June 2004 Volume II, Number 5

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

IN THIS ISSUE:
In this issue:
- KEYNOTE SPEAKER SNAGGED FOR 2004 Rural Summit
- Check all the Summit UPDATES
- People in the News
- Funding Options
- Training/Conferences
- Miscellaneous

2004 MINNESOTA RURAL SUMMIT UPDATE

We continue to ramp up for the 7th Minnesota Rural Summit in August. Because of space limitations, the Summit will be limited to 300 registrants this year, so be sure to register early! The Summit brochure and web-based registration will be available at www.minnesotaruralpartners.org/2004_Summit in early July.

Save the Date Notice
Keynote – Rob Atkinson confirmed
Rural Resource Round-Ups are Scheduled
Submit YOUR Innovation Story
Suggested Pre-Summit Reading

Save the Date!
7th Annual Minnesota Rural Summit
Gearing Up for the Innovation Economy
August 18-20, 2004
Hibbing Community College, Hibbing, Minnesota, USA.

SUMMIT KEYNOTER - Policy researcher and writer Dr. Robert Atkinson of the Progressive Policy Institute in Washington has been confirmed as the Rural Summit keynote speaker for Friday, August 20th. Dr. Atkinson is Vice President and Director of the Institute’s Technology and New Economy Project. In a recent policy paper on “The Innovation Economy: A New Vision for Economic Growth in the 21st Century,” Dr. Atkinson makes the case for economic growth based on innovation. In the knowledge and services-based economy, economic prosperity is principally driven by the creativity, inspiration, learning, and risk-taking of all Americans. Growth economics is an optimistic, forward-looking approach based on 15 years of leading-edge economic research that demonstrates the way to get back to the good economic times is to recognize and support five building blocks for economic success: fiscal discipline, rapidly expanding knowledge and its use, robust competition, empowered workers, and network government. Dr. Atkinson has also written on strategies to reverse economic decline in rural America through a “National Balanced Growth Strategy.” Join us in Hibbing in August for an exhilarating discussion on rural economic development strategies and the future of rural America.

-- Second Annual SUMMER Rural Resource Round-Ups - "On the Road In Search of Innovation!" This year's Rural Resource Round-Ups, held throughout the state in June and July, focus on innovation and the impact innovation has on rural development -- that is, translating ideas (innovation) into long-term prosperity (both social and economic well-being). We will highlight rural resources and programs that promote rural business and community development. As a part of the Round-Ups, we will be gathering an "Innovation Inventory" from across the state to share at the Minnesota Rural Summit.
Who should attend the Rural Resource Round-Ups? Entrepreneurs, economic development organizations, artists, designers, business service providers, power and communications utilities providers, Chamber of Commerce members, bankers, local and county administrators and elected officials, librarians, educators, local and regional foundations, social service organizations, health care professionals, federal and state agencies, architects and landscape architects and any interested citizens. In short, anyone who cares about their community!

The Rural Round-Ups detailed schedule and list of partner organizations can be found at http://www.minnesotaruralpartners.org/ruralroundup.htm. To schedule one in your area contact Christy James at cjames@minnesotaruralpartners.org or 612-963-0467.

-- In Search of Innovation! Be a part of the Innovation Inventory! As MRP staff and volunteers travel throughout MN this summer facilitating the Rural Resource Round-Ups, we are looking for innovation stories -- http://www.minnesotaruralpartners.org/innovation_stories.htm -- to share at both the Round-Ups and at the Minnesota Rural Summit.

Who should submit an Innovation story? Anyone! The stories should highlight innovation in any one or more of the following categories: entrepreneurship, economic development, healthcare, community design, housing, transportation, finance, agriculture, natural resources, tourism, arts/culture, youth, local food systems, education, workforce skills training, creativity, broadband, or other rural success stories to share at these upcoming meetings. We encourage you think about good ideas and enterprising programs, organizations or businesses in your area. Please take a moment to fill out the online form to submit at an innovation story. (Or download the form and fax it to Jane Leonard at 651-646-3818.)

This is an excellent opportunity to publicize your work and the innovative leadership that you provide. This "Innovation Inventory" will be published and featured at the Summit, on the Minnesota Rural Partners website, and in other partner websites. We might also ask if you would be willing to share your story in person at the Summit as part of the Innovation Showcase sessions.

-- And finally, get your old Summer Book Club hats on and check out the pre-Summit reading list at: http://www.minnesotaruralpartners.org/2004_summit/index.htm

These books provide excellent background and context for the concepts we are trying to grasp together around innovation and entrepreneurship. They can help provoke discussion before and during the Summit!

PEOPLE in the NEWS

--SBA honors Jane Leonard with state and regional business advocate award for creation and implementation of the Virtual Entrepreneurial Network – BizPathways.org
Jane Leonard, president of Minnesota Rural Partners, Inc. (MRP), was honored last month in Minneapolis with the Minnesota and Midwest Region Small Business Champion Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. She was named as the Home-Based Business Advocate of the Year, for her work on the Virtual Entrepreneurial Network (now called BizPathways) through both MRP and her former company, Community Technology Advisors Corp.

The annual award recognizes those who work to improve conditions in which small businesses can advance, including entrepreneurial training, policy development efforts, financial or business planning specifically tailored for home-based businesses. The online Virtual Entrepreneurial Network/BizPathways, which also includes on-the-ground community training, hits all of those award criteria.

Leonard has managed the creation, development and implementation of BizPathways since its inception as a U.S. Department of Commerce Technology Opportunities Program funded grant in October 2001. The services, available through www.bizpathways.org, and its companion site, www.financeavenue.org, combine the power of the Internet and customizing database technology to create a matching service between business resource providers (such as technical and financial assistance providers) and entrepreneurs who need timely, targeted assistance. The service was built particularly for rural entrepreneurs who face distance and time barriers physically traveling to seek business assistance, but is open to everyone – rural, urban and suburban.

