2010 Resource Summit

Northwest Minnesota Foundation ~ Developing Community Assets ~ Serving 12 Counties WINTER 2010

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Number 51

2010 Regional Summit Join NMF on the Path to Leadership Empowerment – April 27 attendees will have an opportunity to visit with NMF board and staff, keynote speakers and panel participants.

More information including a complete agenda and online registration is available at www. nwmf.org. The fee for the event is $100. You may also call to register at 218-759-2057.

You won’t want to miss Internationally known polar this year’s regional summitexplorer Ann Bancroft will present Leadership GPS: Pathways for Great Leaders. This conference was an inspirational keynote – No Horizon is So Far, which will designed to shine the spotlight on underscore the leadership topic all the ways in which leadership as she describes how becoming a is developed, whether through leader helped to make her dreams people working within a group, a come true. community, a business team, or as Panelists representing leadership individuals. programs that are offered in the The Northwest Minnesota region will be led in discussion by Foundation is hosting the dayJim Krile, who recently authored the long event because we think that Community Leadership Handbook perhaps now more than ever, and is considered by many to be while our economy is recovering, the leading expert on the topic. leadership development should Our keynote speakers Andy be encouraged. Strong leadership builds capacity within organizations, Wells, president Wells Technology and Dr. Kathleen Annette, deputy helps businesses thrive, and increases nonprofit effectiveness, all director of field operations for of which help to improve the quality Indian Health Service, will share stories of how their leadership of place throughout the region. journeys have shaped them.

The summit will be held in They will inspire you to consider Bemidji at the Hungry Bear Banquet and Conference Center. It exploring new paths in leadership development. Kristine Paranica, begins at 9:00 am and concludes with a reception at 4:45 pm, where executive director of the University

of North Dakota Conflict Management Center, will discuss ways to remain a strong leader through times of conflict.

There will be opportunities for networking with our speakers, panelists and others attending the summit.

Leadership Panels include: • Malissa Bahr, Blandin Community Leadership Program and Reservation Community Leadership Program • Cliff Tweedale and Dave Hengel, Center for Community Stewardship • Jody Horntvedt, Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program • Jane McKelvy, NMF LeaderImpact Gain insight, learn how to enhance your skills and be inspired.

Please register today and join us on the path to great leadership!

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A Message from the President Nancy Vyskocil

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 Eric Bergeson Chair Fertile Mark Hewitt Vice-Chair Park Rapids Gary Purath Secretary Red Lake Falls Dean Johnson Treasurer Mahnomen

“The older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.” Andrew Carnegie We have all heard the old sayings “talk is cheap” and “actions speak louder than words.” I think Andrew Carnegie said is so well more than 100 years ago when talking about his view of leadership.

There are so many people leading by action in Northwest Minnesota. It’s a special treat to feature some extraordinary local leaders at our 2010 Regional Summit. Over the past few years I have gotten to know Andy Wells and I am honored to serve on the board for Wells Academy. Andy speaks softly and is a man of few words, but his actions speak volumes. He invests in his workforce, his community and his industry.

He is willing to share his knowledge and his values freely. Dr. Kathleen Annette is a strong role model for young women and Native Americans. She makes a difference in Northwest Minnesota while she helps to shape opinions and policy on a state and national level.

Another place in the region where I see leadership in action is with the Board of the

Northwest Minnesota Foundation. We have three dedicated board members finishing their service to the foundation this year. David Bergman, Terri Anderson and Dean Johnson have served for many years. All have been thoughtful board members, dedicated to helping the people of Northwest Minnesota. We thank them for the leadership they have shown to the Foundation and the region.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the leadership shown by my colleagues participating in Impact 20/20.

Leaders from throughout the region have been coming together for almost two years to work for the collective best Northwest Minnesota. The depth of knowledge and passion shown by this group is inspiring.

They find a way to squeeze more out of each day than seems possible.

I will leave you with one final thought: Harold Geneen said, “Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned.”

Are you learning today?

The Regional Economic Alliance has announced that it will begin to operate under a new name: IMPACT 20/20.

Development (DEED) and ongoing support from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

Terri Anderson Ogema Roger Malm Hallock Kim Wilson Fosston Robert Hager Greenbush Laurie Wilson Crookston Jody Horntvedt Baudette Judy Roy Redby

In order to enhance the competitiveness of Northwest Minnesota’s economy, IMPACT 20/20 has undertaken three initiatives: 1. Education – Increase high school and college graduation rates.

