of strong schools, beautiful, well protected environment, and healthy children and families in order to stand out as the best of the nation, especially now that lower taxes, less govenment

6

More funding at all levels of education.

9

our organization has greatly benefited from partnering relationship with other U of M depts. and esp. other outreach units in WC MN. this is a bright spot for us

11

resource issue, funding to buy programs.

12

continue to partner with groups across the region for mutual benefit

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

2

5.00000

4.5

3.00000

work in energy

ground breaking work is being done in your region... I know you all have a lot more plans to expand this effort, which is why I listed it as "potential" rather than as existing...

2

5.00000

4.5

3.00000

Wind

Wind energy provides an opportunity to bring wealth into our area and serve our own energy needs.

3

5.00000

4.0

2.00000

the Minnesota River Valley

It could be the spine that creates a regional identity that could lead to partnerships all along the valley for a great variety of activities that strengthen the region as a place to live, work and play.

3

5.00000

4.0

2.00000

River (she did specify which one)

Concern for the economic/demographic future of the individual communities.

4

5.00000

5.0

5.00000

Productive Top Soil

Great place for agriculture.

4

5.00000

5.0

5.00000

Fertile Land

Is the economic engine for our region.

6

5.00000

5.0

5.00000

Agricultural Farm Land

It is the primary economic base of the region.

7

4.00000

5.0

2.00000

Physical Space

To attract more people to the region.

7

4.00000

5.0

2.00000

Room to grow, physical space

We have ability to develop and incorporate more industry, manufacturing and other activities.

9

4.33333

3.5

4.33333

Clean environment

Healthy living conditions; attracting population outside the region.

9

4.33333

3.5

4.33333

Environment

The environment is the basis for agriculture, tourism, and quality of life. It's a niche that has been lost in metro, and other areas. Note Northern Minnesota's effort to restore mining areas to recreation and housing by creating lakes from pits. Environmental assests, once lost are hard to recover, scarcity elsewhere will be western Minnesota's advantage.

9

4.33333

3.5

4.33333

unimpaired water

source of drinking water, recreational opportunites, agricultural uses, wildlife habitat, human health concerns

9

4.33333

3.5

4.33333

wildlife habitat

enhanced biodiversity, recreation, resource sustainability

9

4.33333

3.5

4.33333

Outdoor , natural areas, hunting and fishing

Availability of natural areas can help attract people and economic activity to the area

9

4.33333

3.5

4.33333

Peaceful places to experience nature

Not available in urban areas

10

5.00000

4.0

.

recreational use of land

it attracts peole to want to come here and live and contribute to the economy or come for recreation and spend dollars in the area.

10

5.00000

4.0

.

outdoor recreational (state parks, hiking trials, skiing)

it helps attract peolpe to the area.

11

4.00000

3.0

.

Existing Native Prairie

Globally rare resource, gen public is interested. Species there could have unexplored economic value. Tourism.

12

5.00000

4.0

.

Restorable Wetlands

Important for groundwater quality, flood control. Without them, waterfowl pops are in jeopardy. And other game.

Item

Actions to Use Asset

2

continue CERTS efforts and working with the WCROC

2

Share experiences and resources in building wind and other renewable sources, some public funding.

3

The MN River VAlley Scenic Byway and the MN River Trail should be seen and developed as region-building armatures on which to build a regional sensibility on which to create an economic development strategy.

3

Communities need to work together.

4

4

Develop next stage products for ag products so that they aren't so much commodities, but finished products.

6

7

Economic investments.

7

9

Promoting importance of the clean air and water to attract people and keep exisiting citizens here.

9

Develop appreciation - partner with government, hunters and private land owners and environment groups. Create the image of environment as an asset. Lobby for protection of parks, waters, campgrounds, reserves.

9

understand links between human land/water mgt and imparement, community decision to change behaviors and systems to address causes of imparement

9

return marginal ag lands to wetland/praire/etc habitat, restoration efforts,

9

Continue state and US wildlife initiatives

9

10

there is a good job being done already; there are associations that promote the recreation; continue to promote.

10

marketing these assets more.

11

Some owners are poorly managing the resource, get more into public ownership, well designed preserve, manage existing areas. Market it as a tourist destination.

12

Generally raise awareness of pop of importance and value of this resource. Attitude change. Improved incentives and disincentives.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Abund.

Mean Usage

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

Actions to Use Asset

8

5

4

4

Quality of Life

A better life is available, so is important. If they enjoy where they life.

8

5

4

4

Quality of life: good education, safe communities, decent people on the whole.

