Quarterly Newsletter | April 2020 In this issue we share information about our current projects, news, upcoming events and resources to promote welcoming communities in our region.

WHAT'S NEW AT REGION FIVE DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION?

AGENCY WIDE

Guess what?!? We are SUPER EXCITED to announce that R5DC has started its very own podcast! Deep Dive with Region Five Take a listen and subscribe! More episodes coming soon...

G rant Writing Resources

Applying for grants can be a daunting task. We are here to help! Check out our Grant Writing Toolkit . Grant Writing Guide: 7 Prep Tips Grant Writing Guide: Top 10 Tips April 28: SCSU Workshop: Taking the Mystery out of Grant Writing

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Comprehensive Planning & Prioritized Implementation Planning

R5DC can assist your community with the development of a comprehensive plan, with an intentional focus on including a diverse group of people to form the planning team and create your community vision. R5DC's Prioritized Implementation Planning takes the Comprehensive Plan one step further by making the goals, objectives and strategies into actionable priorities. (Video courtesy of Viva Laredo)

Learn more

Military Connections

The Minnesota Military & Veterans Exchange (MNme) is a coalition and community with one simple goal: to create a rallying point for all things related to creating healthier military and prior service communities. Visit Military Connections for more details on R5DC's veteran and military related programs.

TRANSPORTATION

The Regional Transportation Coordinating Council for Region 5 is forging ahead into Phase 3. Volunteer drivers play a critical role in transportation needs, especially for residents n rural areas. To learn more, check out this video about Volunteer Drivers and visit our RTCC webpage for details on this initiative.

IN THE NEWS

Minnesota Women's Press: Equity Solutions & Quiz From Crops to Co-ops - Small Towns Want Better Internet (Episode 2) It's Time to Connect Rural Health Equity with Community and Economic Development

WELCOMING COMMUNITIES | BY THE NUMBERS

The Welcoming Communities initiative is focused on building workforce attraction and cultural agility in our region. Welcoming Communities Advocacy Groups are being formed, with Go North as the pilot advocacy group and the communities of Brainerd, Staples, Crosby, Little Falls, Long Prairie and Pine River currently participating. Visit our Welcoming Communities page to learn more or contact Dawn Espe at 218.894.6013 or email at despe@regionfive.org to find out how to participate.

WELCOMING COMMUNITIES | RESOURCES

Recommended Reading: Long Prairie Community Launches Welcoming Communities Advocacy Group Growing an Inclusive Economy is Everyone's Job at DEED Recommended Webinar: Why Diversity and Inclusion Need to Be Small Business Priorities

COVID-19 RESOURCES

R5DC & NCEDA Respond to COVID-19 COVID-19 Resources MN DEED Small Business Emergency Loan Process - NCEDA is approved lender

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Read the latest news from our 501(c)3 lending organization, North Central Economic Development Association.

What's happening in the region? Check out our Events on Facebook: Region Five Development Commission Facebook The Good Life North Central MN Facebook

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