Northwest Minnesota Foundation ~ Developing Community Assets ~ Serving 12 Counties
Spring Brings Staff Changes to NMF
Left to right: Jane McKelvy, Jim Steenerson, Lin Backstrom
Lin Backstrom Program Manager – Early Childhood Lin was hired in 2003 to implement the Early Childhood Initiative in the region and it has grown to include 12 community coalitions. She worked with the Minnesota Initiative Foundations on the project to advocate statewide for early childhood care and education, which also went on to create the Thrive Initiative, focusing on strengthening early childhood mental health services for young children and families. She moves on beginning June 1 and will live in Minneapolis and on an avocado grove near Escondido, CA. She will continue advocating for the well-being of young children.
Jane McKelvy Senior Program Officer – Training Jane began in 1996 as a consultant for NMF on a diversity grant program. She was hired in 1997 as the training program manager, helping to design and overseeing Adult Leadership, LeaderImpact, STAR Teams, Nonprofit Excellence and the Cultural Competency and Diversity training programs, among others. She retired effective April 15th and plans to move to Asheville, NC.
Ritchie Houge Vice President for Philanthropic Services Ritchie was hired in 1997 to direct fund development in the region to grow endowments and retain assets. NMF added over 250 component and community funds and helped to build and promote philanthropy during his tenure. Ritchie left for a position as executive director of the Foundation at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville, TN. Ritch resigned March 23.
Jim Steenerson Senior Program Officer – Grants Jim was hired in 2001 to fill a vacant position in programs. Jim is responsible for grant programs, including on-site visits, research, analysis, and recommending actions to the board. He has been instrumental in developing the Healthy Lakes and Rivers program and working with housing programs in the region. He will retire June 1st, and will remain in the area, enjoying grandkids, gardening, golf, travel, and getting acquainted with new and old friends.
NMF President Nancy Vyskocil has kept succession planning front and center since starting out with the foundation in 2008. “We know the region is graying and changing,” she said, “and we are not immune to it. There will be a large turnover across all sectors in the next few years. There are opportunities and challenges coming along with it and we real-
It has often been said that change is the only real constant in life. That hasn’t really been the case with employment at NMF, where the primary program and administrative staff have remained in their jobs for over 15 years. This spring, that began to change, when 16-year NMF veteran Ritchie Houge left to take another job. Jane McKelvy, at NMF for nearly 15 years, is retiring along with Jim Steenerson, who has 11 years in his position. Then Lin Backstrom’s life took a new turn, as she makes plans to move out of the area.
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Spring 2012 ~ Number 56 This is a quarterly publication of Northwest Minnesota Foundation
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary Purath Chair Red Lake Falls Bob Hager Vice-Chair Roseau Laurie Wilson Secretary Crookston Judy Roy Treasurer Redby Tom Anderson Director Clearbrook Faye Auchenpaugh Director Thief River Falls Eric Bergeson Director Fertile Pete Haddeland Director Mahnomen Jody Horntvedt Director Baudette Jon Linnell Director Warren Leah Pigatti Director Park Rapids Jon Quistgaard Director Bemidji
Staff Changes to NMF (Continued from page 1)
ize the importance of retaining our institutional history, while we welcome fresh ideas and energy.” What follows is a fascinating historical look and insight into what these four long-term staff members see that might lie ahead for our richly diverse region, from each of their perspectives. 1. What were the greatest challenges in your program area when you started your position? Jane: The uniqueness of the various non-
profits including staff, boards, employees and missions. Bringing workshops that could benefit the greatest concerns and not taking up unnecessary time. Organizations in this region must run effectively and efficiently and a day away for development must result in some greater understanding that can be implemented immediately. Jim: One of the biggest challenges for me, personally, was to shift from a direct-service focus to a build-the-region perspective. Also, NMF was just going through a strategic planning process that resulted in new priorities, which added to the complexity of our grant programs. Although NMF is a small organization, staff-wise, its programs and reach are huge, and take time to understand thoroughly.
The Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative was brand new, with no more than some broad ideas and guidelines for implementation. There was so much to learn about each community’s uniqueness; how systems worked and who our early childhood leaders would be. Each day and hour brought questions I really couldn’t answer, as there were policies and procedures yet to be developed. But – we figured it out as we went along, with the needs of young children and their communities in mind.
Lin:
Raising public awareness of the role a community foundation could play in the region. The focus of a community foundation is to assist in retaining assets (permanently) for the ever changing issues affecting the region or sub region. This was the greatest challenge because the generous people of Northwest Minnesota were more accustomed to giving for projects today and not used to considering issues that will arise five, ten or twenty years from now.
Ritchie:
2. What regional issues did you hope to address?
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I was always focused on NMF’s goal to build capacity and was fortunate to be able to be creative in how that looked.
Jane:
I came to the Foundation with experience and training in a wide variety of disciplines, including natural resources, environmental health and affordable housing. Affordable housing was a hot topic when I joined the Foundation’s team, but gradually diminished when the region’s economy faltered. However, interest in natural resources issues has grown rapidly, and NMF has been able to provide a supportive role in responding to the various issues, such as invasive species problems, as they emerge.
Jim:
Lin: The ECI was founded on the idea that communities will thrive if young children and their families thrive. The goal is that each child in the region will reach kindergarten fully prepared for success. We wanted the needs of young children to be recognized and met by their communities. All of society benefits when young children get a great start in life. Ritchie: Retention of valuable assets in the region. Keeping resources working in the region and building a stronger culture of philanthropy to address changing issues and needs was and is the NMF community foundation goal. 3. What do you consider to be your proudest accomplishments? Jane: Actually, I have given this a great
deal of thought as I have heard so many “thank yous” from a great number of accomplished people that I totally respect. I realize that in this position my proudest accomplishment has been to learn to trust myself and to trust others. It has taken us all a joyful and collaborative journey.
Jim: As a Program Officer for Grants, I’ve attempted to apply the principles of stewardship to all of my decisions and recommendations, and have shared that philosophy with our many partner organizations over the years. Perhaps the most successful effort was establishing a strong network with lake and river groups, forestry, and other natural resource professionals. Certainly, NMF’s emphasis on long-term, regional stewardship has been incorporated into the work that many of these groups do on a local basis.
I am very proud of all that has been accomplished in our region regarding
Lin:
Northwest Minnesota Foundation
raising awareness of the importance of the early years in a child’s life. We have 12 ECI coalitions and a Thrive Initiative team that are actively implementing projects to address the needs of young children and their caregivers, raising funds for their work and passionately committed to the cause. I believe we have made our little corner of world a better place through our efforts. Ritchie: Growing the foundation by establishing 300+ funds, with $17 million in assets, and significant growth in NMF’s own discretionary endowment represent the impact. Leading NMF to meeting National Standards recognition as an organization was the indicator that we are in position to succeed as a regional community foundation forever. 4. What challenges and opportunities does your successor have in picking up where you left off? Jane: I have been very clear that Dawn
(Ganje, the NMF program officer-training) is not picking up where I left off. She has a passion for the region and her work. Dawn’s talent, intelligence and competence will guide her own journey to benefit the Foundation and the region. Jim: Perhaps the most difficult challenge will be in establishing and building trusting relationships with NMF’s many partners throughout the region and beyond. NMF’s programs and priorities will change over the years, but our success as a regional, community foundation will continue to lie in our ability to connect with our local partners, and help them make a difference in their own communities.
The opportunities in early childhood work are endless and diverse – so are the challenges. There is rarely if ever enough time or money to address all the issues. A new staff person will have the benefit of what has been built in each community and will bring new insights to ECI coalitions. Our ECI community coordinators are talented, motivated and committed, making this job easier and even more rewarding.
Lin:
Ritchie: A solid base program. Trust within
the region. The greatest challenge will be to continue to balance the role of a regional community foundation, the “needs” and capacity of NMF, and the individual focus of the component/community funds. NMF is a strong partner and resource in the region.
