TELLING THE STORY OF THE ELK RIVER TRAIL REGION Submitted by Madison Stone, Executive Director of the Elk River Trail Foundation
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very community has a story worth telling. Recently, the Elk River Trail Foundation had the privilege of welcoming Jerry Foster from Inspire, Renew, Enjoy, an Il-
linois-based nonprofit dedicated to highlighting communities that are embracing revitalization and creating brighter futures. Through storytelling, the organization travels to towns across the country, sharing inspiring examples of how local leaders, volunteers, businesses, and residents are working together to strengthen the places they call home. Over the course of two days, Jerry and his team explored the Elk River Trail region, visited our trail towns, filmed interviews, and captured the landscapes and people that make this region so special. While the stunning scenery of the trail certainly deserves to be showcased, this project is about much more than beautiful views. It is about telling the story of our communities. The Elk River Trail region has experienced its share of
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challenges—from the decline of the coal, timber and oil and
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represents another opportunity to showcase the natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming spirit that define our communities.
gas industries in our area to the devastating floods of 2016. Yet
We are honored that Inspire, Renew, Enjoy chose to tell the
through perseverance, collaboration, and an unwavering belief
story of the Elk River Trail region. We hope this video not only
in our future, our communities have continued to move forward.
introduces visitors to everything our communities have to offer
Today, new businesses are opening, downtowns are seeing
but also serves as an inspiration to other small towns working
renewed investment, and residents are working together to
toward revitalization across America. The finished video is
create places where people want to live, work, and visit.
expected to be released in the coming months, and we cannot
The Elk River Trail has become a vital part of that story. More than
wait to share it with everyone.
a recreational destination, it connects our towns, encourages
Be sure to follow the Elk River Trail Foundation on social media
tourism, supports local businesses, and serves as a catalyst for
and visit www.elkrivertrail.org for updates and to be among the
economic development throughout the region. Every mile of trail
first to watch the completed video when it is released.