--The SBA has selected Joe Folsom to be the new district director for the Iowa District SBA Office in Des Moines. Joe had been with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development in Minnesota for over 25 years. His work in the area of Cooperative Development is well-known throughout Minnesota. Joe was a regular contributor on the topic at past Rural Summits. His knowledge on the topic and partnership spirit will be missed here in Minnesota – but now we can claim him as that “expert” from Iowa!

FUNDING

--USDA Rural Development’s Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants Program, Section 9006 is accepting applications until July 19th. These funds are to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses (those with fewer than 500 employees and less than $20 million in annual gross receipts) purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. “Rural” is defined as an area of less than 50,000 in population or its immediately adjacent incorporated communities.

The amount of a grant shall not exceed 25 percent of the cost of the activity funded under this program. To be eligible for a grant, the applicant must demonstrate financial need. Applications for renewable energy systems are for a minimum grant request of $2,500, but no more than $500,000. Applications for energy efficiency improvements are for a minimum grant request of $2,500, but no more than $250,000. There is $22.8 million available nationwide.

Application processing is through the St. Paul office of USDA Rural Development. The Notice of Funds Availability was published in the May 5, 2004 Federal Register. For more information, call David Gaffaney at 651-602-7814, or go to www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/04fbnofa.htm.

-- The Metlife Foundation's Museum Connections Program provides grants to art museums throughout the U.S. to develop creative approaches to community outreach. This year Minnesota is eligible!

Grants are provided to support creative and innovative projects that expose a broader segment of society to the rich collections and cultural resources found in museums; increase dialogue between museums and the community; encourage creativity and innovation in community outreach; and build new audiences for the arts. Grants support initiatives including, but not limited to, collaborations, artist residencies, exhibits, off-site programming, and acquisitions. U.S. art museums that have been in existence over five years are eligible to apply. The application deadline is July 30, 2004. Visit their website for more information http://www.metlife.com

TRAINING and CONFERENCES

-- Northern Minnesota Small Business Resource Fair at Central Lakes College in Brainerd on Wednesday, June 9th from 9AM until 4 PM. This event will feature a number of our partners that provide resources to small businesses in Northern and Central Minnesota. There will be several training sessions designed to help small business owners and people considering opening a small business. There is no charge to attend the resource fair. Sponsored by the Minnesota Small Business Development Centers, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the SCORE Association, the People Connection/MN Women’s Business Center, and Central Lakes College. Register on-line at www.sba.gov/mn

-- USDA Rural Development staff will be holding several seminars on how to access USDA Rural Development loan, grant, and federally guaranteed loans for community projects. Seminars topics include programs available to non-profits and loan guarantee programs available to lenders. Seminars will be held from 10AM to noon on the following dates:

St. Cloud – June 15; Detroit Lakes – June 16; Marshall – June 21; Owatonna – June 22; and Grand Rapids – June 30. For further information contact Brad Biers at bradley.biers@mn.usda.gov

-- Neighborhood Leadership Breakfast Series will be held at St. Martin’s Table, 2001 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis. A collaboration of the Center for Neighborhoods and the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis, co-sponsored by KFAI, this quarterly series explores community leadership through the eyes of those who carry the torch. 2004 events: June 16, Sean Kershaw, President of the Citizens League, on civic leadership; September 15, Judith Martin, Professor and Director of the Urban Studies Program at the University of Minnesota, on learning leadership skills; and Paul Williams, Senior Program Director at Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation, on building bridges between multiple “communities” and institutions. All events take place from 8:00-9:30 a.m. Seating is limited so make your reservations early by calling 612-339-3480. These events are free and open to the public.

-- Grantseeking for Beginners Seminar will be held June 22, 2004, 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. Learn the basics of effective grantseeking through sessions with top experts and discussions with Minnesota grantmakers. This seminar, sponsored by the Minnesota Council on Foundations, costs $95, with $50 scholarships available for folks from Greater Minnesota. Register at www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/beginners.htm. Questions? Call Lois Schmidt, Bremer Bank, Marshall 507-537-0273 or email: lcschmidt@bremer.com

-- The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis announces the 2004 National Community Development Lending School (NCDLS), at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, July 18-22. For the brochure and application, visit http://www.frbsf.org/community/resources/ncdls2004.pdf or contact Bruce Ito at (415) 974-2422, or bruce.ito@sf.frb.org Applications are due by June 15, 2004 and enrollment is limited to 50 students.

MISCELLANEOUS

-- The SBA is holding a Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board Hearing on Thursday, June 10th from 10AM to noon in Rochester. Small business owners, community leaders and representatives of trade associations with concerns about excessive enforcement of federal rules can voice their complaints during a U.S. Small Business Administration Regulatory Fairness Board Hearing. For further information contact Mike Lyons at 612-370-2343 or Michael.lyons@sba.gov

-- The Minnesota Tourism Office is being repositioned as its own entity “Explore Minnesota Tourism” effective July 1st. Tourism is a $9 billion industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the state's economy. The leisure and hospitality industry, a major provider of tourism services, employs over 230,000 Minnesotans, and employment in this sector is projected to grow by over 19% this decade.

IF YOU HAVE NEWS, EVENTS, FUNDS, etc. that you would like to share with the MRP Rural Round-Up newsletter network, please send copies of your items of interest to both Jane Leonard at jleonard@minnesotaruralpartners.org and Deb Miller Slipek at dmillerslipek@minnesotaruralpartners.org. Deb will be intermittently off seeing America this summer with kids in tow, so she may not be glued to the computer screen, but will appreciate getting your news when she can check in and help put this newsletter together.

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