Compiled by Deb Miller Slipek, News Finder Extraordinary & Jane Leonard, MRP President & Editor

IN THIS ISSUE:

- Across the Field
- Meetings & Conferences
- Policy
- Funding
- Professional Opportunities
- Tools & Miscellaneous

ACROSS THE FIELD, by Jane Leonard
In Search of A Good Place to Live

Okay - I know this will probably end up being one of the longest columns yet, but please stick with it. I promise April will be short. For March, while it's still snowing, grab a cup of coffee, take a little break from whatever you are doing, read and reflect, and let me know what you think. We need to engage in discussion on some pretty serious stuff facing our state and our country, rural and urban alike. I think we can take some guidance from leaders in the past.

Today we have a guest author, the late Minnesota Governor Orville Freeman, who over 40 years ago, wrote the article printed below when he served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President John F. Kennedy. His words ring so true today. He wrote them in the midst of massive economic and social shifts, including the civil rights struggle. I dare hope we would be called to such statesmanship in our age: to move us beyond the daily acts of intolerance and discrimination threats to our people and Constitution in Minnesota, towards the true aim of government and obligation of our elected leaders, to organize our physical resources and human talents to channel the forces of change for good, to help make our state a better place to live for all people.

As happened in the 1960s, can we today, will we, rise to the seriousness of our occasion and usher in a generation of progress and prosperity for all? Or will our small-mindedness, fears and anxieties divert us from the real work at hand and close the door forever on Minnesota greatness?

Hopefully we can be inspired by those who came before us, such as DFL Governor Orville L. Freeman (1955-1961) whose leadership is outlined below, and his Republican successor, Elmer L. Andersen (1961-1963), who championed civil rights, conservation, human services and education throughout his life. Both men will be honored this spring with new state buildings dedicated in their names on the Capitol grounds: Orville L. Freeman for the new building for the Departments of Agriculture and Health, and Elmer L. Andersen, for the Department of Human Services. Will buildings be dedicated in future years for some of today's state leaders who squander precious creative capital advocating discrimination? I think not, and hope not, for all our sakes.

From the foreword of A Place to Live, the Yearbook of Agriculture, 1963:

"This is a time and this is a book that call for discussion, cooperation and vision to channel great forces of change in directions that ensure that America will always be a good place to live.

The signs of change are everywhere. We see them in the growth or decline of communities, the building of highways and other facilities, the moving of people to new homes and jobs, the renewal of cities and the growth of suburbs, the enlargement of some farms and the disappearance of others, questions about the place of family farms as a dynamic force in agricultural production, shifts in the uses of land, and changes in our human relationships, institutions, and aspirations in rural and urban America alike.

But the meaning and the relentless force of the changes and their diversity become fully clear only if we fit them into a broad perspective, just as we need a map of all major highways, not only the roads in our own county, when we start a long trip.

A perspective, such as this book aims to give, discloses that a new economic order is taking shape on American farms, in rural America, and in cities. It is a product of a technological-scientific revolution, which began 200 years ago and has speeded up tremendously in the past few years.

Its effect on agricultural production has been almost beyond belief. Its effect on farmers and communities that could not keep up with its fast pace has been sorrowful. It has made agriculture miraculously successful, but it is a warning signal if the changes, like an automobile out of control, are so fast, so undirected, or so unmindful of traffic signs and lights as to jeopardize the well-being of people.

I give some examples. The farmer whose fields are too small or too rugged or too poor for machines cannot compete with bigger farmers. Economic slowdown has hurt some rural communities. Many of the people who have quit farming since 1950 have moved to cities. But cities, too, have had problems, and many of their residents have gone to the suburbs to seek a better place to live. Nationally a new situation has arisen, compounded of changing and growing needs for more land for industry and more water for everybody; for more and better community services; for a reevaluation of the uses of land; and for plans for the wise, enduring use of land, water, forests, open spaces, air, rivers, and seashores.

All such changes are challenges to direct American energy, American dynamism, American ability, and, yes, American humanitarianism toward a greater fulfillment of the American goal.

We have an opportunity to bring closer together all parts of our population, our economy, and our geography and so to help us realize that the prosperity of city people is tied closely to the well-being of rural people, that many distinctions between city and country no longer are true, and that the United States is one Nation, indivisible.

Another opportunity, related to all the others, is to plan for our future and the future of later generations as individuals, as communities, and as a Nation: How can we best use our abundance for the good of all?

