Northwest Minnesota Foundation ~ Developing Community Assets ~ Serving 12 Counties WINTER 2008
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Number 45
Nancy Vyskocil Named President of NMF The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) board of directors has named Nancy Vyskocil as its next president. On January 2, Vyskocil began her duties as the third president since NMF was established in 1986 to help vitalize northwest Minnesota communities. “On behalf of the board, we are very pleased that Nancy has been selected as our next president,” said Board Chair Eric Bergeson. “Nancy is committed to the region, has strong roots in the northern Clearwater County area and has a passion for her work.” Vyskocil served since 2001 as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of the Lake Region Electric Cooperative, Pelican Rapids, MN, with over 25,000 members and $67 million in assets. Previously, she worked as the assistant controller and director of administration for Arvig Enterprises, Inc., a family of communication companies, and as the general manager of Royale Leasing, Inc., a human resource consulting and employee leasing firm, both located in Perham, MN. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University. According to Vyskocil, her new position with NMF is the culmination of the natural path her career has taken. First with finance and human resources in private business, then as CFO in a cooperative business model, her work involved leadership, relationshipbuilding, financial acumen and piloting organizations through phenomenal growth. Now, she brings her skills to the world of nonprofits and philanthropy, allowing her to give back to her home region through the skills she has acquired in the business world. (Continued on page 2)
Applicants Sought for First Session Do you have a desire for greater impact in the world? Are you seeking ways to be more fulfilled with the way things are in your life and work? The new NMF LeaderImpact© program may be just the solution for you. This program was born out of the foundation’s desire to create the best leadership program for the world and to enhance its vision of Quality of Place. The decision to change curriculum was driven by comments from participants in the long-standing NMF Leadership Development program, who said that its 4½ day schedule was too demanding. This was reflected in NMF having trouble filling the sessions. And even though the program was highly rated, the curriculum was dated back to 1986. To select a team for designing and delivery of the new program, proposals were requested from a variety of sources. NMF selected Distinctive LeaderOptions, with Dr. Okokon Udo as CEO, together with Northland Community and Technical College (NCTC) as the ultimate design team.
Pilot participants and trainers. (Continued on page 4)
A Message from the President Nancy Vyskocil Contributing this message to the Resource is a great opportunity to share a little bit about myself and my move back to northwest Minnesota. First of all, I am very glad to be here -- my roots run deep!
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 Anne Sand Vice Chair Bemidji Gary Purath Secretary Red Lake Falls Dean Johnson Treasurer Mahnomen Terri Anderson Ogema David Bergman Thief River Falls Mark Hewitt Park Rapids Roger Malm Hallock Kim Wilson Fosston Ann Beck Bagley Robert Hager Greenbush Laurie Wilson Crookston
Our family has lived in the region for five generations. I care deeply about the area, with relatives from Warroad to MacIntosh, to Gully and Leonard, to Bagley and Bemidji. I am looking forward to reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in years and meeting many new ones, including all the valued partners and supporters of the foundation. Another great opportunity is being able to participate in the pilot of the new NMF LeaderImpact© program. I have been in a leadership role all my life, from editor of the high school newspaper and class president, to my career as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, along with committee and board service. I learned a long time ago that you can never afford to quit learning and growing. While my great education at Bemidji State and North Dakota State Universities was extremely important and has served me very well, I know I must continue to expand myself and the LeaderImpact© program does just that. There are many ways that this training will benefit me personally and in my work life. Just a few of these include the chance to network with people I may not have otherwise met. The experiential learning method works to internalize information. Although I was sometimes pushed outside of my comfort zone, it was a way that encouraged and enabled growth. In addition, I am confident the foundation has found top level leaders for the program with Okokon Udo and DeAnna Murphy. The collaboration with Northland Community and Technical College is a wonderful idea and the Swenson House on campus is an amazing facility for the sessions--very conducive to building a community. If you are interested in seeking ways to fully understand yourself and others, communicate better, learn to develop people, and effectively respond to complex issues and challenges, I encourage you to apply for LeaderImpact©. I’m proud to have this as one of the great programs NMF provides as a way to help make the region a better place to live and work.
