“Just Imagine.”  These words were the theme for our 2007 banquet, a mini-documentary produced by the Foundation, and now, this annual report.  But, in truth, these words are much more than a catchy theme.  They capture the spirit and motivation for all the Foundation’s work on behalf of southwest Minnesota.

Fiscal Year 2007 was a year of looking to the future and imagining the possibilities for the southwest Minnesota region.  It was a year of asking tough questions and finding solutions and examples of progress that will help our region thrive in a changing world.

A new wave of dialogue and inspiration began in April 2007, when the Southwest Initiative Foundation and The Schwan Food Company co-sponsored a presentation by Erik Peterson, senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.  Erik spoke about the “Seven Revolutions,” seven research-based predictions about what our world will look like in 2025.  Erik’s presentation challenged us to think about how the southwest Minnesota region can position itself for growth and vitality in a changing world.  With our five-year strategic plan that focuses our resources and initiatives on regional economic advancement, leadership development, and philanthropy, the Foundation is committed to helping leaders explore ways to build regional capacity so that more and more people will choose this great part of the state to live and work.

Southwest Minnesota has what it needs to advance and prosper in the future, and there’s no question that we will succeed as long as we think and act as a unified region, with a common vision. Just imagine the possibilities!