Job creation to draw more people to this area.

item

Frequency

Percent

Nature, Clean Water

6

31.58

Minnesota River

2

10.53

Open Spaces

2

10.53

Recreation

2

10.53

Soil Productivity

2

10.53

Wind, Energy Resources

2

10.53

Agricultural Land

1

5.26

Prairie

1

5.26

Wetlands

1

5.26

item

Frequency

Percent

People

6

100.00

item

Frequency

Percent

UM, UMM

4

44.44

Education

2

22.22

Associations and Non-Profits

1

11.11

Pioneer Public TV

1

11.11

UM Research

1

11.11

item

Frequency

Percent

Ag Resource Potential

4

36.36

Low Cost Labor Force

3

27.27

Locally Owned Sm Business

2

18.18

Existing Industry

1

9.09

Local Food Network

1

9.09

item

Frequency

Percent

Quality of Life

2

100.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Arts Culture, Counterculture

4

50.00

Work Ethic

2

25.00

Core Group who value lifestyle

1

12.50

Cultural Diversity

1

12.50

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Dependence

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

1

4.4

3.6

Art and design

Artful living should build on the region's heritage and expand on it - handmade things, good slow food- no Walmarts. The rural lifestyle could be prettier, friendlier, more inclusive.

1

4.4

3.6

Interesting Dining Opportunities (lacking at moment)

Lots of local money goes outside the region for quality food. There is little/no fine dining in region. Provides a market for local producers.

1

4.4

3.6

Basic lack of things to do in region, along art/entertainment line.

Money goes outside the region to obtain this thing, venues needed for arts, music and other performances.

1

4.4

3.6

variety of food and beverage and grocery stores serving/selling meatless or high health/nutrition meals

disturbing trend of obesity

1

4.4

3.6

Restaurants

Restaurants can establish a destination pattern. For example, many people (students) travel to Alexandria to go to Perkins.

Item

Other Relevant Assets

Comment

1

What if hymns adopted an African Zulu beat, the way Paul Simon adapted rhythms for popular music? What if quilts and handmade items (as well as thinking) reflected the best of the region's artists, cooks, writers, educators and politicians?

Need to ask Patrick Moore - I think he has the right idea for this -

1

Desire exists for these options, problem is capitalization. Appropriate business plan exists to it can stay in business.

1

PRCA, and Lake Regions art council. Community Ed programs, UMM. Needs vision, capital.

1

Pomme de Terre Food Coop expanding to include more variety especiall organic produce

1

The growth in hispanic population could possibly open up an avenue for a Mexican restaurant. The growth in retirement housing might support more adult-type restaurants.

Maybe an "all local foods" restaurant. Restaurants are a symbol of bitality; a place to meet and greet. It is critical for students to have a 24 hour restaurant.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Dependence

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

Other Relevant Assets

Comment

1

5

5

People

People and their income are an economic engine for the region and we are lacking people. We therefore lack political power also.

2

5

5

Diverse community

Attracting outside people to enhance regional economy.

None.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Dependence

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

9

5

5

ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Economic infrastructure- decent jobs and other economic benefits are vital in the creation, retention, and advancement of jobs and economic success to ensure quality employees and quality of life.

11

5

5

sectors of the retail side of things

a good/diverse selection of goods to purchase to attract people.

Item

Other Relevant Assets

Comment

9

WE just don't have the economic engines required to achieve success.WE need good jobs, plenty of good jobs to be able to attract and retain OUR most valuable resource- PEOPLE.

Quality of life is often touted as an asset in our Region; but if you can't economically support your family, YOU DON'T HAVE QUALITY OF LIFE!

11

there isn't a lot of diversity; we have to usually drive an hour to get what we need

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Dependence

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

Other Relevant Assets

Comment

5

.

.

Small Business Incubator

Morris needs a way to get jobs for the many people with advanced degrees.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Dependence

Asset Name

Reasons Asset Important

Other Relevant Assets

6

5

4

studies of natural history and a deep understanding of environmental conservation

current attitudes are jeapardizing the sustainability of our environment

walks, trails and encouragement

6

5

4

Citizen Enthusiasm, too much apathy

People who need to be engaged are not engaged. Community leaders absent, elected officials, and broad base of citizenry isn't engaged.

6

5

4

a group committed tot he region and developing regional strategy that pulls together all the individual efforts.

The communities and all that are related to them.

Item

Comment

6

I believe that the prevailing attitude of nature is outside of us as humans is extemely dangerous in that it leads to environmental abuse

6

6

Progress on addressing the river has been made in the last 10 years; it needs to be accelerated.

item

Frequency

Percent

Diverse People

1

50.00

Young People

1

50.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Small Business Incubator

1

100.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Infrastructure

1

50.00

Retail Businesses

1

50.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Visionary People

3

100.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Cultural,Rec,Rest. Opportunities

5

100.00

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Actions

Need Name

Reasons Important

Required Assets

Required Actions

Comment

1

4

3

More cultural activities

Attracting population to area and keeping existing population in region.

Organizations like UMM.

Organizations need to be more active.

1

4

3

A fun restaurant

Provides benefit to residents, and local farmers

Not provided

Build foods infrastructure

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Actions

Need Name

Reasons Important

Required Assets

2

5.0

2.0

More funding

More faculty time will be spend on regional development issues.

Funding.

2

5.0

2.0

Risk Capital Fund

Capital is needed to expand and develop local initiatives or expand existing enterprises.

Cash, funds.

4

4.5

3.5

Access to good healthcare

Important to maintain a vibrant society in wc mn

Improved technology and telecommunications will help this need.

4

4.5

3.5

better regional, rural health care

Citizens need to have good health care available where they live.

