Solve problems by learning ‘what works’

My favorite stories in Prairie Business are the ones that profile businesses or other organizations that go above and beyond.

There’s almost always a lesson in those organizations’ experiences, and I’ve often found myself being inspired by their example.

Case in point: the features in this issue that highlight Williston State College and the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce, organizations that creatively are tackling related and very widespread challenges.

At Williston State College in Williston, N.D., the challenge is enrollment – and the solution is scholarships, writes John Miller, president of the college, in his column.

Thanks to Williston State’s foundation and other donors, the college now is offering generous scholarships to students from throughout western North Dakota, eastern Montana and even southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. And there’s nothing like a scholarship to help a college student overcome the daunting barrier of cost.

In Winona, Minn., the Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Minnesota Chamber to address the No. 1 issue facing our region’s businesses: the workforce shortage. As a result, Winona’s CEOs speak to eighth graders, K-12 teachers tour manufacturing facilities and high-school students get paid internships and other hands-on experiences in local businesses.

The idea is to let every Winonaarea student know that great jobs are available locally, and to show those students exactly how to get them, said Della Schmidt, president of the Winona Area chamber.

The Minnesota Chamber now is replicating the partnership in other communities. We’re happy to describe it in this issue of Prairie Business. PB

Good reading, Tom Dennis

I welcome your feedback and story ideas. Call me at 701-780-1276 or email me at tdennis@ prairiebusinessmagazine.com.

LAYOUT DESIGN, AD DESIGN ANDY GOBLE KRIS WOLFF

Prairie Business magazine is published monthly by the Grand Forks Herald and Forum Communications Company with offices at 375 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks, ND 58203. Subscriptions are available free of charge. Back issue quantities are limited and subject to availability ($2/copy prepaid). The opinions of writers featured in Prairie Business are their own.

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