IDEA Competition Celebrates 2012 Winners at Awards Banquet The spirit of innovation was celebrated at the fourth annual IDEA Competition Awards Banquet, held April 25 in Bemidji. From the opening comments by emcee Michelle Landsverk, to the encouraging keynote by James Burgum, on through the recollections of Jake Marvin and the remarks of Competition winners, words like “courage,” “passion” and “persistence” were used to describe the essential components of entrepreneurial success. The banquet was the culmination of several months of activity by a group of bold entrepreneurs whose good ideas developed into action plans for successful business ventures. Of the seven finalists, five winners were selected. The 2012 winners are: Jay Fisher and James Marvin, Warroad, Eleven Hockey; Mark Landes and Jennifer DeBarr, Bemidji, for Shield Snip; William and Julia Stephani, Puposky, for Slot Rail Fence; Brady and Jodi Dyrdahl, Shevlin for The Sidekick; and Jeff and Dan Sullivan, Bemidji, for Varimax Evaporator. The runners-up are: Don and Sandra Buerkley, Park Rapids, for America Log Maker; and Tim and Adam Wagner, Fisher, for Wagner Malting and Brewing. In his keynote address, James Burgum, entrepreneur and co-founder of Arthur
James Burgum
IDEA Competition Winners (left to right):James Marvin and Jay Fisher of 11 Hockey; William and Julia Stephani with the Slot Rail Fence; Brady and Jodi Dyrdahl with the Sidekick; Dave Cermack, Jennifer DeBarr and Mark Landes with the Shield Snip; Jamey Noel, Jeff and Dan Sullivan with the Varimax Evaporator.
Ventures Growth Fund, emphasized the important role entrepreneurship plays in growing the economy, citing his uncle Doug Burgum as an example. Doug grew up in Arthur, North Dakota (from which the fund derives its name) population 337 and went on to lead the growth of the Great Plains software company, earning it a place in FORTUNE magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” four times. The 2012 IDEA Hall of Fame award was presented posthumously to William S. “Bill” Marvin in honor of his
Corey Westrum
contributions to the region through the family’s business, Marvin Windows and Doors in Warroad. The award was accepted by his son, Jake Marvin, CEO and Chairman of the Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company. In his comments, Jake noted the leadership skill and vision that his father brought to the company, emphasizing the family values and integrity that were at the center of all he did. Another highlight of the evening was an update from Corey Westrum on the Insect Inferno, one of the 2010 IDEA (Continued on page 4)
Jake Marvin
Developing Community Assets - Serving 12 Counties
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Setterholm Shares the Magic of Books Local farmer directs $2,500 through America’s Farmers Grow Communities Books have the power to transport the reader to unknown lands, share a range of experiences, describe emotions and even teach lessons. The Marshall County Early Childhood Initiative understands that an appreciation for books starts at a young age and its director was thrilled to learn the initiative was chosen to receive a $2,500 donation from a local farmer through America’s Farmers Grow Communities. Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organizations. Glen Setterholm was the winning farmer in Marshall County. Because his wife, Sheree, is the co-coordinator of the initiative, he recognized the importance of the program and chose to direct the $2,500 to its book program. “I believe that reading is very important to young kids and gets them excited about learning,” said Glen Setterholm. The Marshall County Early Child-
Awards Banquet
Left to right: Sheree Setterholm, Marshall County ECI co-coordinator, with grandson Parker Setterholm; Jarod Liedberg, Monsanto Representative; and Glenn Setterholm, Farmer, G & G Farms
hood Initiative will use the $2,500 to purchase books for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides monthly books to children five years old and younger. “Farmers are the ‘bread and butter’ of our communities and I appreciate that they also recognize how important early childhood is to the future of our communities and are helping by mak-
ing donations that support our initiatives projects,” said Sheree Setterholm. Grow Communities is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to invest in farm communities such as Marshall County. It aims to highlight the important contributions farmers such as Setterholm make every day to our society.