We can extend and speed up our efforts to conserve our wealth of human and physical resources for tomorrow's needs and today's unmet needs. As President Kennedy said, "In the work of conservation, time should be made our friend, not our adversary. Actions deferred are frequently opportunities lost, and, in terms of financial outlay, dollars invested today will yield great benefits in the years to come".

Of all our resources, the most valuable are people. Changes in rural America left many rural people disadvantaged. Less than a third of our population is rural, but more than half of the 8 million American families whose yearly incomes are below 2,500 dollars live in rural areas. More than one-fifth of the 22 million youths who live in rural America are members of poor families. Many of our people are unemployed. Many are underemployed. Many need training for new work. Many need help.

To help people, the Department of Agriculture, which has a long and glorious history of service to all Americans, has embarked on Rural Areas Development programs. Their aims are to revitalize and recapitalize town and country, to improve or redevelop physical resources, to put the resources to work for all America, and to provide new or improve public facilities and new economic opportunities….

They will have a great and good effect on our family farms, which as productive units have met the test of time but which have been threatened by forces outside of farming. As I said in a statement before the Subcommittee on Family Farms of the House Committee on Agriculture on July 11, 1963: 'I believe the family farm system is worth preserving because it has social worth as well as economic value. But if we are realistic, we must recognize that the family farm will continue only if it is an efficient producer of agricultural products in terms of current scientific, technological, and management practices.' Most of the people on these farms want to be farmers. It is their chosen profession. They want to stay on the land and in their community. We should help them realize their desire, but where the farming resources are clearly inadequate, we should make available additional opportunities so that such families can have a decent American standard of living.

All America will benefit in many ways. It is in the spirit of the American tradition of giving every man a chance.

We have also the opportunity to assess the function of government in the work before us. I, myself, believe the Federal Government must take a leading part in rural economic development because of its wide scope. But the work also requires investment capital and the help of commerce and industry. It will require the resources of State and local governments, but it can succeed only with the initiative and leadership of local people.

To the fulfillment of these opportunities, we commit our imagination, technical skills, and powers. Let us not seek tasks to fit our talents. Let us rather pray that our talents fit the obligations before us."
--U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Minnesota Governor Orville L. Freeman

Given the opportunities before us, such as renewable energy from agricultural resources and wind, and locally-grown sustainable agricultural practices and product creation that we know contribute significantly to local and regional wealth, and investments in transit that can transform and revitalize development within and beyond metro borders; given the information and communication technologies that can bring education and health care to anyone, anywhere, and the possibility of enterprise development to anyone with imagination and community support, will we be called to the same greatness within us as did our leaders over 40 years ago, to harness the forces of change and creative energy for good? I hope so, and I will continue to be among those who will keep trying. - J.L.

POLICY & PRACTICE

--The Northwest Area Foundation released the findings of a national survey about Americans' perceptions of people "struggling to get by" within their communities, what respondents are willing to do to help, and what roles they think local elected officials should play. The survey of 2,400 included over-samples for Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Here are just a few of the national findings:

• Nearly 2/3 of Americans believe a family of four needs at least $40,000/yr to make ends meet, far exceeding the federal poverty threshold of $19,806
  
• 70% say they would be likely to pay more in taxes if they knew the funds would help people in their communities
  
• 75% say keeping and attracting businesses with good-paying jobs, and improving access and reducing costs related to healthcare should be high - or top - priorities for local elected officials.
  

For full survey results, please visit www.nwaf.org and go to the "Breaking News" box on the home page for summary survey data and analyses, briefings especially for local policymakers, and a Tools List (strategies, tools and case studies focused on reducing poverty).

FUNDING

--The Department of Homeland Security is accepting applications for Assistance to Firefighters Grants until April 7, 2006. The grant is for firefighters and first responders to increase the effectiveness of firefighting and emergency response operations. Information is online at www.firegrantsupport.com

--United Way of Southwest Minnesota (Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Yellow Medicine and western Redwood Counties of Minnesota) has set deadlines for grant applications. There are two different grant deadlines. The deadline for Community Impact Grant applications is April 3, 2006. Annual Community Impact Grants are available for area non-profit organizations serving area people. Grant applications will be accepted that align with the United Way of Southwest Minnesota priority issues (Strengthening and Supporting Families; Helping Children and Youth Succeed; Supporting Vulnerable and Aging Populations; Providing Basic Needs). Venture grant deadline is Friday, March 24. Venture grants are available to help local organizations try new approaches to solving community problems or to provide community education and leadership development opportunities. Non-profit agencies that want more information or to be emailed a grant application should contact the United Way of Southwest Minnesota, 507-929-2273.

