NREDA Members, Happy New Year! It is with a tremendous feeling of honor and excitement, that I share this message with all of Rural America and our very special members. Over the last few weeks, I imagine, that you’ve heard countless messages of hope and exuberant glee, as we dive into the year 2021! I share those sentiments of glee and hope for a clear path for our NREDA membership and your communities.
I’d like to thank our membership for the sincere dedication to, not only NREDA and its Rural American mission, but to your Telco communities, the electric cooperative customers, the local economic development organization communities, and so many more.
As we roll into 2021, one thing is clear to our NREDA leadership and members… Rural America remains strong. We have sustained ourselves through the first phase of the pandemic, we have found ingenuity and creativity in our places of work and community. I think I can speak for the entire NREDA leadership when I say, “Thank you”! Thank you for sticking with your rural communities and us, through a historically challenging year. Thank you for making our first ever virtual annual conference a tremendous success. With your attendance and sponsorship, Rural America took steps to a better future.
And while we have battled through and overcome a pivotal year, we see the opportunity to continue to help our rural places bounce back and shine through. I’d like to leave you all with one simple quote, through all the hurdles we have overcome, and the challenges we may encounter in 2021, we realize as members of communities who truly cultivate the earth that, “sometimes when you think you’re buried, you’ve actually been planted.” It is clear that NREDA and its members have planted seeds of success.
Here’s to an amazing year for NREDA, its members, supporters, and all of Rural America!
NREDA President – Garry Clark
President & CEO, Greater Fremont Development Council
Fremont Nebraska/Greater Omaha Chamber Partnership
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Jan 27, 2021
4:00 PM CST
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 895 8048 0212
Passcode: 068010
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When you have spirit and flavor, no additives are needed |
The difference between whisky and bourbon is in the mash. Bourbon must be at least 50% corn and distilled at 160 proof or less. It then must be stored in charred new oak barrels at 125 proof or less – and there are no additives.
There’s a lot of spirit in proof, the flavor in charred new oak, and – just like NREDA’s 2021 Annual Conference – no additives are needed!
We’ve made our mash and are preparing to distill to bring you high proof content and experiences in Louisville, Kentucky!
Stay tuned for more on Distilling a Brighter Future for Rural America
and mark your calendar to experience the results!
NREDA 2021 Annual Conference
Distilling a Brighter Future for Rural America
November 10–12, 2020
The Galt House Hotel
Louisville, Kentucky
Questions? Contact Denise Hoffman, CMP, Event Management Professional meetings@nreda.org or (515) 334-1049
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NREDA Diversity & Inclusion Statement |
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Many things in 2020 grabbed our attention. As we watched the world battle the pandemic, we were also rocked by the civil unrest that erupted after several incidents. These actions drove us to think broader about both diversity and inclusion from an NREDA perspective. The board responded by creating a task force to discuss ways NREDA could foster diversity and inclusion. The initial results of the task force included this statement on behalf of NREDA:
This statement serves as our guiding principles related to diversity and inclusion, and your board will continue to build upon these principles as we move forward as an organization. - Nikki Pfannenstiel, Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce
Rural America is characterized by a dynamic mix of heroes from all walks of life. As economic developers fostering prosperity for our neighbors, the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA) is committed to contributing to a more transparent, fair and accountable society. As a national organization NREDA believes that in order for us to reach our full potential as rural Americans, we must live together, build together, work together, and grow together.
NREDA represents the diverse and welcoming communities they serve. NREDA’s mission as an organization continues to be the advancement of rural economic development through education and networking from those from all demographics of sustainable rural life, industries, and opportunities. NREDA leadership will continue to amplify the voices of an open and inclusive environment that supports the advancement of rural economic development and our hometowns.
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Co-Branded Webinar Series: Supporting Community Wellness |
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Wednesday, February 17, 2021
1:00 p.m. CST/ 2:00 p.m. ET
Learn how Arizona G&T Cooperatives and Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative are making a difference for their members by taking a holistic approach to community wellness. From philanthropic partnerships to housing challenges to supporting local health care organizations, they strive to bring all the needed support systems to their service area.
We’ll discuss the basics of forming partnerships to find the right fit for these funds, as well as pitfalls to avoid.
Who You Will Hear From:
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Upcoming Webinar on Federal Resources for Creative Community Development
On Tuesday, February 9 at 4 p.m. ET, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations, and Metris Arts Consulting are offering a free web seminar on Federal Resources for Creative Community Development. This seminar is designed to help you access federal funds and harness the power of arts and culture for community development. The seminar will feature the new Creative Placemaking Public Resources Guide and will discuss a curated selection of federal funding sources that can be used to advance equitable community development, examples of initiatives that have transformed community development through create partnerships, and practical tips on accessing federal grant programs. To view the complete session details and register, click here.
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New Rural Transportation Resources
Visit RuralTransportation.org for the latest news and events focused on rural roads, safety, transit, and active transportation. New resources include:
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Tribal Crash Reporting Toolkit. The toolkit helps Tribal governments collect, manage, and analyze crash data. Additional Tribal resources on safety funding, planning, child seats, and pedestrian safety are available at Transportation Safety for Tribes.
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U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) The Importance of Highways to U.S. Agriculture Report This report’s analysis of agricultural commodity flows shows that 80 percent of domestic agricultural commodities travel on 17 percent of the U.S. highway mileage. These “High-Volume Domestic Agriculture Highways” (HDAH) are important to farmers, the agriculture industry, and downstream producers. The report also provided modeled projections of future infrastructure conditions and performance as well as identification of agricultural freight movement improvement efforts
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Next Round of LISC Rural Relief Small Business Grants Open from January 26 through February 2
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is offering Rural Relief Small Business Grants for up to $20,000. Grants support small businesses and enterprises affected by COVID-19 across the country, especially those in underserved communities, including entrepreneurs of color, women- and veteran-owned businesses that often lack access to flexible, affordable capital. Applications are being accepted in “rounds” and you must submit a new application for each round in order to be considered for funding in that round. The next application round runs January 26 through February 2. Click here to learn more and apply.
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Executive Director
Meetings & Conferences
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Membership Dues, Billing
NREDA Website
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