The board and staff of the Southwest Minnesota Foundation have been thinking a lot recently about renewable energy as a regional economic asset.  During our discussions, we discovered a new metaphor for describing the Southwest Minnesota Foundation.  The Foundation is the transmission line, the people provide the power, and the communities in southwest Minnesota are the end users. 

That’s why the theme of this year’s annual report is, “Harnessing the Power of People.”  Our communities are filled with people who are committed to making this part of the state the very best place to live, work, and play.  It is only through our relationships with these people that we are able to make a lasting difference in southwest Minnesota.  We hope you’ll consider how you can be part of the “power” that makes our communities thrive.