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Competition winners. Since the 2010 award, the company has achieved commercial success, and will soon be featured on the nationally-syndicated television show “I Gotta Have That.” Westrum is one of several past IDEA Competition winners who have achieved product commercialization. In fact, since the competition began four years ago, 18 high-potential innovations have been identified, funded and assisted; 30 jobs have been created or retained; 50 more jobs are projected to be created; and combined sales revenues are well over $4 million. The Marvin family at the banquet
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Northwest Minnesota Foundation
Grants
HRDC Leadership Fund HRDC Successful Communities Challenge Fund (3) ...............................................$11,500 Lake of the Woods Early Childhood Initiative Fund.............................$1,000
Grants totaling $188,728 were awarded from February – April 2012 Community Planning Total: $11,500 Community Development City of Mahnomen...............................................$8,000 For Mahnomen Downtown Revitalization Strategy
Economic & Community Development Headwaters Regional Development ...................$3,500 For Northwest Minnesota Labor Force Survey Planning Phase
Natural Resources Total:......... $33,868 Promotion & Preservation Northwest Research and Outreach Center........$21,868
For Assessment of Cattail cover in Northwest Minnesota
LifeCare Health Care Fund LifeCare Greenbush Manor Fund............................$10,240 Marshall County Early Childhood Initiative Fund (2).......................$3,000 Ole and Ruth Tweet Family Fund (5)......................$2,500 Park Rapids Area Community Fund Park Rapids M State Fund........................................$5,251 Park Rapids Early Childhood Initiative Fund............$450 Park Rapids Revolving Loan Fund........................$10,000
and Potential for Bioenergy Harvest and Wetland
Roseau Area Community Fund...............................$9,639
Warroad River Watershed..................................$12,000 For Warroad River Sediment Source Assessment
Tonia Johannsen Memorial Fund...............................$122
Training Total: .............................. $400
Warroad Area Community Fund Warroad Senior Living Center Fund...........................$7,500
STAR Teams schools receive funding for projects – Kelliher, Lake of the Woods, Warroad, Waubun
Scholarship Fund Total:............. $39,625
Component funds are established with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for a specific purpose. A donor or group of donors helps to build a permanent endowment from which interest earnings are used to fund projects, programs or activities and/or scholarships that support the mission of the fund. A local fund advisory committee recommends distributions based on specific purposes and criteria. The NMF board, for purposes of IRS regulation, approves the advisory recommendations for grants, but the component funds are the source of the grant dollars.
Component Fund Total: $102,884 Backstrom Family Charitable Fund .......................$2,500 Bagley Early Childhood Initiative Fund....................$200 Beltrami County Historical Society Fund...............$1,000 Clearbrook-Gonvick Early Childhood Initiative Fund ...............................$500 Clearwater Health Care Fund....................................$135 Clearwater County Emergency Services Fund............$11,961 Clearwater Hospice Fund.........................................$4,000 Courage Center Programs and Camps Fund.........$10,000 Crookston Early Childhood Initiative Fund (3).....$1,839 Fertile Area Armed Forces Veterans Fund................$7,998 Fertile-Beltrami Early Childhood Initiative Fund (2).......................$1,050 Fosston Area Community Fund.................................$500
Bagley Education Endowment and Project Fund Bagley General Scholarship Fund (4 ).........................$2,700 Bemidji Jaycees Education and Scholarship Fund (2)......................$1,000 Earle and Mariann Dickinson Family Education Fund..............................................$500 Bemidji Lumberjack Foundation Fund Buck Robbins Scholarship Fund...................................$150 General Scholarship Fund (5)....................................$2,750 Heidi Bitzer McClure Memorial Scholarship...............$1,000 K.E. “Red” and Ruth Shannon Wilson..........................$500 George Pelawa-Calgary Flames Education Fund...........$1,000 Ray F. Breen Scholarship (2)......................................$3,000
