This week we kicked off our Regional Road Trip with stops in Worthington and Luverne, hosted by our board members Greg Raymo and Tim Connell.
It’s wonderful that many great things are happening in our rural communities. We toured Luverne, where over the last few years a group called LIFT – Luverne Initiative For Tomorrow – has been working really hard to make Luverne a destination for people in and outside of the community.
Southwest Initiative Foundation has been able to help with a few of the projects through business loans and some strategic planning assistance.
There’s just such energy to what’s happening in this community–from a brand new restaurant Sterling’s Cafe and Grille where we had lunch, to a new brewery Take 16, to expanding businesses like Midwest Fire (a Business Finance client), and Main Street businesses like Dragonfly interior design (a microloan client). In addition, the community completely funded an addition to the hockey area through local giving that makes it a wonderful community gathering place.
What’s inspiring about Luverne is that it’s a true team approach, with the city, organizations and private citizens collaborating to make great things happen!
Check out our Regional Road Trip schedule and join us when we’re in your community!