Although the name is new, the effort has been underway for some time already. It began in January 2. Workforce – Enhance the leadership skills of the of 2008 with grant funding from the Minnesota region’s first-line and mid-level managers.

Department of Employment and Economic 3. Infrastructure – Support installation of high-speed internet access throughout the region.

IMPACT 20/20 is an influential group of Northwest Minnesota leaders representing diverse interests and working together for the region’s economic success.

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2010 Regional Summit

grow the company beyond 14 employees.

He worked with the Fastenal Company to develop an SBA approved mentor-protégé agreement, which led to expanding the business to 32 employees. Leading his company into major contracts for industrial supplies, he has been able to serve major corporations such as Coca-Cola, Tropicana, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Kraft Foods.

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Ann Bancroft

Ann Bancroft is one of the world’s preeminent polar explorers and an internationally recognized leader who is dedicated to inspiring women and girls around the world to unleash the power of their dreams. Through her various roles as an explorer, educator, sought-after speaker and philanthropist, Ann believes that by sharing stories related to her dreams of outdoor adventure, she can help inspire a global audience to pursue their individual dreams.

Ann’s teamwork and leadership skills have undergone severe tests during her polar expeditions and provided her with opportunities to shatter female stereotypes. The tenacity and courage that define her character have earned Ann worldwide recognition as one of today’s most influential role models for women and girls.

She has been named among Glamour magazine’s “Women of the Year” (2001); featured in the book Remarkable Women of the Twentieth Century (1998); inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame (1995); named Ms. magazine’s “Woman of the Year” (1987); and honored with numerous other awards for her accomplishments.

Dr. Kathleen Annette

Dr. Kathleen Annette is a member of the White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians.

She grew up on the Red Lake Indian Reservation and graduated from Red Lake High School. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota, pioneering the way for Indian women by becoming the first female Ojibwe Indian physician.

She is currently the Deputy Director of Field Operations for Indian Health Service (IHS). In this position, Dr. Annette oversees all 12 IHS Area offices. She also provides operational and management information and expertise for the formulation of policies, goals, and operational strategies in program and resource allocations that impact on the IHS. Kathy stated that she has been blessed to be able to take leadership roles locally, statewide, and nationally in Indian health issues; making a difference for Indian youths that she mentored, always advocating education and commitment to Indian people.

Kristine Paranica

Andy Wells

Kristine Paranica, J.D., Director of the UND Conflict Resolution Center provides mediation, facilitation and training for CRC clients. She also serves as Adjunct Professor of Law in Alternative Dispute Resolution at UND. She is an Associate Member of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation, an Advanced Practitioner Member of the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR), and also serves on the ND Joint Committee on ADR. n

Leadership has always been a part of life for Andy Wells who is from the Red Lake Indian Reservation.

Leadership began early for Andy as family and neighbors taught him important values such as humility, integrity, vision, and respect. By the age of 45, Andy was ready for the challenge of leading a business. Wells Technology began in 1989 with an investment of $1,300.

Each year business grew, but by 2004, Andy realized he needed management training to 3

Strong leadership builds capacity within organizations, helps businesses thrive, and increases nonprofit effectiveness.

Remembering Jessie Baer

Jessie and Bill were active members and leaders in the community.

Their love for Bemidji and desire for its success were two of the great values they left us.

In 1996, Jessie and Bill established a charitable remainder annuity trust as part of their estate plan. The trust allowed Jessie and Bill to provide future funding for nonprofits while receiving lifetime personal benefits.

With Jessie’s passing, the trust terminated and the remainder of the trust was distributed to NMF to provide funds for the Baer Family Fund. As an endowed fund, it will provide annual support for North Country Health Services Foundation, Bemidji State University Foundation, the Bemidji Area Public Library Foundation and community development projects, administered by NMF. NMF was pleased to honor Jessie and Bill’s generosity during their lifetimes. In 1997 they received the Circle of Vision Award, which recognizes lifetime gifts to NMF or its component funds in excess of $100,000.

Jessie and Bill are greatly missed, but their community legacy will live on through their generosity. n

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation family was saddened last December with the passing of long-time Bemidji resident Jessie Baer. NMF staff joined the Baer Family and the whole community in celebrating Jessie’s life and her impact on the community.