Blackduck Area Community Fund Academic and Character Scholarship Fund.....................$250 Bronko Nagurski Education Fund..........................$1,000 Clearbrook-Gonvick Education Fund Mary Jo Klinger Scholarship Fund.............................$1,000 Olga Peterson Scholarship Fund................................$1,500 East Polk County Fair Scholarship Fund ..................$750 Fosston Area Community Fund Dean and Joyce McNelly Family Vocational Scholarship Fund..............................$750 Jim Miller Memorial Math Scholarship Fund..................$400 Greenbush Area Community Fund Keith and Ellen Kapphahn Family Scholarship Fund.......................................................$300
Developing Community Assets - Serving 12 Counties
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Business Finance Program Supports Baudette Depot Preservation
Exterior of renovated building
An Alliance formed in the Baudette area has successfully preserved an historic railroad depot building, which will benefit the arts community and serve as a historic display. The mission is to create a center dedicated to the cultivation of human inspiration through art, history and culture. David West, the senior program officer responsible for the NMF Business Finance Program, has been working with the Depot Preservation Alliance in Baudette since 2009. Joanne Kellner is the driving force behind the acquisition of over $600,000 in grant dollars from a variety of sources that has helped make it possible to preserve the Depot and make its reuse become a reality. The NMF loan will be used as a bridge to complete the purchase of furnishings and landscaping, while awaiting funds from the USDA and donors. West said the loan committee didn’t hesitate a minute in their decision. “This is a key part of preserving Baudette’s heritage and Baudette area residents can be very proud of the efforts. The community is excited about having the Depot remain as a landmark.” The Baudette Depot, built by the Canadian National Railways in 1923, replaced two earlier depots, both lost to fire.
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Northwest Minnesota Foundation
The Baudette Depot was a living, breathing entity. It was a place of constant movement, a place of joyous reunion and sad goodbyes, and a place alive with stories. The Depot was abandoned by the Canadian National Railways in the mid-1980s. It sat empty and abandoned for over 20 years. In 1997, the Depot Preservation Alliance organized to preserve and adapt it for reuse. The group purchased the Depot from the CN for one dollar.
The Depot stands on land leased from CN, and listing on the National Register of Historic Places was accomplished in August 2005. Structural stabilization, weatherization and installation of a heating system were accomplished over the years. In 2007, a funding campaign was launched. On October 22, 2011 a celebration of the restoration and grand re-opening of the Baudette Train Depot was held. The Depot houses the Historic Transportation and Settlement Exhibit as a key element. It provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the essential role the depot had in Baudette’s settlement, and the role the railroad played in the lives of early immigrants.
Mural added during the restoration
The former general lobby and freight rooms are the site of the Artisan’s Marketplace. It offers civic spaces that allow for the safe exploration of ideas and learning that have the potential to improve the quality of life for visitors.
Interior of refinished and refurbished rooms
Business Development Program Microloans
Business counseling and loans are available to help entrepreneurs develop small business and self-employment opportunities. Four loans were recently made totaling $78,505 Asphalt Preservation Co., Inc., Thief River Falls For working capital
Karlstad Services, LLC, Lake Bronson For renewal of a loan
Insect Inferno, Inc., Leonard For working capital
Lakeview Health & Wellness, PLLC, Bemidji Start-up for a new chiropractic business
Technical Assistance
Nine businesses from Warroad, Waubun, Thief River Falls, Park Rapids, Crookston, Leonard, and Bemidji received a total of $7,941in outside consulting for management and technical assistance.
Developing Community Assets - Serving 12 Counties
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Bemidji, MN 56601 Permit No. 36
4225 Technology Drive NW Bemidji, MN 56601
SNEAK PEEK at the artists renderings of the future home of NMF on 3rd and Beltrami, one block from Paul and Babe. This is soon to be home for our training center and meeting space, along with offices for all staff, including staff who work part of the week in their home towns, as well as room for expansion and numerous storage areas. The interior work will begin soon, with a target move-in date of November 2012. Stay tuned!
Facing South toward 3rd Street
Facing East toward Beltrami Avenue