--USDA Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants and Loans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will provide more than $19 million in grants to support renewable energy projects and the development of value-added agricultural business ventures. May 12 is the 2006 deadline for proposals to this program. Under this year's program, the amount that can be awarded to a producer in the form of a working capital grant has been doubled to $300,000, and $1.5 million is also being allocated to provide grants of $25,000 or less to eligible producers. Priority consideration will be given to those applicants who dedicate at least 51 percent of project costs to a biomass energy project. To date, the program has provided $20.5 million to develop and market renewable energy projects in 29 states, including wind and biomass energy projects and projects to produce biodiesel or ethanol.

Interested individuals and entities should be aware that the new regulation provides continued guidance regarding Section 9006 grants and new guidance regarding Section 9006 guaranteed loans. Please contact your RD State Office for further information or go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html

--Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has announced the launch of Prevention Minnesota, a long-term health improvement initiative designed to tackle the root causes-tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition-of the most preventable and costliest diseases. As part of this effort, Blue Cross seeks proposals for several types of Physical Activity Community Funding, to support active community assessment and engagement, active community planning, and efforts to promote increased physical activity among residents. Eligible applicants include local nonprofit organizations, local government agencies, employers, and coalitions. Funding amounts and proposal deadlines depend on the specific type of proposal being submitted. For more information, see http://www.preventionminnesota.com/community_funding.cfm.

--Grant seekers can now research, access and apply for federal grants via one consolidated Web site, http://grants.gov/ This serves as the sole Web portal where federal government agencies post funding opportunities. This strategic alliance creates a much faster, more efficient and greatly simplified electronic and paperless process for community and faith-based nonprofit organizations, universities, colleges and libraries that seek federal financial support.

Many government agencies have transformed their grantmaking activities from decentralized, paper-based processes to an electronic one that drives federal Internet traffic to the Grants.gov Web site. Whether you plan to apply for specific federal grants later this month or later this year, it is important to register at the website and become familiar with the Grants.gov site application process.

Every nonprofit applying for a federal grant must first obtain a nine-digit DUNS, or Data Universal Numbering System, number. Supplied by Dun and Bradstreet, the DUNS number functions as an identification number in the federal application process. Grants.gov lists four steps that an organization must take to register:

• Request a DUNS Number
  
• Register with Central Contractor Registry (CCR)
  
• Authorize your Organization's Representatives
  
• Log in as an E-Business Point of Contact
  

CONFERENCES & MEETINGS

--Asset Building in the Heartland: Innovative Strategies for Rural America, sponsored by the Federal Reserve Banks of Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Minneapolis and St. Louis and CFED, will be held in Kansas City on March 14. For more information, call Dee Ashworth at (816) 881-2867 or go to www.kansascityfed.org/events/AssetForum/index.htm.

--Iron Range Job Fair - Virginia will be held Tuesday, March 21 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Thunderbird Mall, Virginia. An opportunity for local job seekers to explore their options!

--Business to Business Expo - Duluth will be held Wednesday, March 22 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), Duluth. Find all the services and products you need for your business under one roof! Meet and converse with other local business people in a fun environment!

--Energizing Entrepreneurs workshop, April 27th, Kelly Inn, St. Cloud MN. Learn how to grow your own entrepreneurs in your community and how to care for and encourage those you have so they can build their success as well as your communities! Workshop will feature keynote speaker Don Macke, a national rural entrepreneurship expert and co-director of the RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship. Panels to showcase Minnesota entrepreneurial efforts and training will be available. Minnesota Entrepreneurial Gateway Pilot Communities will be showcased and the Anderson Entrepreneurial Center of St. Cloud State University and its community-based education partnerships.

On-line registration and agenda information is available through Minnesota Rural Partners at www.minnesotaruralpartners.org Questions? Contact Denise Pfeifer at: dpfeifer@minnesotaruralpartners.org or call 507.828.5559.