Beginning with her days on a ranch in Wyoming, to working in the shipyards of Oakland, CA, during WWII (where she met and wed Bill Baer), and building their life together in Bemidji, Jessie and Bill were active members and leaders in the community. Their love for Bemidji and desire for its success were two of the great values they left us. Today, Jessie and Bill’s family members uphold their legacy of personal and business interests.

IDEA Competition Awards Banquet May 5, 5:00-8:30 Beaux Arts Ballroom, Bemidji State University Pre-Registration required.

Registration information at www.ideacompetition.org Keynote Speaker: Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President - SPIKE TV Bemidji native Jon Slusser launched GameTrailers in 2003, a broadband video site dedicated to video game entertainment and information. In 2005, he sold GameTrailers to MTV Networks.

Pictured above: the IceHogger, one of four 2009 Winners

Jon is now Senior Vice President for SPIKE TV, in the Digital Media Division of MTVN Entertainment Group. Jon joined the MTV team when MTV Networks acquired GameTrailers in 2005.

Agenda: • Social hour, networking, exhibits • Innovators of Tomorrow presentations • Banquet • IDEA Hall of Fame Award • Keynote address by Jon Slusser • 2010 IDEA Competition Awards

Join us as we celebrate the innovation and the innovators of Northwest Minnesota!

Additional Partners: Bemidji State University, Enterprise Minnesota, Headwaters Regional Development Commission, Northland Community & Technical College, Positively Minnesota, Northwest Regional Development Commission, and InnovateND

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Connect ↔ Inspire ↔ Transform Your Human Services Organization The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is offering a series of workshops for administrators and board members of nonprofit and faith-based organizations. The purposes are: to strengthen the foundation of your organization, achieve your mission more effectively, make your organization more visible to funders, develop and manage your organization’s human resources, and understand your organization’s current financial health.

Classes are available to grassroots, faith-based and nonprofit governing boards and administrators. Technical assistance (TA) will be available to reinforce new knowledge and skills learned. The first workshops begin in April and cover the topics of human resources, finances and organizational sustainability. Additionally, a train-theconsultant class will be available for financial literacy.

Our facilitators will connect with participants and inspire them to transform perceived barriers into effective actions.

• Jacqueline J. Hill, SPHR brings more than two decades of experience as a leader in human resource management to her consulting practice. She received the award for Excellence in Human Resources from the Twin Cities Human Resources Association.

• Peter Farstad, MBA, serves as chief Administrative Officer of LifeSource-Upper Midwest Organ Procurement Organization. One of the many other ways he serves the nonprofits in the region is as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Nonprofit Management, University of St. Thomas.

• Tina Eischens is the Executive Director of the Human Achievement and Performance Academy (HAPA), a provider of financial counseling and life skills services. HAPA has provided financial counseling services to more than 400 adults.

Strengthening Organizations

fiduciary responsibility to their organization and to themselves.

Participants will know what information, in what format to request, and learn how it affects the organization and their decision- making for the organization. (Farstad)

Succession Planning: Finding Your Next Administrator – for board members, executive directors wanting to develop a succession plan for their organization. (Hill) • Crookston, UMC / April 13, 2010 / 3:00 – 6:00 pm • Bemidji, Beltrami Electric / June 10, 2010 / 3:00 – 6:00 pm

• Crookston, UMC / April 22, 2010 / 6:30 – 9:00 pm • Bemidji, Beltrami Electric / May 27, 2010 / 6:30 – 9:00 pm

Answers to Your Human Resources Questions - for nonprofit and faith-based administrators who want to learn what’s new in employment law, rules and best practices, or seeking guidance in developing policy and procedure manuals. Upon registration, you will be asked to provide your questions, which will be answered prior to class.

(Hill, face-to-face TA is available by appointment in the afternoon of each class or by individual teleconference through June 30, 2010)

Strengthening Communities Financial Literacy Train-the-Consultant - for anyone who has the desire to acquire the knowledge and tools to be able to counsel others into a more financially stable experience. This may include those who assist others professionally or would like to offer these services through their church or community organizations. Participants will have a better understanding of: the typical financial barriers faced by clients, where to begin when helping clients with basic financial issues, tools and tips that will assist their clients in improving their financial situations.

