Over the past few weeks, SWIF staff—including myself—have been traveling extensively throughout the region and beyond. We’ve been connecting with friends and partners for MANY different projects, including a new video that will be premiered at our Oct. 25 banquet.
I’ve asked Communications Officer Karen Grasmon to share a few highlights from the video shoot that took place this week. Enjoy, and be sure to mark your calendar and register for the banquet!
It’s the Right Thing to Do
Karen Grasmon, Communications Officer
After two days, 596 miles and countless conversations, I’m finding myself contentedly exhausted as we close out the week. From Luverne to Litchfield, our video crew traveled throughout the region to interview some truly amazing people.
I love stories, so I was excited to hear from people at each stop on our trip. But even my anticipation couldn’t prepare me for the heartfelt, passionate, very personal memories and experiences that were shared.
We met with WWII veterans who were part of Honor Flight, entrepreneurs who built their businesses from the ground up and community leaders who work with youth and other programs. Each person we talked to had a warm, generous spirit and quickly made me realize how lucky our region is to have them in it.
While stories varied, one sentiment was common throughout all of our interviews. When asked why he gets involved in his community, one man chuckled as he responded, “You mean besides it just being the right thing to do?”
It seems that much of what makes our small communities remain so strong is that many people share this attitude. I know it was instilled in me by my family and certainly fostered by my work here at SWIF. Most people don’t stop to think about why they volunteer, write a check or work long hours. They just do it…and do it with a smile on their face.
I’ve been surrounded by so many like these veterans, entrepreneurs and community leaders my entire life. As I replay our conversations in my mind, I feel blessed to call southwest Minnesota home and can’t wait to share their stories with our entire region!