Investors

7

4.8

2.8

GOOD JOBS or other avenues of economic success

Economic status is the basic measure of OUR SOCIETY

Develop and retain more good jobs

7

4.8

2.8

GOOD JOBS

GOOD JOBS maintains vitality of a Region

Businesses and Industries who have a profit factor that allows them to pay decent wages and provide benefits

7

4.8

2.8

High Paying, high value jobs

High value positions help create additional jobs, improve educational and other social systems.

Entrepreneurship good education system to attract such people.

7

4.8

2.8

more economic investment, fewer taxes

rural sector and families are struggling in existing system

investments, good markets, technological support

7

4.8

2.8

Quality Jobs

Quality jobs bring the ability of a region to have civic activity.

Business and economic activity

7

4.8

2.8

We need more people and empoyment opportunities for them

8

4.0

3.0

diversification of an agroecolgical approach

agroecological approach to agriculture will reduce negative impacts on other systems

science, networks, system conversion strategies

9

5.0

2.0

collaborations among similar industry - like schools may be able to capitalize of joint offerings of distance based classes

resource base is dwindling, opportunities may be expanding

technical or other organizational/project management skills

10

5.0

3.0

Renewable energy - self reliance for energy

Retain assets in the area - reduce reliance on foreign oil

Continued governement and private investment.

Item

Required Actions

Comment

2

Legislators need to understand the importance of funding. University administrators also need to understand the importance of funding.

2

Organization and oversight of experienced, talented people.

4

4

Status: iffy, even scary and substandard. Many seniors need health care. There should not be a difference between rural and urban health care.

7

Encourage entrepreneurship, seek Federal aid in job creation,encourage education/training to acquire necessary skills to augment or develop a better life style.

NO MONEY, NO JOBS, NO GROWTH, NO YOUTH: Decent jobs/incomes drive the economic engine and if this Region can't provide opportunities to achieve these goals; failure is imminent and certain.

7

Attract substantial industries, aid local industries in developing new products, processes, and markets to increase their access to finacial reward; that they can then share with their employees

Vital: economic development is a widely used term, but it very seldom successful. Attitude is vital;WE have to sell ourselves to achieve SUCCESS.

7

7

change taxation and government support systems

7

Actively pursue economic growth.

7

8

action research

9

explore potential for collaborations, resources

addressed to some degree. technical capacity continues to increase

10

Education, training and political action - forming alliances regionally to accomplish this.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Actions

Need Name

Reasons Important

Required Assets

3

4

3

Need to consolidate county and regional governance

There is a redundance of administration of very few students or citizens. More funds would be available for services if there were fewer administrators.

3

4

3

Consolidate administrative functions

Inefficient to have so many superintendents, commissioners etc.

5

5

3

Access to good education

A good and sound educational system is part of keeping society healthy

7

.

.

Better/more legislative representation and representatioin on state-wide boards and policy committees

The "rural" story needs to be told.

good, fair media reporting

8

5

3

Build Local Foods Infrastructure

We have food/farm resources that could meet growing demand, by grocers, restaurants, can sustainably grow foods

Food distribution systems.

Item

Required Actions

Comment

3

3

5

7

Editorials from rural citizens about the importance of "ruralness."

Rural areas are blessed with smart, educated, committed individuals. RRural life will disappear without this need being met.

8

Meet, plan, build.

Needs to be done to meed growing demand, and helps food producers.

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Actions

Need Name

Reasons Important

Required Assets

Required Actions

Comment

3

5

3

improved water quality

water quality is at the core of quality of life

common understanding,

less scientific uncertainty, common goals with resources to back up the action plan

Item

Mean Import.

Mean Actions

Need Name

Reasons Important

Required Assets

Required Actions

4

5

2.5

communications and partnerhips across juristicational boundaries

builds social and economic capacity by expanding the range of potential resources

regional networks for communications and convening

expand attitude and effort

4

5

2.5

Need better self promotion

Need to inform twin cities area of benefits of living and locating in WC MN.

5

5

2.0

communications about regional assets, change bigger (large metro) is better attitude

it gives hope to those who live here when others show appreciation

gorgeous sky and ability to breathe deeply

change the urban negative attitudes about rural, especially prairie and rural

Item

Comment

4

population sparcity and travel costs are challenges. some efforts, perhaps an increasing number are under way to better address this

4

5

there is plenty to do and certainly plenty of places to be on the prairie in western MN. along with people outside our area not often recognizing its value, many who live here don't

item

Frequency

Percent

Water Quality

1

100.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Shared Roles Commissioners

2

40.00

Better Govt Representation

1

20.00

Education Quality

1

20.00

Local Foods Network

1

20.00

item

Frequency

Percent

Econ Development

6

46.15

Affordable Health Care

2

15.38

Wealth Capital

2

15.38

Ag Diversification

1

7.69

Collaborations

1

7.69

Energy

1

7.69

item

Frequency

Percent

Partnerships, Communication

2

66.67

Self Promotion

1

33.33

item

Frequency

Percent

Cult. and Rest. Opportunities

2

100.00