President Nancy Vyskocil
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She knows the challenges of life in the Northwest, along with the richness and strength our area offers. “I am excited about the opportunities that lay ahead with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation,” Vyskocil said. “Having grown up north of Clearbrook, with relatives still there and in the Bagley and Bemidji areas, I have seen many challenges first-hand that come along with living in rural northwest Minnesota. “Many opportunities are also present, one of which is the availability of postsecondary education institutions. I benefited greatly from the programs at Bemidji State University, which formed the springboard for my career,” Vyskocil said. “On a personal 2
level this is a wonderful opportunity for me to return to the area.” Bergeson says, “Nancy’s commitment to success and her management skills–clearly demonstrated by her leadership at Lake Region Electric—will be tremendous assets for the foundation and our region.” Vyskocil is taking over for John Ostrem, who announced his retirement mid- 2007. She said, “Thanks to the effective and thoughtful leadership of John and former president Ruth Edevold, the organization has a clear vision for what it wants to accomplish,” she said. “I look forward to being part of the team finding positive solutions for the region.”
Philanthropic Services
Great Reasons to Support Charity Through Your Business You’ve been meaning to give more to charity, but are filled with questions: How do I know my money is being used wisely? How can I give? Why should I give?
Structuring your business as a socially responsible company not only positions you in a favorable light in your community, it may entitle you to significant tax breaks. Doing good while building your profits is a win-win equation—plus your heart gets to feel great every day. Check out Keen Footwear for a good example of a socially responsible small business.
Problem solved! It’s easier than ever to give to your favorite causes, and below are some great reasons to get started: Love Thy Neighbor. In many ways, small businesses are simply better equipped to serve their communities. Unlike global companies, mom-and-pop businesses have their finger on the pulse of their neighborhoods. Small businesses reflect the culture, heart, and values of their unique communities—who better than you to support nonprofits that are important to your customers?
Have It Your Way. Embrace flexible giving options. There are more nonprofits than ever, they are all competing for your dollars, and most are willing to be flexible in working with you to determine an appropriate donation. In addition to cash, gifts of time (employee volunteers) or materials (donated printing services, stamps) are welcome, and many nonprofits have Wish Lists of materials posted right on their websites. As a bonus, your time or materials contributions may quality for a tax break; check with your accountant.
Uncle Sam Needs You. But, charities need you even more. Since 1983, government funding of nonprofits has plummeted from 60% to 30%. In addition, public funding of all types has decreased dramatically. Support arts and culture, education, the environment, or whatever your area of interest is through your generous contributions of money, time or materials.
Give a Little Bit. Giving any percentage of the proceeds from an event or sale—from 1% to 100%—is an easy and effective way to give to any nonprofit; or, you can join existing programs like 1% For the Planet. For do-ityourselfers, just collect the funds from your event and make a contribution to your favorite charity. Ideas include establishing a “charity day” for your business once a month/quarter/ year, or simply donating 1% from the sale of a specific product or service.
Transaction Nation. Charitable contributions are largely becoming transactional. And your business is transactional. See the connection? In 2005, nearly 77% of the $260 billion total nonprofit contributions received were from individual donors, and a full 50% of the $1 trillion in total nonprofit revenue was specifically from sales of products designed to raise funds (for example, Live Strong bracelets, which raised millions of dollars). Think of merchandise or other goods specific to your business that you could create or raise funds for your favorite do-gooders.
It’s a Small World. Think of your kids. And grandkids, nieces, nephews, and your neighbor’s kids for that matter. You and I are the stewards of their future; we are responsible for the quality of life for future generations. Do you really want your adult grandchildren looking at you 50 years from now asking why you didn’t help do anything?
