Wisconsin’s Top Rural Development Initiatives

for 2005

Celebrating the great things happening in rural Wisconsin!

Honorable Mention

Iron County’s Stormy Kromer Pursuit Race

Wolf River Sturgeon Trail (New London)

Dairy Business Innovation Center (virtual)

Platteville Community Arboretum

Wolf River Senior Village (Manawa)

Town of Rome (Adams County)

#4 The Jefferson School District “Character in Action”

Represented by Jefferson School Superintendent Mike Swartz and Sandy Swartz, Character in Action Coordinator

“Character in Action”

Began March, 2004

School and community partnership

Emphasizes character development for children to be responsible citizens and good employees

Creating a “community of character” to surround children and model behavior

“Character in Action”

Monthly character traits are highlighted for modeling, reinforcement and celebration

4 Action Teams meet monthly: community, school, home and development. Goal to integrate the traits in each setting.

Employees of school district receive notebook and monthly materials

Posters distributed to classrooms and businesses; materials to churches

“Character in Action”

Over 150 businesses and individuals have contributed money or signed a Resolution of Support

Includes public and parochial schools

“Good character is good for business”

#3 Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail

Represented by Susan Foote-Martin, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail

Part of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative

Dual effort of local conservation education and natural resource-based economic development

Partners include federal, state and local governments, as well as businesses

Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail

Five regional trails developed in Wisconsin: Northwoods/Lake Superior, Lake Michigan,

Mississippi, Central Sand Prairie, Southern Savannah

Each trail comprised of locally-designated birding sites5 regional guides to be developed through State DNR and Tourism agenciesSupported in part by Endangered Resources Program (income tax check box)

Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail

First trail grand opening in Grantsburg in conjunction with a 4-day Birding and Nature Festival

Focus on birds and nature as a resource

Excellent opportunity for education

New tourism demographic and regional tourism branding

Low environmental impact

#2 Potosi Brewery Restoration

Represented by Frank Fiorenza, Potosi Village President and Ron Brisbois, Executive Director of Grant County Economic Development CorporationBrewery operated from 1852-1972Listed on the National Register of Historic Places; on the state’s “10 most endangered” list

Potosi Brewery Restoration

Started planning 2000; started restoration 2004Raised $2.4 million through fundraising and grants; private, State, and FederalCompeted with Milwaukee and St. Louis to house the new National Brewery Museum…and won!Will also house the Great River Road Interpretive Center (National Scenic Byway)

Potosi Brewery Restoration

Partnership includes villages of Potosi and Tennyson, Grant County EDC and Tourism Committee, UW-Platteville with regional cooperation from Dubuque museumNew tourism destination (above functions plus restaurant and micro brewery), $1.3 million impact on regionSpurring other downtown revitalizationNew housing startsMore info www.potosibrewery.com

#1 Community Progress Initiative

Represented by Connie Loden, executive director, Arlene Scalzo, board member, Nan Taylor and Jill Cavanaugh of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance

Community Progress Initiative

3-year joint initiative between the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance and Community Foundation of South Wood CountyStarted April, 2004 and runs through December, 2006Response to ongoing crisis paper industry layoffs (25% of workforce)

Community Progress Initiative

GoalsChange community culture and strengthen

community spirit “Make it Happen!” motto

Create a common, shared vision for people and communities in the region

Stimulate new enterprisesBuild endowed charitable assets

Community Progress Initiative

Region-wide initiative involving seven communities to date

Multi-faceted programming provides opportunities for every area resident to participate

2,000 people have already participated

Community Progress Initiative

Community Vision Sessions

Industry Cluster Networks

Entrepreneurial Boot Camps

Economic Indicators Breakfast

Enterprising Rural Communities regional and international study tours

Community Progress Initiative

“Make it Happen!” Rallies including youth7 Community Progress Funds matched by Community Foundation of South Wood CountyCommunity Progress Teams from each community in leadership trainingNew Ideas! Speaker SeriesMore info at www.progressinitiative.com

Congratulations!

Summary descriptions and contacts available

Press releases for initiative representatives to take with them

Have local newspapers contact Wisconsin Rural Partners office for digital photos