Posts Tagged ‘Howard SD’

SD Public Radio talks Green Jobs

November 6th, 2009

South Dakota Public Radio aired a report yesterday focused on green job development in Howard, SD.  Individuals can listen to it here.

The story, reported by Charles Michael Ray, noted that the community stands to benefit from the creation of additional “green jobs” if the Climate Bill passes Congress.  It goes on to note that some community members fear that it will have an adverse affect on their livelihoods.  

What captured my attention, however, was a quote offered by Robert Mommaerts, who oversees the molding process for the wind turbine blades manufactured by Knight & Carver in Howard.  He said:

Not only do I enjoy my job but I enjoy the fact that I’m making a difference in the world by doing my job,” Mommaerts says.  ” I’ve always been interested in alternative energy and being able to actually help make it a reality is just that much more enriching for me,” he says.

Mommaerts goes on to tell Ray that he wants to live in a rural place like Howard because it offers “a safe, wholesome place to raise a family.”

Green Jobs are important

There’s little doubt that creating jobs has been an important part of Howard’s recent economic success. But Mommaerts reminds us that young people today don’t just want any job:  they often want a job that also allows them to make a difference (read more on Gen Y characteristics here.)

That is something that more economic development professionals may want to think about as they work to establish new businesses.  Perhaps all jobs are not created equal.  Especially not if the goal is to attract young people.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Economic Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (1)

ReImagine Rural Education

November 6th, 2009

Lately we’ve been calling on rural communities to “reimagine” their futures by focusing on transformational strategies rather than those of revitalization.  In a recent post on the Daily Yonder, Timothy Collins reminded me that this can’t take place without “reimaging” the future of education in our rural communities.

Collins, the assistant director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University, wrote his post titled “Speak your peace: Longer School Year, and Better,” in response to President Obama’s call for lengthening the number of days in the school year.  While recognizing that lengthening the school year should improve education, Collins sees a bigger opportunity: 

If we’re going to lengthen the school year, let’s talk about real changes that will not only improve student achievement, but also build rural communities capable of participating effectively in the new green economy.

Schools and communities getting better together?  Yes!

 

The Roots of the Miner County story are in education

In Miner County, SD we view the Miner County Cash Flow Study, conducted in 1996 by high school students, as the start of our transformational activities.  In this project, the students sought to reverse a decline in local purchasing by (1) studying local spending habits through a community survey, (2) sharing what they learned with community residents, and (3) challenging everyone to spend 10% more of their income locally in the upcoming year. 

It was the type of learning that doesn’t come from a textbook and definitely can’t be measured on a standardized test.  But equally important, it met two of the community needs:  it helped strengthen local businesses and increased tax revenues for the City of Howard.  In following year, residents increased local spending by approximately 40%. 

These and other place-based learning activities conducted in the school over the next few years strengthened the connection between the school and community. The work also played a key role in the Northwest Area Foundation selecting Miner County as their first partner in the Community Ventures program.

 

How can this be done?

Collins answers his call for change by producing a litany of outstanding ideas for connecting schools and communities.  It’s good stuff!  Not only do his ideas provide value to rural communities, but they also help build a bridge to the green economy and youth entrepreneurship. 

But how does one initiate the types of changes Collins advocates?  The following are a few thoughts I’d like to share. 

First, realize that no single person is going to accomplish change on this level by him or herself.  A superintendent or mayor can help lead the change.  But I think it requires deep conversation with the entire community. 

Second, find ways to prime the pump for conversation by making sure people are exposed to new ideas.  A good place to start would be with Collin’s ideas. Ask people to read and react to them.

Third, make sure young people are a part of the process.  Young people’s voices can produce powerful insights when adults treat them as partners. 

Whatever process is used, however, I think it’s important to remember that the essential question to focus on is “How do rural schools and communities get better together?” 

That’s Reimagining Rural Education. 