The Buck Stops Here. Today, it’s easy to ensure your contributions are well-spent. Nonprofit watchdog sites like CharityNavigator. org and GuideStar.org keep track of how nonprofits spend your contributions. In particular, pay attention to the percentage of funds spent on Programs and/or Services vs. Administrative costs. A score of over 80% is considered good, while anything over 90% is downright excellent.
CaChing! And if all that wasn’t enough incentive, there’s another bonus to be had. Oddly enough, giving to charity can boost your business profits. A major study recently concluded that for every $1 that companies give to social causes, they receive $6 back. Six hundred percent is not a bad return on investment. Adapted from an article by Gail Overstreet, a nonprofit consultant, advocate and writer – on the web at www. gailoverstreet.com
Right Livelihood. Consider living your values by becoming a social entrepreneur. 3
Think of your kids. And grandkids, nieces, nephews, and your neighbor’s kids for that matter. You and I are the stewards of their future; we are responsible for the quality of life for future generations.
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NMF LeaderImpact© offers the region and the world something that will revolutionize the way people view themselves as beings created and placed in the world for a purpose. Okokon Udo
Jane McKelvy, NMF training specialist said, “Udo’s background, global perspective and experience truly are an impressive fit. We embraced the idea of partnering with NCTC Center for Outreach and Innovation. In fact, a long while ago, Okokon had suggested that we utilize a community college as a resource for our training programs,” she added. “They agreed to work together.” Participants play a game created to reinforce and apply the principles that were learned. From left to right: DeAnna Murphy, Continuous Amin Mohammed, Ann Beck, Shawn Neel and Shane Improvement Specialist/ Anderson. Leadership for NCTC, is co“your program will be uniquely about you designer and facilitator with Udo. to carry forward the learning that happens It was approximately nine months from back in the world from which you have the time of agreement to the design being come.” finalized, with extensive research on existing leadership programs in between. “It truly felt Does it work? Recent pilot participants like the birth of a baby for the trainers and describe LeaderImpact© as the one me,” said McKelvy. “We wanted to be sure experience that has changed them the most, we had a unique and ‘on the edge’ program. both personally and professionally. Our pilot participants agree that we do.” People from a wide range of This program uses self-awareness backgrounds and different types of tools and activities to enhance leadership responsibility were selected for the pilot. capabilities. McKelvy said, “You will learn One was Kim Murphy, Thief River Falls strategies for continuous development Chief of police who said, “This is something through extensive assessment, group that traditionally I never would have done. It discussions, self-reflection, small group was very worthwhile.” activities and personal coaching. And Murphy added, “I think the most because of our strong focus on assimilation of important thing I realized is that the road learning, which ties program experiences to has a fork instead of being one-way. It has the context of your workplace,” she added, empowered me and I’m using some of the things I learned at my job. It has even raised a few eyebrows, which is a good thing.” Another pilot participant was Steve Muzzy, Controller of Central Boiler in Greenbush. “This training is on the leading edge of what is available out there,” said Muzzy. “It really covered a wide gamut of topics and was structured to get the most out of the time required. The 2-1/2 day session covered ten times what is usually done in a one-day class. This makes really good use of time for participants and the trainers.” Participants Kim Murphy, Alan Rogalla and Gary Dietrich worked through an assignment together. (Continued on page 5)
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understanding of the need for change. The fees for attending LeaderImpact© are $2,500 for someone outside the 12-county service area; a person within the region will receive a $1,500 scholarship and be charged $1,000. “Additional scholarships of $500 will be available for some situations,” said McKelvy, “and there are a few people who can request hardship scholarships. The fee covers everything: materials, housing, meals.” The new NMF LeaderImpact© program is different from any other in existence. It is designed to be a transformational leadership experience, utilizing blended learning strategies to enhance the transfer of learning into real life. For more information, call Jane McKelvy at the NMF office or email janem@nwmf.org.