• Crookston, Mount St. Benedict / April 14, 2010 / 8:30 am – noon • Bemidji, Beltrami Electric / April 15, 2010 / 8:30 am – noon

• Bemidji, Beltrami Electric / April 22, 2010 / 9:00 – 4:00 pm • Badger, NW Community Action / May 4, 2010 / 9:00 – 4:00 pm • Crookston, Mount St. Benedict / May 5, 2010 / 9:00 – 4:00 pm • Mahnomen, Shooting Star Casino / May 17, 2010 / 9:00 – 4:00 pm

Evaluating Your Executive Director - for board members, executive directors and council chairs who want to develop a process designed to effectively evaluate an administrator. (Hill) • Bemidji, Beltrami Electric / June 11, 2010 / 9:00 am – noon

Finance Boot Camp+ - for nonprofit and faith-based administrators who want to develop the skills to produce an accurate monthly accounting of the organization’s financial standing. Participants will master financial terminology, financial analysis, and understanding the mission-based organizational budget. (Farstad, TA available)

LeaderImpact: Scholarships are available through the Compassion Capital Fund award for the June 2, 2010 session.

All sessions are $5.00 each; pre-registration is required by one week prior to the class. The registration form is available online to download and print at www.nwmf.org. For further information, contact Jane McKelvy at janem@nwmf.org or (218)759-2057. All training and technical assistance is made possible through the Compassion Capital Fund Grant awarded to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. n

• Crookston, UMC / April 22, 2010 / 9:00 – 4:00 pm • Bemidji, Beltrami Electric / May 27, 2010 / 9:00 – 4:00 pm

Finance Boot Camp - for nonprofit board members and faith-based council members who want to understand their

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The next LeaderImpact session begins in June.

Register by April 15. Forms are available online at www. nwmf.org.

Call NMF for scholarship information.

Grants Grants totaling $498,886 were made from September 2009 – February 2010 Caring Communities Total: $112,548 Children, Family & Elderly Component funds use interest earnings from their endowments to fund projects, programs, or for scholarships, all supporting the mission of the fund.

Clear Waters Life Center.......................... $22,588 For Grow It Red Lake Nation Boys & Girls Club......... $24,960 For Red Lake Boys & Girls Club Teen Educational Challenge Villa St Vincent.......................................... $5,000 For Senior Student Surf Connection

Emergency Assistance Fund

Awarded for flood relief and/or crisis needs of low-income families and individuals Bi-County CAP, Inc.................................... $19,200 Inter-County Community Council................... $12,700 Mahube Community Council, Inc..................... $8,300 Northwest Community Action, Inc.................... $7,400 Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc................. $12,400

Community Connections Total: $45,000 Northwoods Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers................................ $20,000 For NICE At Home Peacemaker Resources............................. $25,000 For Bemidji area prevention collaboration creation and development

Community Planning Total: $11,250 Community Development

City of Mahnomen.................................... $11,250 For City of Mahnomen codification

Natural Resources Total: $5,886 Promotion & Preservation

Grace Lake Charitable Fund....................... $5,886 For Saving Grace

Training Total: $2,861 STAR

Bemidji, Kelliher, Laporte, Naytahwaush, Northome, Red Lake County, Schoolcraft, St. Joseph’s, Waubun and Nevis schools received a total of $1,600 in grants for follow-up projects.

Organizational Effectiveness

Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area received a grant for staff training and Northwest Technical College Foundation received two grants for fund development planning sessions, totaling $1,761.

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 earning are used to fund projects, programs or activities and/or scholarships that support the mission of the fund. A local fund advisory committee recommends distribution s 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: $257,141 Bagley Early Childhood Initiative Fund (7 grants) .................................................. $7,337 For Building Language Together program; Ready to Read; library programs; indoor play space; holiday projects and expenses.