 

 Note:  The RLC is currently in the process of developing some free resources that help explain the Miner County Cash Flow Study.  Anyone interested in receiving the first one, titled the Miner County Cash Flow Study Resource Guide should sign up for it at the top of the sidebar.  Individuals who sign up will be notified as other resources are developed.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Community Development, Rural, Youth | Comments (0)

Bob Sutton “gets” ReImagine Rural

September 5th, 2009

In our work at the Rural Learning Center, we’ve long recognized the importance of place. It is, after all the root of our work that began with our Howard H.S. students back in the 1990s.

The theme of place emerged several times Wednesday in the speeches presented at the Rural Learning Center groundbreaking ceremony. While all were excellent, I think Bob Sutton, President of the South Dakota Community Foundation best captured the power of place.

Seeking inspiration to write his speech, Bob actually drove to Howard, sat under the trees of the Miner County Courthouse lawn, and absorbed the essence of the place.

The result was incredible. Inspiring and insightful. All in just under 10 minutes. That’s how place can get under your skin. If you don’t believe me, watch his presentation for yourself.

A couple topics stood out for me in Bob’s talk, and I’d like to share them below.

The Ingredients of Success

First, whenever one talks about the future of rural places, the conversation often turns to job creation and financial investment. As Bob eloquently describes, money is not the only ingredient; “Resources such as time and talent, leadership skills, motivational conversation, and a rekindling of the spirit of hope is just as critical in places like Howard.”

How true.

People sometimes think that the recent positive developments in Miner County have occurred because we were lucky enough to receive a sizeable grant from the Northwest Area Foundation. While important, money alone would not have produced the same results.

The Power of ReImagining Rural

Second, there’s a power in reimagining the future of rural communities. Having experienced 50-80 years of economic decline, rural residents in our part of the country have a tendency to look backwards and develop a feeling of hopelessness. That hopelessness causes us to doubt the success of projects like the Maroney Rural Learning Center - like one reader of the Argus Leader’s story wrote in their forum - even before the project has gets off the ground.

And that’s why celebrations like this groundbreaking were so important.

Why Groundbreakings?

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to interview Dan Scott, a lawyer from St. Paul, MN. Dan grew up in Howard where his dad was the long-time superintendent. (His dad is the guy who hired me to come to Howard back in 1996.)

Even though Dan lives 6 hours away from Howard, he made the trip back to Howard for the groundbreaking ceremony. This prompted me to ask “Why?” His response is below.

That’s right. We do need to pause, reflect, and celebrate. And through this reflection and celebration we can begin to dream of the possibilities for our future.

A big thanks to Bob Sutton for his remarkable remarks on Wednesday. He is someone who is helping communities in South Dakota to “reimagine rural.”

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Community Development, In the News, Leadership, Rural, Training and Events | Comments (0)

Photos of Rural Learning Center Groundbreaking

September 5th, 2009

It’s a clique, but it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words.  For that reason, we want to share photos from the Maroney Rural Learning Center Groundbreaking celebration.  I’ve uploaded some of the photos to this blog post, but you can find more at our Flickr stream. (go here to view all pictures) .

 

We’ve also created a Flickr group called “Maroney Rural Learning Center Groundbreaking” so that others who took pictures at the event can share them with us.  If would like to add your photos to this group, but need a little help, feel free to shoot me a message (mike@ruraltransformations.com) and I’ll help you do so.   

 

 

    

   

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Community Development, In the News, Rural, Training and Events | Comments (0)

South Dakota at its Best

September 4th, 2009

At the Maroney Rural Learning Center groundbreaking ceremony, Kevin Walker, President of the Northwest Area Foundation, quoted late 18th Century visionary William Blake saying “What is now proved was once only imagined.” Walker also noted that although brilliant, Blake was considered insane by his contemporaries for his unusual ideas and idiosyncrasies.

That quote resonated with me.  When the idea of building the Rural Learning Center was first proposed seven to eight years ago, many people thought it was insane.

That’s why the Citi Foundation grant to the project was so affirming.  And now, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader published an editorial titled “Howard learning center is S.D. at its best.”

Who knows maybe we are not so crazy after all. 

     

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Community Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (0)

What do famous people have to say about ReImaging Rural?

September 3rd, 2009

Well the Rural Learning Center created quite a stir yesterday with the groundbreaking ceremony.  Enough so, that the story has been featured in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, the Mitchell Daily Republic, and on KSFY television.  I expect to see more stories popping up throughout the day.