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Muzzy stated, “For some training sessions, you spend as much time traveling as you do in class. Although some people still have a ways to travel to the site, they get a lot for their time and they don’t have to worry about paying extra for lodging and meals.” He added, “Participants and their different areas and levels of experience help the class contribute to each other’s learning.” McKelvy said that to participate, there is an application process that requires two references and some important prerequisites, such as being able to take risks, be open to different perspectives and experiences, and a strong
On Creating NMF LeaderImpact© By Dr. Okokon Udo All through the design process, we kept looking to create a product - an experience - that would stretch us, invite and sustain leaders of all levels and sectors of life and work while transcending the geography of its location. We were mindful of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s reputation as a leader in the region and architect of many successful programs, including STAR Teams youth leadership, Nonprofit Excellence and the previous Adult Leadership Development. Another realization that informed our work was that many of us have gone through a wide variety of leadership programs and came away either inspired or disappointed by the level of benefits compared to the investment of time, energy and resources. Overall, there was a lack of consistency in impact or gains. Also, we felt that despite significant benefits, they were often not sustained for very long afterward and in most cases, never fully integrated into the complexities of life and work. We wanted a new program that would have it all and do it all. I firmly believe that the outcome of that aspiration and creative process is NMF LeaderImpact©, which offers the region and the world something that will revolutionize the way people view themselves as beings created and placed in the world for a purpose, endowed with the capacity for sustained change and ongoing preservation of the planet. I also believe that NMF LeaderImpact© is NOT for everyone. It is only for people who want their lives transformed, who need sustained change,
who want to be the best for the world, with a strong desire to have a significant impact in the world. By DeAnna Murphy
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On a personal level I have experienced the most remarkable transformation of my life during the process of co-designing and delivering the NMF LeaderImpact© pilot. It has been said that, “You can’t lift someone if you are not on higher ground” (Harold B. Lee). The experience of being in and with the LeaderImpact© curriculum has better prepared me to lift, elevate, and strengthen the lives of others in the world, through my own unique gifts and talents, than any other leadership training or development experience I have ever had. To be part of this program is the culmination of a life dream for me. I rejoice in the co-creation of each future LeaderImpact© experience, as it unfolds, with Okokon and I leading from a place of deep commitment, conviction, and personal connection, as we celebrate and draw out the greatness of the people who live in and love the northwest Minnesota region. I am convinced that all of us in the LeaderImpact© community -- from both the pilot group, as well as all future groups-- are creating a better world for our children and grandchildren. We are individually and collectively building and living out a legacy that we can reflect on with quiet satisfaction and joy, for years to come. NMF’s LeaderImpact© is a tool that uncovers the jewel within each of us from which that legacy can be born and lived out.
I am convined that all of us in the LeaderImpact© community... are creating a better world for our children and grandchildren. DeAnna Murphy
Grants Grants totaling $431,451 were made from September-December 2007 Caring Communities Total:$127,762 Children & Families
This [LeaderImpact©] training is on the leading edge of what is available out there. Steve Muzzy
Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area.......................................$25,000 To hire a new full-time Teen Services Director Girl Scouts-Land of Lakes Council.....$23,000 For the Red Lake Teen Girl Initiative Mahube Community Council, Inc.........$1,500
For Non -Standard Hour Child Care-MARS Study White Earth Band of Chippewa...........$12,512
For the White Earth Reservation Youth Leadership Project
Early Childhood Initiative
Minnesota Humanities Center.................$500 For Reading with Dad Initiative