Beltrami County Historical Society Fund...... $600

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Clearbrook-Gonvick Early Childhood Initiative Fund.................. $1,550 For toddler open gym Crookston Area Community Fund Childhood Initiative Fund ......................... $2,200 Clearwater Health Care Fund .................... $2,700 Clearwater County Emergency Services Fund..... $147 Clearwater Hospice Fund.................................$5,300 Crookston Early Childhood Crookston Arena Fund............................ $100,000 Fosston Area Community Fund Fosston Education Foundation Endowment and Project Fund......................... $212 Fourth & Robbins Fund (4 grants) ............. $4,000 To Hope House; North Country Hospice; Northern Dental Access Center; Rice Health Foundation Hopes, Dreams and Smiles Fund.............. $12,000 For youth to attend Kick’n Up Kountry Festival HRDC Leadership Fund HRDC Successful Communities Challenge Fund (2 grants) .......................... $8,600 For youth to attend Kick’n Up Kountry Festival Lake of the Woods Area Industrial Development Fund LOW- Industrial Development Education Fund.. $500 Lake of the Woods Early Childhood Initiative Fund (6 grants) ........................... $4,000 For summer youth program; post-partum depression awareness; Kid’s Night Out; library program; BINGO; community pool supplies Laporte Education Endowment and Project Fund Tonia Johannsen Memorial Fund........................ $135 LifeCare Health Care Fund Eagles Auxiliary Diabetes & Dialysis Fund...... $1,900 LifeCare Health Care Fund (3 grants) ........... $2,081 LifeCare Hospice Fund............................... $5,000 LifeCare Roseau Manor Fund....................... $1,292 Maggie Adams Medical Equipment Fund (2 grants) ...................................... $11,560 Think Pink Breast Cancer Fund (2 grants) ..... $2,356 Norman County East Early Childhood Initiative Fund (3 grants)........................................... $1,400 Norman County East Early Childhood Initiative Fund Park Rapids Area Community Fund Hewitt Family Charitable Fund................... $15,000 Park Rapids Downtown Fund..................... $15,000 For Downtown Revitalization Façade Design Improvements Park Rapids Early Childhood Initiative Fund (2 grants) ................................................. $1,000 Red Lake Falls Education Endowment and Project Fund Kyle A. Myhre Memorial Community Grant Fund...$4,436 For computer equipment for J.A. Hughes Elementary School Roseau County Historical Society Endowment Fund....................................... $7,468 For operations Ruth Edevold Endowment for Excellence Ruth Edevold Awards for Excellence (2 grants)... $2,000 Stephen Area Endowment Fund Stephen Curling Fund................................. $7,500 For capital improvements to the curling rink Thief River Falls Early Childhood Initiative Fund... $869

Luther Younggren Memorial Scholarship Fund (2)...................................................... $1,800 Mahnomen Education Endowment and Project Fund General Ike Isaacson and Major Bruce Isaacson Scholarship Fund............ $500 Mahnomen Education Endowment and Project Fund (2)...................................... $450 Night Riders Sno-Club Scholarship Fund (2)...... $450 Major Robert Olson Fund........................... $1,000 Merle and Mildred Rundell Education Fund... $500 Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund Northwest Minnesota Women’s Scholarship Fund... $300 University of Minnesota Crookston Women’s Scholarship Fund............................. $300 Red Lake Falls Education Endowment & Project Fund Kris Fontaine Memorial Scholarship Fund (7)... $3,500 Kyle A. Myhre Memorial Fund (6)................. $2,400 Lester Norris Dale, MD Scholarship Fund.......... $400 Roseau Area Community Fund Joseph Schneider Scholarship Fund................. $125 Malung PTO Scholarship Fund (4)................ $1,000 Marian Foley Memorial Fund (4)................... $4,000 Marvin LaRue Memorial Fund......................... $500 Roseau Lions Club Scholarship Fund (3)........... $750 Wannaska PTO Scholarship Fund (3)............... $750 Troy Nelson Memorial “Character” Scholarship Fund.......................................... $150 Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Education Foundation Fund Lyle H Engelstad Scholarship Fund (3).......... $3,000 Myron and Margaret Carlson Education Scholarship Fund.......................................... $400 Warroad Area Community Fund Bruce and Ellen Atwater Education Fund (2)..... $800 Edward and Agnes Brandli Scholarship Fund..... $250 Gaylord A. Gunderson Education and Scholarship Fund (4)............................ $4,000 Jennifer Grove Memorial Scholarship Fund (2)... $600 Justin Knebel Memorial Fund.......................... $400 Lee Hafdahl Memorial Scholarship Fund............. $75 Warroad Education Endowment and Project Fund (2)................................... $1,000 Warroad Farmer’s Union Oil Company Scholarship Fund.......................................... $500

