From Interim President/CEO Diana Anderson
We just had a wonderful two days with our Board of Directors, staff and community partners!
It started by hosting our newest board members for an orientation. We’ve often said we have the best board. These volunteers put in so much time, energy and great thought into governing Southwest Initiative Foundation. This orientation was a way for them to dig deeply into what they need and want to know to make the important decisions for our organization and region.
Because board and staff are spread throughout the region, we don’t often get to spend time together simply to connect, so we also enjoyed a wonderful dinner after orientation. The incredible work we do is only possible because of the people who make it happen. Both the board and staff are energized and inspired by our time together!
We’re also feeling energized about the great things happening in one of our southwest Minnesota communities. Our September board meeting was held in Winsted, a community of about 2,500 located in the far northeast corner of our region.
The message we took from community leaders was workforce, workforce, workforce!
Winsted is home to about a dozen manufacturing companies. We heard from business leaders that many of these are multi-generational and home-grown—there’s a true entrepreneurial spirit in this community. We also heard—and saw with the many “Now Hiring” signs posted—that these companies needed skilled workers. These companies hire 100, 200, 250 people and want and need to hire more to meet current and future demand.
MOVE, LLC is a recent brainchild of 14 area manufacturers to help fill these jobs. They partnered with Dunwoody Institute to offer a specialized “fast track” 16-week welding and machining course. They provide financing for the $8,600 course and 100 percent placement for a quality, full-time job after completion. Southwest Initiative Foundation is an administrative partner to help keep this program moving forward. More students are needed to start the fall course. Please share with someone you know—it’s a great job opportunity!
We also heard about…
- Winstock Country Music Festival – In 21 years, this volunteer-run festival has raised $4.7 million to support Holy Trinity students. In June, they brought 20,000 people into our region for the festival and camping and to hear headliner Toby Keith.
- Luce Line Trail – Local leaders point to this as not only a tourism opportunity by having a paved bike path come through town, but also a great accomplishment in getting area communities, the county and DNR to collaborate on a big project.
- Winsted Arts Council – An result of a group completing the Blandin Community Leadership Program, they’re bringing concerts, student programing and other local art opportunities to life.
- Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Schools – Named Blue Ribbon School for excellence twice in recent years and are building an addition that will benefit students and the financial situation of the district.
There is a ton of good stuff happening in this unique community! What would you add to our list?