Emergency Assistance Bi-County CAP, Inc.............................$21,300 For Emergency Assistance Program Bi-County CAP, Inc..................................$500 For Emergency Assistance Funds from Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone Cooperative Inter-County Community Action Council.............................................$11,800 For Emergency Assistance Program Mahube Community Council, Inc........$8,800 For Emergency Assistance Program Mahube Community Council, Inc.......$4,000 For Emergency Assistance Funds from Vic and Deb Olson Northwest Community Action Program..............................................$7,200 For Emergency Assistance Program Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc...$10,900 For Emergency Assistance Program
The Elderly
Health Ministries Network of Minnesota$750 For HMN-MN Website Development and Design
Community Planning Total: .................................$32,060 Economic & Community Development
Headwaters Regional Development Commission .....................................$20,000 For Shared Vision! Race Relations Action Plan Northwest Minnesota Foundation.............$60 For Renewable Energy Conference
Growth Management Lake of the Woods County.................$12,000
For Lake of the Woods County Growth Management Project
Healthy Lakes & Rivers Total:..................................$18,500 Beltrami Soil & Water Conservation District (2)........................................$8,000
For Lake Plantagenet-water quality monitoring/aquatic vegetation mapping; Grace Lake study Hubbard County Soil and Water District (3) ..............................................$10,500 For septic pumping, membership campaign, and water testing for 8th and 9th Crow Wing Lakes; for Big Sand Lake water quality preservation projects; and for Big Mantrap Lake-shoreland restoration/erosion control
Natural Resources Total:..........$51,500 New Technologies
The Nature Conservancy, Minnesota........$25,000 For Biofuel Feasibility Project White Earth Land Recovery Project (2).... $22,500 Feasiblity study for the development of a White Earth Food Program; to support a small scale feasibility study and business plan for a biodiesel program Hubbard County Soil and Water District....$4,000 For Little Sand Lake Shore Land Restoration Project
Training Total:............................$1,275 Individual Effectiveness B -WELL.......................................................$825 For Professional Development: National Wellness Conference STAR Teams Youth Leadership For follow-up activities, the following schools received $150 grants: Franklin Middle School, Naytahwaush Community Charter School, Warroad Schools
Component Fund Total:..........$200,354
Bagley Early Childhood Initiative Fund (2).....................................$1,300 To Bagley School District for ECI Expenses; Incidental to Minnesota Humanities Center; for Reading with Dad Initiative Bemidji Area Arts Endowment & Project Fund Ernie Rall Children’s Performing Arts Fund......................................................$300 For the Mask and Rose Theatre Collective - Disney’s High School Musical Bemidji Area Early Childhood Initiative Fund..............................................$100 Minnesota Humanities for Reading with Dad Initiative Center Bemidji Area Parks and Trails Fund Bemidji Waterfront-Paul and Babe Maintenance Fund (2)..................................$52,737 First City Lights Fund (2).............................$16,641 Bemidji Lumberjack Foundation Fund First National Bank Bonspiel Fund.................$8,947 Security Bank USA Lumberjack Scramble (2).................................................$29,895 Ray F. Breen Scholarship...............................$3,000 Clearbrook-Gonvick Education Endowment and Project Fund Clearbrook-Gonvick School....................................$600 For Accelerated Reader Program Clearwater Health Care Fund CHS Hospice Fund, Inc.................................$6,000 To Clearwater County Hospice for Hospice patient care support
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Grants Crookston Early Childhood Initiative Fund Minnesota Humanities Center.......................... $100 For Reading with Dad Initiative Fertile-Beltrami Early Childhood Initiative Fund Minnesota Humanities Center.......................... $100 For Reading with Dad Initiative Fosston Education Foundation Endowment and Project Fund LuVerne Trogstad Scholarship Fund (2).......$10,000 Hopes, Dreams and Smiles Fund..................$3,400 For Kick’n Up Kountry 2007 Youth Attendance at Music Festival HRDC Leadership Fund HRDC Successful Communities Challenge Fund.............................................$6,000 To Lake of the Woods County for the growth management project Lake of the Woods Early Childhood Initiative Fund (6).........................................