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

WHAT'S NEW AT REGION FIVE DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION?

AGENCY WIDE

WE HIRED ERICA BJELLAND!

We are excited to welcome Erica to R5DC! Erica joins our team as a Regional Development Planner. Her responsibilities include facilitating community development and economic development projects, with an emphasis on program implementation focused on energy, environment and pandemic planning. Erica will assist local units of government and businesses with various other planning and ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion practices are incorporated into existing and new policies, rules, programs and proposals.  Erica joins us after working several years at Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) in Backus, MN. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Policy and Global Studies from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Erica currently serves on the 100 Rural Women board. Welcome Erica!

WE ADOPTED A HIGHWAY!

It’s official! We’ve adopted a section of highway! In June, the R5DC crew gathered to clean up our designated area near Aldrich. Thank you to Minnesota Department of Transportation for giving us this opportunity to serve the community! ❤️

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

WOMEN OF SPROUT

Check out this video featuring the Women of Sprout ! This initiative is one example that demonstrates our focus on resiliency, diversity and inclusion. The women of Sprout "care to the core", says founder and director Arlene Jones. The WealthWorks Report 2019 is also available to learn more about challenges, progress, and lessons learned at Sprout. This project is made possible by ArtPlace America's National Creative Placemaking Fund, awarded to Region Five Development Commission.

MILITARY CONNECTIONS

We recently wrapped up the VetCSA program, providing bi-monthly CSA shares to 50 veterans and their families in the five-county region. We are extremely grateful to all of our participants and partners. Check out the video to learn more or click here to read the VetCSA report for more about this successful program! This project was funded by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) through the (2018 Cycle II) Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program . For more details on the MDVA SOT license plate fund grant program, visit: https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/supporttroopslicenseplates.jsp

TRANSPORTATION

The Regional Transportation Coordinating Council for Region 5 is forging ahead into Phase 3. Transportation Providers are finding new ways to partner and collaborate. To learn more, check out this video about Transit Providers and visit our RTCC webpage for information on this initiative or read the Phase 2 Operational Implementation Plan .

IN THE NEWS

A Few Things to Know About Rural America Individuals chosen for Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Regional Solutions for Rural and Urban Challenges: Minnesota Case Study Small Business Relief Grants Program to Begin Accepting Apps 6/23 Support Expansion and Relocation of Manna Food Co-op in Detroit Lakes From Crops to Co-ops - Small Towns Want Better Internet (Episode 3) Opportunity Zones Toolkit Volume 2

WELCOMING COMMUNITIES

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 Videos: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man Systemic Racism Explained Recommended Reading: Limbo: Blue-Collar Roots, White-Collar Dreams

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In response to the COVID-19 business needs, the North Central Economic Development Association, R5DC’s non-profit lending arm, lent $1,249,700 through DEED’s Small Business Emergency Lending program to assist the region in long term recovery. The organization close d 45 business loans located in the counties listed below:

Bethel County $30,000 Cass County $70,000 Chisago County $70,000 Crow Wing County $456,300 Isanti County 35,000 Kanabec County $55,000 Mille Lacs County $183,000  Morrison County $140,000 Ottertail County $35,000 Pine County $45,400 Todd County $65,000 Wadena County $65,000

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 Li sten to our podcast ! 😊

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