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Introduction I was finishing my last semester of my junior year at Staples-Motley High School. During my Business class, where I gain college credit through Central Lakes College in Brainerd, I was offered to apply for an internship to gain experience with real world business professionalism. Of course, I applied and created a resume special to the internship with Region Five Development Commission. This experience was one of the many lessons that I have learned and will keep with me throughout my adult career. Soon enough, I had a chance to interview with Staci Headley. I was happy and excited with how the interview went, so I waited every day for a message of whether I made the team. With less than a couple weeks left in school, I was informed that I made the team! June 10th was the start of an amazing journey. (I will not be being covering every day I worked at Region Five Development Commission.) Day One June 10th was my introduction to staff. That day started with paperwork and policy readings. Everyone I met on the team was very kind and welcoming. I left after a couple hours thinking how lucky I am, and excited to get to learning, and applying my skills to help in any fashion. First RTCC June 12th was my first time experiencing a real business meeting. I drove to Brainerd’s Minnesota Department of Transportation facility. I was nervous at first because I had never been to this location before, but excited to experience every minute. I entered the room to find Matt and Tad working to set up the meeting. Seeing the project plan and the discussion between professionals working on the project was a fantastic and entertaining time. Having Domino’s Pizza to finish the meeting was also a plus, but seeing Matt and Tad work, and show their success was an inspiring experience. NCEDA Loan Board On June 13th, I went to Sebeka to sit on NCEDA’s Board Meeting. I sat next to Angela Anderson. Her duty there was to give a presentation on her marketing projects she worked on. Some of these projects included but were not limited to: a brand new website, flyers and posters. Seeing how well these marketing projects looked and performed was very interesting. Afterwards, I paid attention to how everyone would communicate with each other. I don’t remember the details of the meeting, but I do remember the passion and work involved in every topic of the meeting. Of course, the meeting was held at HUB 71 Restaurant which lead to grabbing lunch there. Personally, I felt like I was a little kid at a family event where I sat at the adult’s table. Every individual gave warm welcome to me and each other. Workshop with Stephanie On June 20th, I came to the Staples office to join Stephanie Barney to go to a workshop. We both got to be educated on subjects related to: mental health in a general aspect, farmers financial, and mental, and emotional status and troubles. The experience as a whole was very eye opening and made me feel empowered because I felt more equipped to live a more fulfilling life. Solar Schools Tour On June 21st , I joined some of the Region Five Development Commission team to look at the solar farms located at educational facilities. The ultimate purpose was to get the solar schools project to the next level of completion, yet it was also very interesting to see. I believe each solar array gave way to creating a more positive impact on the local economy, and ecosystem. I also thought, “We are living the future right here.” Vet CSA Pickup On June 25th, I decided to pick one of the many times I went along with Staci Headley to help, and see how Vet CSA’s work, and the processes behind the operation. I found the entire operation took a long time to think and act upon, and with great success to come about it. There also seems to be many parts, and people involved. The most exciting fact about Vet CSA pickups is the fact that real veterans are able to receive healthy, sustainable foods at no cost at all. Thriving by Design Event On June 26th , I tagged along to an event called Thriving by Design. I listened to Dawn Espe, and Cheryal Hills speak on community outreach projects, and share local stories to the community. The room definitely had some tension with listeners who would speak against Dawn and Cheryal. The experience gave me a perspective that there are some opposing views when it comes to community-based projects, yet the resistance that night didn’t feel productive. RED Meeting & Commission Meeting On June 27th, I went down to the cities with Cheryal Hills to attend a RED meeting. The premise of the meeting was to understand millennial’s challenges and strengths. I also heard about making a life and living in rural Minnesota and understanding how to improve the quality of life. Every topic covered, and being surrounded by many intelligent, and professional individuals made the entire experience worthwhile. Start of Research & Work On July 8th, I was appointed to start some hands-on work. I found this opportunity to be very exciting. This meant that I was able to put my skills and creativity to use. The projects at hand ranged from research to journaling my experience of my internship. Brainerd Yellow Ribbon Meeting On July 11th, I visited the Baxter town building for a Yellow Ribbon meeting. I wasn’t sure exactly what was going to go on, yet I felt that I learned so much throughout the meeting. From specifics to where money goes and why, to seeing individuals care for the work they do. Conclusion It’s hard to imagine that I could have missed this opportunity because of X, Y, Z factors, but I will forever be that broken record player that says, “I feel very lucky, and grateful”. The next logical question would be why? I feel lucky because there are so many great people who know more than I do when it comes to the field of business. On the other hand, I believe in my character and perseverance to push me to get the most out of life. I am grateful for being accepted as an intern at Region Five Development Commission. James Vold is entering his senior year at Staples-Motley High School and completed his internship at R5DC in the summer of 2019. This internship was facilitated in partnership with Rural MN CEP.

Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) is currently seeking 10 projects to include as Vital Projects in their Comprehensive Regional Economic Development Strategy (CREDS). The project submissions will be prioritized by a group of diverse regional leaders from the private, public & non-profit sectors. The committee will select projects with regional significance that create economic vitality, environmental stewardship and quality of life. Vital Projects listed in the CREDS document allows access to U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding as well as other federal grant programs. Being listed in this document shows alignment to a regional plan which is favorable to most Federal, State or Local funding agencies. Projects will be shared with multiple funding agencies to encourage these partners to invest in projects meeting regional goals. Vital Projects and ideas are accepted until August 30, 2019. To submit an application, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VitalProjects2019. The R5DC Comprehensive Regional Economic Development Strategy Committee (CREDS) meets in October to review and prioritize projects, followed by a 30-day comment period. Please contact Staci Headley at sheadley@regionfive.org or 218-894-3233 for details. To learn more about the 2016-2021 CREDS, visit www.eda.gov/ceds or www.regionfive.org/creds. About Region Five Development Commission Enhancing the vitality and quality of life in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties is the mission of Region Five Development Commission. Resiliency, inclusion and collaboration are guiding concepts in achieving mutually shared goals that continue to evolve with local municipalities, state, federal agencies, philanthropic, non-profit and social advocacy agencies. Visit www.regionfive.org to learn more.

Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) is the recipient of a $387,000.00 two-year grant from the Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF) to fund a program that advances goals of Welcoming Communities. This program seeks to share economic development tools to cultivate locally controlled, diversified, equitable economies, especially in low-wealth and rural communities. This approach aligns with NWAF by assisting the region to be welcoming to diverse ideas, cultures and community members, attracting and retaining a qualified workforce and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, allowing for growth and a sustainable economy. Creation of equitable economic ecosystems provides low wealth and rural communities with resources, tools and actionable goals in seeking to address youth outmigration, access to broadband and childcare, affordable housing and other unique rural issues. Communities that create inclusive, welcoming environments for all are more successful in overcoming hurdles and are winning the race for the talent. Over a two-year period, R5DC will facilitate six community-led advocacy groups of residents who seek to bridge cultural differences while building on the communities’ assets. Each group defines and leads a project with designated financial investments that showcase a welcoming nature and through newly formed group relationships, offer system changes that improve livelihoods of residents' long term. In addition to the community-led advocacy group projects, regional partners at Sprout and Happy Dancing Turtle will deliver a prescription community sustainable agriculture (RxCSA) program. The RxCSA program expands successful collaborations with community healthcare systems to augment traditional therapies with food as medicine and equips individuals managing mental health challenges or opioid recovery to make decisions that empower health, community and sense of self. This program offers cooking demonstrations and nutrition education in addition to the bi-weekly share of local organic produce and other food products. If you are interested in the RxCSA program, contact Arlene Jones at 612-695-2721 or Quinn Swanson at 218-587-2303. To get involved, or to learn more about the Welcoming Communities regional program, contact Dawn Espe at 218-894-3233 or via email at despe@regionfive.org. With the NWAF investment, R5DC partners with Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, Sprout, Happy Dancing Turtle, Growth & Justice, EnSearch, Inc. and Region 5 communities to strengthen the outcomes and impacts of this work. About Region Five Development Commission Enhancing the vitality and quality of life in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties is the mission of Region Five Development Commission. Resiliency, inclusion and collaboration are guiding concepts in achieving mutually shared goals that continue to evolve with local municipalities, state, federal, philanthropic, non-profit and social advocacy agencies. Visit www.regionfive.org to learn more. About Northwest Area Foundation The Northwest Area Foundation supports efforts by the people, organizations, and communities of our eight-state region to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity. They are committed to advancing work that helps people gain access to good jobs and build their financial capability. They support local ownership and culturally anchored solutions that advance more equitable, inclusive, and long-lasting prosperity for all community members.

