I’m finding that the Christmas season gives me an even higher level of gratitude for the leaders who make southwest Minnesota such an incredible place. Yesterday, that was brought to light as our SWIF Board of Directors met for our December meeting at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. The board travels to different communities throughout the region for six annual meetings as a way to stay connected and better serve our region. I say it after every board meeting, but I’ll say it again—WOW! We could not have a better group of committed, engaged leaders guiding and supporting our work.
And, we were all once again impressed by the local leaders we connected with in Marshall. We started the day with an overview from three leaders representing the local retail, healthcare and agri-business industries. I want to share a very special thanks to our guest presenters Steve Klein, owner of Klein Foods; Mary Maertens, CEO of Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center; and Jon Knochenmus, President/CEO of Ralco Nutrition. They all recognize challenges for their businesses and organization going into the future, but they also shared their excitement for the strides they’ve taken and hope to continue.
We learned even more about the Marshall area during our community leader luncheon. It’s always fun for us to gather our friends and partners and hear what’s happening ‘in their backyard’ – it’s so inspiring to me, to then take that and think about how it fits into and can enhance our entire region.
We asked guests to share what they felt held some of the greatest opportunity for Marshall’s future. Here are some of the highlights:
- SMSU’s new nursing program and School of Agriculture
- My Marshall, a grassroots initiative of people passionate about aligning the area for future growth;
- New partnership among Lyon County, City of Marshall and the Marshall Chamber of Commerce for aligned and strengthened economic development initiatives
- Update on designated Regional Amateur Sports Commission benefiting a large area of southwest Minnesota
- Coalition of the Arts, which is a model for vibrant, collaborative arts communities
- Welcoming, safe, attractive community atmosphere
- New constructed Marshall-Lyon County Public Library
- Early Childhood Initiative and Marshall Community Foundation, both created through partnerships with SWIF
What would you add to the list?
Thank you to all who joined us in Marshall yesterday. I am so excited to take yesterday’s positive conversation right through the holidays and into the new year! I hope all of you are also able to experience peace, joy and inspiration this holiday season.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
