RNDC Receives NADO Impact Award |
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Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) has been honored with a National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) 2022 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award for the group’s work with the South Central Growers Network.
The Growers Network is a group of local and sustainable farmers that meet to learn and support each other. They have been working to create opportunities for new farmers from historically underrepresented demographics and encourage connections with local restaurants.
One outcome has been Local Foods Week which took place this July. This week-long event paired local farmers and restaurants to create menu items featuring meats and produce grown within Region Nine.
RNDC Associate Planner Sabri Fair works closely with The Grower's Network and led the Local Foods Week project. “Local food continues to grow as an area of interest and action in Region Nine because of the benefits it has for the health of our economy, constituents, and communities. Receiving this award from NADO is a great reminder that our colleagues across the country also recognize the impact of the work we are doing,” said Fair.
NADO Impact Awards recognize regional development organizations for projects that take an innovative approach to economic development and focus on improving the quality of life in their region. RNDC has been awarded eight Impact Awards over the last 10 years.
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SMIF is Seeking Applications for Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant |
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Eligible organizations are invited to submit applications that allow their communities to build inclusive, welcoming environments and advance equitable opportunities in the lives of all people. SMIF seeks applications that create economic opportunities and prosperity for diverse populations. Applications that focus on projects serving people who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrant, and/or refugee communities will be prioritized. Applications that focus on creating inclusive and welcoming environments for other marginalized individuals will also be considered.
“We are pleased to provide this opportunity for organizations working on inclusivity and economic equity in Southern Minnesota communities,” said Pam Bishop, Vice President of Economic Development at SMIF. “Our partnership with RNDC further strengthens our commitment to supporting welcoming initiatives in the region.”
Applications are due to SMIF by 3 p.m. on October 24, 2022. For the application and guidelines, visit smifoundation.org/inclusivegrant or contact Jennifer Heien, Grants Coordinator, at 507-214-7040 or jenniferh@smifoundation.org.
*Information provided by SMIF
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The RNDC Annual Performance Survey is Now Available |
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Every year, RNDC creates an Annual Performance Report based on the four cornerstones outlined in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The survey below lets RNDC know what is important to you, your community, and your organizations.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey by clicking the button. Your responses are vital in helping RNDC focus its resources to best serve the citizens of Region Nine.
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Sleepy Eye is Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Day Babe Ruth Came to Town |
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Saturday, October 15, the City of Sleepy Eye will be celebrating the day New York Yankees legend came to town for an exhibition game against his teammate Bob Meusel and a group of amateur players. The celebration will include a plaque dedication ceremony, special guest speakers, and music from Minnesota Twins organist, Sue Nelson.
Ruth played at the Sleepy Eye Ballpark on October 16, 1922. During the game he hit two home runs, one of which he would later claim was the longest he had ever hit. The Sleepy Eye Ballpark is one of the last fields still standing that Ruth played on.
To purchase tickets or to learn more about this event, click the button below.
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October is Farm to School Month in Minnesota |
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Across Minnesota, Farm to School month invites students, their families, and their communities to enjoy produce and livestock grown on local farms. It is also a time to celebrate the farmers, educators, nutrition professionals, and community connectors that make Farm to School programs possible.
There are many ways to celebrate including serving local food at mealtime, featuring local foods at your events, and establishing composting programs in your area.
To learn more about the Farm to School program, click the button below.
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RNDC is hiring an Environment and Sustainability Planner. This position is responsible for promoting, researching, and supporting the long-term resiliency of communities through a sustainable approach emphasizing the economy, society, and environment.
If you have experience in managing and coordinating environmental, natural resources, or sustainability programs, or have related educational experience, RNDC would love to hear from you. You can learn more and how to apply by clicking the button below.
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'Mayor for a Day' Essay Contest is Now Open |
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The League of Minnesota Cities wants to know, "What would our cities look like if kids were in charge." Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders are encouraged to write an essay answering the question, "What would you do if you were mayor for a day?" for a chance to win $100 and get recognition in Minnesota Cities magazine.
Students and parents/guardians can submit essays by filling out an online form, a PDF email attachment, or through the mail. The deadline for submissions is December 12, and winners will be notified in early January 2023.
Click the button below for more information.
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Old Town Mankato to Host Day of the Dead Event |
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Old Town's Day of the Day celebration returns Saturday, October 29! This free, family-friendly event will feature the Mariach Estelar Mariachi Band, Zamora Folklore and Aztec Dancers, a Mexican Wrestling Ring, a car show, an outfit contest, local food trucks, and much more.
You can learn more by clicking the button below.
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RNDC Office Closed November 2-3 |
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The RNDC Office will be closed for staff to attend the Minnesota Association of Development Organizations (MADO) Retreat. The training event is an opportunity for the regional development organizations across Minnesota to get together to discuss new projects, regional initiatives, and best practices across Greater Minnesota. |
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$$ Grant Opportunities $$ |
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Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing Grant Available
Minnesota livestock product processors seeking to start up, modernize, or expand their businesses are encouraged to apply for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing Grant program.
Deadline: October 27, 2022
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Crop Research Grant
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for applied crop research that improves the agricultural product quality, quantity, or value of Minnesota’s crop industry.
Deadline: November 20, 2022
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Calendar of Events
October 12: RNDC Full Commission Meeting
November 2-3: RNDC Offices Closed
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Region Nine Development Commission takes great pride in working with and on behalf of counties, cities, townships, and schools throughout South Central Minnesota. Since 1972, being a partner for progress has led to the development of programs and identification of solutions in the areas of economic development, business development, healthy communities, transportation, community development, and leveraging regional resources. To learn more about our work and mission, visit www.rndc.org.
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Follow Region Nine on social media to stay up-to-date on events, news, and more! |
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