--Accessing Capital for Economic Development; Lending Opportunities in Indian Country Summit will be held May 1-3, 2006 at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN. For more information go to: www.aiedfloans.org

--This year Minnesota Rural Partners are collaborating with the Center for Small Towns and partnering with Minnesota Public Radio and the University of Minnesota Regional to present: Minnesota Symposium on Small Towns and Rural Summit
June 6 & 7, 2006 at the University of Minnesota, Morris
The theme is Working Better Together for the Common Good.
The cost is only $60 for the full conference. For on-line registration and more information, go to www.minnesotaruralpartners.org or www.centerforsmalltowns.org or call (320) 589-6451.

--The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is bringing a 2006 rural symposium to Minnesota at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel-November 1-2. Join the dialog at a special town meeting facilitated by Bill Kurtis, distinguished journalist, documentary producer and owner of a ranch in rural Kansas. Participate in breakout sessions led by national experts in technology, tourism, arts, housing and entrepreneurship. Hear from national banking experts on emerging trends and economic forecasts, on how to strengthen your competitive edge and improve the bottom line. Visit their website at: www.fhlbdm.com for future updates on the event.

MISCELLANEOUS

--The annual report issue of the Main Street Economist is now on the Web, "New Issues on the Rural Horizon," Center staff summarize the performance of the rural economy in 2005 and focus on three somewhat newer issues facing rural America in 2006 and beyond--energy prices, the budget climate, and sprawl. http://www.kansascityfed.org/RuralCenter/mainstreet/MainStMain.htm

--The fourth quarter 2005 edition of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's Economic Review is available. Read the press release:
"Does Immigration Reduce Imbalances Among Labor Markets or Increase Them? Evidence from Recent Migration Flows" at: http://www.KansasCityFed.org/Pubaffrs/Pressrel/pr06-3.htm.

-- Environmental Credit Trading: Can Farming Benefit? Environmental credit trading is a market-based approach to complying with regulations with the potential to achieve pollution abatement goals at least cost to society. Agriculture can contribute to credit trading programs by generating pollution-reduction credits through the adoption of environmentally preferred practices and selling the credits to regulated firms. See: http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/February06/Features/FeatureUpdate.htm

--The Northern Great Plains' "Plains Speaking" January 2006 newsletter (www.ngplains.org) has several articles of interest including:

• Creating a Better Future Takes Cooperation and Unity
  
• The Changing Demographics of the Latino Population
  
• Prairie Rural Action Survey Results

--The Winter 2006 Issue of the Rural Monitor is now available on the RAC web site and can be accessed at: HTML version: http://www.raconline.org/newsletter/web/winter06.html or the PDF version: http://www.raconline.org/newsletter/pdf/winter06.pdf In this issue:

• Cover Story: Rural Dental Dilemmas Growing
  
• Rethinking Human Services: The Challenge of "Institutional Culture" in Human Services Integration
  
• Look What's Coming: Plan B...
  
• Around the Country: One-Stop Shop for Mind and Body; Special Series - Rural Health Technical Assistance Centers
  
• Spotlight on Rural Research: Rural Oral Health-All in the Family?

-- USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) has a web page that provides quick answers to questions they receive from policymakers, agribusinesses, other researchers, and the media about food and diet, farming conservation, and rural communities. A great resource! See: www.ers.usda.gov/AboutERS/FAQs.htm

--March is Minnesota FoodShare Month - Donate to your local foodshelf. For a list of foodshelves by county, visit Hunger Solutions of Minnesota's website: www.hungersolutions.org or http://www.hungersolutions.org/pages/AUWWWWFSList.html

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITES

--2006 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT - Put your skills to work in your own field by spending the summer as an Economist, Economics Assistant, Computer Clerk/Assistant, or Information Technology Specialist in Washington, DC. The Economic Research Service (ERS) offers full-time paid summer internship positions primarily in economics and computer/information science. Interns work on a variety of projects, from assessing the production impacts of direct government payments to farmers, to compiling a global demographics database for use in modeling global food demand, to improving the agency's internet and intranet websites. Learn more about pay and benefits, eligibility requirements, application procedures and contact information. See http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/Interns/2006/

-- The inaugural year of the Ruvelson RAIN®maker Fellowship -- a $10,000 award for a college senior who is interested in learning about business investment and community development working side-by-side with angel investors in one of RAIN Source Capital's affiliated RAIN funds in Minnesota, North Dakota or Iowa. We are seeking applications from college juniors which are due March 20, 2006. They are available to download at www.RAINSourceCapital.com

Minnesota Rural Partners is a nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible.

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