Quarterly Newsletter | October 2018 In this issue we honor a long time community servant and friend, Paul Nieman. You'll also learn more about staff updates at R5DC, current projects, news, upcoming events and training opportunities.

Tribute to Paul Nieman It's hard to capture a man's legacy in just a few words... Paul Nieman certainly left one for the record books. We were deeply saddened to learn of Paul's passing and are extremely humbled by his years of service to our region. Paul served on the Region Five Development Commission since 1982. Read more from Paul's friend, Chuck Parins.

Staff Updates

Thank you Sandy! We would like to thank Sandy Voigt for the time, energy and love she gave in her position as Regional Business Specialist at R5DC/NCEDA. Sandy accepted a position at Women's Business Alliance as WBA Director in Little Falls. We wish her all the best! Contact Sandy.

Thank you Nichole! We would like to thank Nichole Larson for all of her contributions and success at R5DC/NCEDA as Finance Director. After ten years at R5DC, Nichole is now working as Senior Client Services Accountant at Abdo, Eick & Meyers, LLP. Best wishes Nichole!

Welcome Stephanie, Angela & Matt!

Stephanie Barney is the business loan developer and manages all aspects of loan development and the daily operations of fund management. She has over 30 years of experience in the financial industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting.

Angela Anderson is responsible for communications and marketing at Region Five. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Cloud State University. Angela has five years of writing and design experience and is a frequent contributor for the Lake Country Journal.

Matt Kallroos holds a bachelor’s degree in planning and community development from St. Cloud State University and will be working as a regional development planner. Matt previously worked for the City of Brainerd as their planning intern.

What are we up to?

R5DC Selected by Bush Foundation for Second Creative Community Cohort We are committed to making art and culture central to problem solving and excited to be part of this wonderful opportunity! Read more.

The Good Life...for ALL This community initiative is well underway and focused on building workforce attraction in our region. We are seeking more communities to participate! Read more.

R5DC Chosen as Coordinator of Regional Transportation Coordination Council (RTCC) We are excited to facilitate this endeavor with area transportation providers, service agents and the private sector! Watch for upcoming details on public meetings to be held soon... Learn more.

Transportation Alternatives Grant Solicitation Opens October 1st The Transportation Alternatives Solicitation is a competitive grant opportunity for local communities and regional agencies to fund projects for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, historic preservation, Safe Routes to School and more. Minnesota will be soliciting projects for approximately $7.5 million in available grant funding across the state. Greater Minnesota applicants must submit a letter of intent describing the key components of their project. A regional representative will contact applicants to help review the project proposal and the steps necessary for delivering a federally funded project prior to local communities and regional agencies submitting a full grant application. Letters of intent are due by October 31st. For more details, contact Tad Erickson at 218-894-3233 or via email , or visit http://www.dot.state.mn.us/ta/ .

Upcoming Events

Thriving by Design You are invited! Please join us for a community conversation in Little Falls on October 10th. This is a great opportunity to share your ideas and feedback! Read more and register here .

Border to Border Broadband: Transforming Minnesota Attend the annual Border to Border Broadband conference at beautiful Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd on October 23rd & 24th. Read more and register here .

R5 Summit The sixth annual R5 Summit is taking place at Sourcewell in Staples on Wednesday October 24th. Read more and register here .

Sprout Growers & Makers Marketplace

Join us Oct. 27th! This October market kicks off the indoor market season at Sprout Growers & Makers Marketplace. Read more about the Growers & Makers Marketplace. October event details can be found here .

Join us Nov. 17th! Corey Medina and Brothers will hit the Sprout stage from 11am-1:30pm. Also, visit over 40 vendors at this indoor event! November event details can be found here .

In the News

Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trail System named 26 of the best trips to take right now Downtown Brainerd gets some color with a giant mural LCCMR approves four million dollars to a national loon center Improving quality of life for small-scale farmers Youth employment transportation study published

Training Resources

Fall vegetables: storing and preserving tips Growing pains: what bug is this? Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Food Safety Introduction Social Crowdfunding Reference Guide

Pumpkin Spice: Yay or nay?

We are in the midst of Pumpkin Spice Season. What's your take on it? Yasssss! It's my favorite flavor of all time! Bring on the lattes! Select Meh. I could take it or leave it. Select Ewww. No, thank you. Not a fan. Select

Stay updated on what's happening in the region! Check out our events pages! Region Five Development Commission Facebook The Good Life North Central MN Facebook

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