In all, we listened to twelve individuals at the ceremony and not one of them was a “dud.”  All were engaging, thoughtful and to the point.

Anyone who could not attend will be happy to know that we captured much of the celebration, including speakers and interviews, on video.  I’ve been busy ever since converting the video and taking notes.  Hopefully, I’ll finish up early this afternoon.

Besides being “quoatable,” many of the speakers used quotes from famous individuals to draw emphasis and interest.  Although the quotes originated with people from all walks of life, each offered guidance for what we need to do as we work to “reimagine rural” America. 

Until all of the video is ready to view, I want to share a few of those quotes.  I’d also invite you to reflect on the words, and see how they speak to you.  Perhaps you will find new meaning for them in addition to what our speakers had to share. 

 

John Mengenhausen, President of Howard Industries quoted  John F. Kennedy  
“One man can make a difference, but every man should try.”

Kevin Walker, President/CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation quoted William Blake   
“What is now proved was once only imaged.”

Mike McDowell, General Manager of Heartland Consumer Power District quoted Vince Lombardi 
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”

Mike McDowell also quoted Mark Twain 
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the ones you did do.”

Jeff Duff, President/COO of Airstreams Renewable, Inc. quoted Wayne Gretzky
“You know I don’t skate to where the puck is, I skate to where the puck is going to be.”

 

Update: The Madison Daily Leader ran this story Thursday (Sept.3) in the afternoon.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in In the News, Rural | Comments (0)

Why does “Rural” matter?

September 2nd, 2009

In our part of the country, most rural communities have experienced 50-80 years of economic decline.  This decline often leads to feelings of despair and hopelessness. 

A Sense of Hope

At the Rural Learning Center (RLC), however, we have a sense of empowerment and hopefulness.  We base that optimism in part on the progress being made in Howard, South Dakota and surrounding Miner County, where our work began.

Two of the most compelling signs of that progress include the Howard municipal sales tax revenues and the construction of the second phase to the Rural Learning Center.

 

How did you get started in Miner County?

As Randy Parry, President of the RLC, indicates in the video below titled “How did you get started in Miner County?” our work began with high school students studying local sales tax trends. Seeking to make an impact, these students shared their learning with the citizens of Howard.  Their efforts as well as the innovative community development work that followed sparked an “invest in local” movement  resulting in significant business investment that translated into  record sales tax revenues.   (see image above)

Today, we are celebrating the groundbreaking for Phase II of the Rural Learning Center in Howard.  Dignitaries from around the country will be in attendance to help us celebrate and “reimagine” the possibilities for our rural places.

Why does Rural Matter?

But as we do, I think it is important that we reflect on why rural communities matter and why the Rural Learning Center is important to their futures. 

To help initiate that conversation, I’ve produced a short video in which I asked Rural Learning Center employees those very questions.  I hope it spurs you to reflect and share your thoughts on the subject.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Community Development, In the News, Rural, Youth | Comments (3)

Green jobs in Rural America

August 21st, 2009

Most of the talk about green job development has focused on urban areas, especially depressed, inner cities.  But yesterday the conversation turned towards Rural America, and what’s already been accomplished there.

The conversation was initiated by Repower America, who held a press conference in Howard, SD to show their support for The American Clean Energy and Security Act.  The organization believes the legislation could help bring 5,000 new jobs to South Dakota. 

Because it is home to two wind energy companies, Howard (pop. 1071) was the perfect community to showcase this potential.  Those two companies, Knight & Carver Wind Group and Energy Maintenance Service, offer good paying jobs that have helped diversify the town’s economy.

What’s exciting is that this is just the start. An article in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader quotes Sam Brown, Knight & Carver’s President saying:

South Dakota “has made it easy to come here,” Brown said. “We’re interested in staying - and expanding. This legislation helps us move in that direction.”

There are a lot of pros and cons to this proposed legislation, and I’ll let readers make up their own minds on it.  But I hope people keep in mind that green job development has already stimulated the economy of at least one rural community.  And that the future could be even greater. 