Wee Care Children’s Center........................... $345 Wells Academy Fund................................ $25,000 For training and capacity building project expenses Wetlands Pines & Prairie Audubon Sanctuary Endowment and Project Fund........................ $15,000 For operation of the Audubon Sanctuary

Scholarship Funds Total: $64,200

Bagley Education Endowment and Project Fund Bagley General Scholarship Fund (6)............ $4,000 Bemidji Area Community Fund Bemidji Jaycees Education and Scholarship Fund (2).................................. $1,000 Bemidji Lumberjack Foundation Fund Buck Robbins Scholarship Fund...................... $150 Bun & Alvera Fortier Scholarship Fund............. $500 Des Sagedahl Scholarship Fund....................... $500 General Scholarship Fund (9)....................... $5,250 Heidi Bitzer McClure Memorial Scholarship.... $1,000 K.E. “Red” Wilson Athletic Fund (2).............. $1,000 Pat Campbell String Fund............................... $300 John F. Breen Scholarship Fund (4)............... $3,000 Ray F. Breen Scholarship (8)........................ $6,000 Clearbrook-Gonvick Education Endowment & Project Fund Olga Peterson Scholarship Fund................... $1,500 East Polk County Fair Scholarship Fund (2)... $1,500 Fosston Area Community Fund Fosston Livestock Shipping Association Scholarship Fund................................................. $150 Jim Miller Memorial Math Scholarship Fund........ $400 Terry Stout Memorial Scholarship Fund............$1,000 Vikan Scholarship Fund....................................... $300 Keith and Ellen Kapphahn Family Scholarship Fund (3)..................................... $750 Laporte Education Endowment and Project Fund (4)................................... $1,750 Laporte-Benedict VFW Scholarship Fund.......... $250 Tonia Johannsen Memorial Fund..................... $500 Laural Capistran Murphy Scholarship Fund... $500 Leonard J. Kucera Memorial Scholarship Fund (4)...................................................... $3,000

Business Development Activity Business Loans

Six loans were recently made from the Revolving Loan Fund totaling $661,000 Northland Kilns, Inc., Bagley For development and construction of a Sterilizing Wood Kiln Lakewood Energy, LLC, Baudette For a feasibility study to determine the viability of a biomass energy production facility EXB Solutions, Inc., Bemidji Operating line of credit for working capital Creepy Crawler Industries, Baudette To develop the business of growing and selling live bait Larson Parts & Repair, Inc., Bejou For building expansion to accommodate business growth Cornerstone Residence of Bagley, Inc., Bagley Capital for a new assisted living facility 7

Microloans

Business counseling and loans are available to help entrepreneurs develop small business and self-employment opportunities.

Four loans were recently made totaling $137,500 Bonded Lock of Bemidji, Inc., Bemidji For purchase of an existing business IceHogger, Inc., Bagley To support business growth and expansion Fine Needle Quilting, Roseau For purchase of an existing business Elkhorn Outfitters Northland Adventure, Waubun To support business growth and expansion

Technical Assistance Sixteen businesses from Bagley, Laporte, Thief River Falls, Baudette, Ada, Waubun, Park Rapids, Crookston, East Grand Forks, Waskish, and Bemidji received a total of $23,086 in outside consulting for management and technical assistance.

NMF Business Development Programs are supported

by DEED, USDA Rural Development and the Small Business Administration.

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Bemidji, MN 56601 Permit No. 36

4225 Technology Drive NW Bemidji, MN 56601 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Contact us: 218-759-2057 • 800-659-7859 • nwmf@nwmf.org

Keep up with all that’s happening at www.nwmf.org As shown in this edition of RESOURCE, there are a variety of events and workshops taking place in the next few months. Information is regularly updated on the NMF website and is your best source for new happenings, details and any changes.

working to use e-mail more and more to save time, resources and considerable expense. Our mailing list continues to grow, which means that we increase our carbon footprint at the same rate…it just won’t be sensible to print and mail such a large quantity going forward.

The Internet provides us with the advantage of immediate and efficient ways to get information out to our friends and partners. The foundation, like the world at large, depends more and more on electronic means for communication and finding information.

We want you to stay connected as we continue on the path to using webbased platforms to keep you informed.

For this reason, we encourage you to e-mail lindel@nwmf.org at your earliest convenience with the message “Add me to your list!” in the subject line.

The RESOURCE will continue to be mailed in the near future, but we are

Let’s stay connected! Thank you.