Spring is officially at our doorstep. While many of us spend the winter months hibernating, farmers have been busy planning for the season and are now awaiting the day when they can prepare the soil and get crops in the ground. We will soon start to see green sprouts in fields all across southern Minnesota, a visual testament to the prevalence of agriculture in our region. In fact, agriculture production and processing is a foundational element to our state’s economy. At
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) we strive to not only preserve but to grow the farming tradition in our region.
Many farmers in our region work on the same land that their parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents farmed. The farm is more than a parcel of land to grow crops or raise animals – it is a living piece of family history. At the same time, we are faced with the reality that the average farmer is 55 years or older, and that not everyone has an heir to transfer the land to.
At SMIF we want to ensure that farmland stays in production throughout our
20-county region. Our
farmland retention program allows farmers to donate land as a charitable gift. SMIF then retains the land as an asset and would keep the land in production by a rental arrangement. The rent earned goes back into the local community, either through one of our 26 area
community foundations, or as a donor advised fund. This is a unique way for farmers to make a long-lasting impact on rural Minnesota. This program keeps the land locally-owned and functional as farmland, while giving farmers a mechanism to provide a lasting legacy to the region.
|
|
Economic Development Grants
|
|
Now is the time to apply for SMIF's
Economic Development Incentive Grant. These grants are designed to support new collaborative initiatives that support entrepreneurs. Nonprofits, units of government, and other public agencies are encouraged to apply.
Projects which provide specialized training to new and expanding entrepreneurs and businesses, create new collaborations, develop new business resources, or create new opportunities for entrepreneurs will be considered. Examples of projects include business incubators, coworking spaces, and business training programs.
“Building resilient economic development processes to enhance business growth is essential to creating sustainable economic prosperity,” said Pam Bishop, Vice President of Economic Development at SMIF. “We are excited to see the new ideas and innovative projects submitted from southern Minnesota communities which result in expanding and starting new companies as well as boost collaborations and partnerships.”
Grant applications are due May 15, 2018.
|
|
Paying It Forward: From Loan Client to Donor
|
|
Butch Isensee, CEO of
Valley Design in Fountain, believes in giving back to those who have given him a helping hand. That is why he has been supporting
SMIF since 1993. “It’s always been my feeling that you guys helped us out so now it’s our turn to help you out, paying it forward,” commented Isensee.
Valley Design, started in 1986 by Isensee and a partner along with their wives, provides table base components to manufacturers throughout the world. The company was launched when they all had full time jobs, so they initially worked evenings and weekends in order to grow the business into what it is today – a multi-million dollar company that employs over 100 team members.
SMIF was there as a lending partner, along with a local financial institution, to support their growth in 1990, 1994 and 1997. Valley Design continues to evolve along with changing technology and has expanded more than 10 times.
Isensee believes in the impact SMIF has on the vitality of the region. “It’s not just one thing you do, it’s not just manufacturing [loans], or early childhood support, it’s the whole thing, all of it,” he said. “It’s important, the work you do, and more people should know about it and support SMIF.”
The generosity of donors like Isensee allows SMIF to increase the vitality of southern Minnesota. Together with your support we can all make a difference in this place we call home.
Consider becoming a
donor today.
|
|
|
Many children are not ready to enter kindergarten when the time comes, which can create problems throughout their education experience and beyond. Brain science research shows that 90% of our brain is developed between birth and age five. Research is now drawing strong links between the social and emotional well-being of children to their academic success. Our members work one-on-one and in small groups with young children, ages 3-5, building social and emotional proficiencies to prepare for kindergarten.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2018-2019 service term.
|
|
China House Café, LLC, Truman | Chinese and American Restaurant
Sonex Health LLC,* Rochester | Technology for minimally-invasive carpal tunnel surgery
*Equity Fund Investment
|
|
Minority Business Development Conference
May 9 - Mankato
Increase your business knowledge, share resources and strengthen networks to stimulate the growth and success of your business! This FREE conference is geared toward minority business owners in southern Minnesota. Lunch is included.
|
|
Save the Date: Early Childhood Care Conference
Owatonna High School
Friday, October 26
(7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
Katy Smith
- The essential role of play in early childhood and beyond
Saturday, October 27
(7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