Photo: Gary Kanaby, Knight & Carver VP of Sales, speaks at the groundbreaking ceramony in Aug. 2006.

Note: Howard was an early pioneer in wind energy industry.  Back in 2001, they became the first community in South Dakota to own and operate their own wind turbines.

PS (8-24-09) –Based on a few a few conversations I’ve received since first publishing, some people may have taken this post as advocacy for The America Clean Energy and Security Act.  Admittedly, I don’t know enough about the legislation to take a strong stance for or against it.  What I do hope to see more support for is smart grid technology. It offers the opportunity for the innovation needed to bring clearner sources of energy into the mainstream.  To learn more, read here and here.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Economic Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (0)

Welcome Morgan Andenas

June 15th, 2009

Last week we introduced you to Nicole Lauck who will be writing posts for us this summer.  Today, we’re sharing an interview with Howard native, Morgan Andenas.

Where did you grow up, where are you going to school now, and what are you studying?

I grew up in Howard, SD on my parent’s farm 7 miles north of town.  I went to Howard High and graduated with a class of 38.  I am now going to college at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT.  In the fall I will be a junior continuing in the Architecture department.

What do you hope to write about this summer?

I hope to write about what I see when I come home from school.  Every time I come home (for Christmas, Spring Break and summer) I see what used to be my day-to-day surroundings differently.  I hope to write about what differences I see, and also how my education affects the way I see the world.  Instead of taking my surroundings at a glorified face-value, I’m beginning to look deeper, both in terms of design and of reality, no matter how harsh it can be.  I believe we cannot just say, “That’s the way it has always been,” and that’s the end of it.  Communities can work towards something better, and I think design can play a large role in that.

What’s one of your most favorite memories about growing up in a rural community?

That would have to be the neighbors.  My closest neighbors are a full mile down the gravel road, and our other neighbors are up to 8 miles away.  But, no matter the distance, everyone helps everyone and it’s such an amazing community to grow up in; I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What’s one of your least favorite memories about growing up in a rural community?

The distance between everything was one of the most inconvenient things.  To get to any reasonable shopping (above the groceries, gifts and florist shop in town) you have to go at least 30 minutes in any direction.  Going to the movies takes 30 minutes, and the closest mall is an hour.  Even my friends were at least ten minute drive away.  It definitely makes spur-of-the-moment plans much more difficult.

What’s the “coolest” small town or place in a small town that you have been to?

I think any small town that tries to keep its young people around and trying new ways to keep the community alive is pretty cool.  We now have a really neat coffee shop in Howard and I love it!  After getting hooked on my occasional mocha at school (especially after a long night working on a project), I really appreciate being able to get really good coffee and food right on my hometown Main Street! (I highly recommend the Oriental Orange Salad.)

 

As readers know, the Rural Learning Center believes community design is an important element to the success of rural communities.  And research seems to suggest that community design (including architectural elements) are very important to Millennials.  It will be cool to hear how Morgan reacts to some of that research.  Hopefully, community leaders (myself included) will “listen” to both Morgan and Nicole.  After all, if we want our communities to be places where young people want to live, we’d better listen.   

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Gen Y, Rural, Uncategorized | Comments (2)

Why start a business in a rural community?

April 10th, 2009

What are the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business in rural communities?  Although it focuses on “small to midsized cities”, a recent article in Business Weekly offers a glimpse into the realities of starting a business in a non-urban setting. It concludes there are some real advantages that companies should consider including:

Unfortunately, the analysis only focuses on small to midsized cities — and not the rural communities with populations of under 5000 that are so common in our part of the country.  That said, I’m not sure if there’s much difference.

Back when I worked as an economic development director, we extolled those same factors to entrepreneurs looking to start-up their ventures in Howard, SD, and we used local data to support our argument.  But beyond this local data I haven’t seen any research to back up those claims. 

Wouldn’t it be helpful to read some qualitative and quantitative analysis that rural communities could use to help them make their case.  In lieu of this research, I’d be very interested in hearing what others have experienced in their rural communities. 

Photo:  This photo taken in the industrial park in Howard, SD shows what entrepreneurship can mean to a small rural community.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Economic Development, Rural | Comments (1)

« Older Entries