$3,760 Lake of the Woods Children & Families for summer youth program; to Lake of the Woods School for Annie Henry-Speaker for African-American Heritage; for grant writing training; for story time at Baudette Public Library; for Kid’s Night Out; and, to Minnesota Humanities Center for Reading with Dad initiative Laporte Education Endowment and Project Fund................................................$500 To Laporte School for golf tournament-basketball team assistance LifeCare Medical Center Health Fund.............$558 To Warroad Care Center, Inc. for equipment purchase LifeCare Medical Center Hospice Fund.........$1,350 For end of life care-equipment for Hospice/Home Care Maggie Adams Medical Equipment Fund (3)........................................................$9,115 For equipment for Greenbush Nursing Home; and for emergency room and other equipment at LifeCare Medical Center Sheltering Oaks Manor Fund............................$765 For personal care equipment LOW County Humane Society Fund............$1,500 For Veterinary Care Marshall County Early Childhood Initiative Fund (3)........................................$3,600 For children’s activities at the Argyle Celebration; for Tiny Tot Expo; for Reading with Dad Initiative Mississippi Headwaters Area Dental Health Center Fund...................................................$12,500 For the Mississippi Headwaters Area Dental Health Center Naytahwaush Area Early Childhood Initiative Fund (2)...........................................$2,800 For Reading with Dad Initiative; for Imagination Library Park Rapids Area Community Fund Heartland Homes Endowment and Project Fund..........................................$2,652 To Heartland Homes, Inc. for Training and the Replacement of Garage Door Hewitt Family Charitable Fund.....................$500 To Park Rapids schools for wind turbine project Park Rapids Early Childhood Initiative Fund..............................................$100 For Reading with Dad Initiative Thief River Falls Early Childhood Initiative Fund..............................................$100
For Reading with Dad Initiative Warroad Area Community Fund.................$200 To Warroad Eagle Scouts (Troop #152) for Warroad City Campground Site Markers NAPA Ride to Reading Fund.....................$4,135 To Warroad Elementary School for library books Warroad Early Childhood Initiative Fund......$100 For Reading with Dad Initiative Wetlands Pines & Prairie Audubon Sanctuary Endowment Fund...................................$15,500 To Wetlands Pines and Prairie Audubon for operations William A. and Eloise E. Nelson Fund...$1,500 To Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center to purchase in home program materials
Business Development Activity Business Loans
Two loans were recently made from the Revolving Loan Fund totaling $185,000: Glen Brazier, Greenbush For purchase of a building for Mattracks expansion Harlan’s Boats R Us, Mentor To purchase an existing marine sales, repair and storage business
Microloans
Business counseling and loans are available to help entrepreneurs develop small business and self-employment opportunities. Five loans were recently made totaling $86,800: Tom’s Tackle, Inc., Baudette Four L’s Inc., East Grand Forks Finishing Touches, Stephen North Country Service, Hines 2 Guys Garage of TRF, Inc., Thief River Falls The Dive Depot, Bemidji
Technical Assistance
Two businesses from Thief River Falls and Crookston received $552 in outside consulting for management and technical assistance. 7
There are many ways that this [LeaderImpact©] training will benefit me personally and in my work life. Nancy Vyskocil
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Bemidji, MN 56601 Permit No. 36
4225 Technology Drive NW Bemidji, MN 56601 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Contact us: 218-759-2057 • 800-659-7859 • nwmf@nwmf.org
Upcoming Events STAR Teams - Youth Leadership Location: Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji Session IIa February 25 & 26 Session IIb March 4 & 5 Session IIIc March 19 & 20 Individual Excellence Location: Community Room, Beltrami Electric Co-op, Bemidji Ethics February 7 Situational Leadership March 6 Meeting Management and Facilitation April 3 Legal Issues for Management May 1
NMF LeaderImpact© Location: Swenson House, Thief River Falls Session I: April 9, 10 & 11 Session II: July 17 & 18 Call Jane McKelvy for more information or visit www.nwmf.org
Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund Northwest Minnesota Women’s Hall of Fame Inductions: Dr. Roxanne Struthers (posthumous) and Winona LaDuke Location: Beaux Arts Ballroom, Bemidji State University Opening Celebration to Women’s History Month March 1 “Women’s Vision of the Environment” Call Lisa Peterson for more information or email lisap@nwmf.org
Visit our Website:
www.nwmf.org