Region Five Development Commission receives 2018 National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Innovation Award for their ‘The Good Life…FOR ALL’ project. Region Five was recognized at a special reception during NADO’s 2018 Annual Training Conference held October 13 – 16 in Charlotte, NC. Each year, NADO recognizes member organizations that demonstrate innovative approaches to regional economic and community development through their Innovation Awards program. Over 1,500 NADO member projects have been recognized since 1986 for their creative efforts in advancing regional economic development and improved quality of life. The breadth and scope of the winning projects is impressive and far-reaching and illustrates the important role NADO members have in supporting regional development. “The Aliceann Wohlbruck Innovation Awards program recognizes the important and wide-ranging work of regional development organizations in communities across the country” said 2017-2018 NADO Doug Elliott, executive director of the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, located in Cedar Rapids. “These awards demonstrate the value of regional development organizations and highlight their critical role in promoting economic development for the nation’s rural and small metropolitan communities.” This year’s awards are presented in honor of Aliceann Wohlbruck, who passed away in March 2018. Wohlbruck was NADO’s first executive director, serving 24 years as a tireless champion for regional approaches to economic development in rural communities. ### About National Association of Development Organizations Since 1967 the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) has provided advocacy, education, networking, and research for the national network of 540 regional development organizations. NADO members provide professional, programmatic, and technical assistance to over 2,300 counties and 15,000 municipalities.

Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) was awarded $92,500 from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) through the (2018 Cycle II) Support Our Troops (SOT) license plate fund grant program. The MDVA SOT grant program offers a competitive grant process which allows organizations to apply for funding. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, are focused on supporting and improving the lives of veterans and their families. “Congratulations to our diverse group of grant recipients for their commitment to serving Minnesota Veterans in many different ways,” said Commissioner Larry Herke, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “I also thank those Minnesotans who purchase SOT license plates. Without support from the thousands who are ‘driving home their support’ every day, these grants would not be possible.” R5DC will use the funds to support a program for 50 veterans residing in the counties of Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd or Wadena. Participating veterans will receive a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) food package twice per month, for one year at no cost. Cooking demonstrations and classes will be offered monthly by local food experts, chefs and nutrition educators. “We are grateful to MDVA, our partners and participants, and dedicated Veterans Services Officers who were instrumental in registering veterans for this program,” said R5DC Senior Regional Development Planner Staci Headley. “A special thank you to Happy Dancing Turtle, Sprout, and Sourcewell for providing pickup sites for this program.” The goal of the VetCSA is to improve the overall quality of life for veterans and their families. This initiative delivers healthy foods and gives additional knowledge and skills on how to prepare them. Building a healthy lifestyle creates a positive effect on physical and mental health. The VetCSA brings veterans, families, growers and communities together, with food coming from Sprout MN and supporting regional growers and ranchers. For details on MDVA’s Support Our Troops License Plate program found on the MDVA Website at the following link: https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/supporttroopslicenseplates.jsp About Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran’s preference. For more information, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet

New Energy Equity, Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) and Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) have successfully partnered to develop six solar arrays, totaling 1.5 MW, for Pine River-Backus and Pequot Lakes school districts and Central Lakes College. These three projects in central Minnesota will reduce each school’s carbon footprint by 1,420 metric tons of C02, while providing discounted and predictable electricity costs over the next 25 years. $2MM in funding was secured by R5DC through a Renewable Development Fund grant made available by Xcel Energy. “This is an excellent example of a public-private partnership that makes a real difference to local institutions,” said Cheryal Hills, R5DC’s Executive Director and the Project Lead. “This project helps Xcel Energy to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations and bring Minnesota closer to its renewable energy goals, the schools save money and offer new STEAM educational opportunities and R5DC assists in meeting the region’s economic development goals.” Construction of the largest site, Pine River Backus, began in October 2018 and was completed in December 2018. This 800kW solar array will offset more than 80% of the entire district’s electricity load. The second array located at Pequot Lakes is currently under construction. This 354 kW rooftop installation required significant roof upgrades and despite extraordinary weather conditions including sub-zero temperatures impacting RREAL’s construction crew, is slated for on-time completion in early Spring. The remaining four ground-mount systems totaling 333 kW will be built on multiple Central Lakes College campuses by May 2019. This multi-year project has come to fruition as a result of dedicated school superintendents and a resourceful and committed project team. “We are happy to be part of this project. Saving money while helping to get more renewable energy built for Minnesota is great for us and our students,” said Dave Endicott, Superintendent for Pine River-Backus Schools. “We are very grateful for the work that R5DC, RREAL and the rest of the project team put into making this happen.” Beyond reducing each school’s CO2 emissions, these solar arrays will become a learning tool for each educational institution. As part of the project, curriculum is developed and provided to the schools, so students will understand the environmental and economic impacts of their school’s investment in solar. Chris Lindholm, Superintendent for Pequot Lakes Schools said, “We plan to bring students out to the array, to watch its performance from web-based tracking services and other activities to bring this project to life for our students.” Matthew Hankey, President of New Energy Equity said that this is one of the most rewarding aspects of doing projects for schools. “Close to half of our projects at New Energy Equity have been with schools throughout Minnesota and the rest of the country. There is great curriculum readily available now for students of all ages, from elementary school to college.” He added, “This is their project in many ways. They should definitely be encouraged to learn about it.” A ribbon-cutting ceremony and presentations to celebrate this achievement are scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Pine River-Backus High School from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. The public is cordially invited to attend. Project partners: Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund, Minnesota Public Utilities, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Region Five Development Commission, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, REAL Solar Design-Build, Sourcewell, New Energy Equity LLC, Minnesota Power, Brainerd Public Utilities, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative, Widseth Smith Nolting, Kandiyo Consulting, and numerous valued local contractors. Project school sites: Pine River-Backus and Pequot Lakes School Districts, Central Lakes College at Brainerd & Staples campus.

Regional partners Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) and Sourcewell are teaming up to expand the Welcoming Communities program to their shared five-county region in Central MN. This program is focused on workforce attraction and expanding cultural agility for individuals, organizations, and communities. Initially supported by The Blandin Foundation and Northwest Area Foundation, the program has received support from Sourcewell for continued growth. Under the newly executed agreement, R5DC will deliver Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessments to fifteen entities which may include public (municipalities and school) boards, nonprofits, philanthropic, or private-sector organizations. The IDI Assessments assist our understanding of and ability to experience cultural difference, and how to set and achieve goals that further develop individual and group skills that impact community service. It’s a self-reflective tool that allows individuals and groups an opportunity to be intentional about welcoming people. R5DC will additionally pilot implementation with one community through a citizen-led community project that exemplifies goals that bridge cultures. This citizen-led Welcoming Community Advocacy Group will be made up of students, educators, residents, business owners, elected officials, nonprofit and community foundation leaders who have taken the IDI assessment. There is a financial and social cost benefit to communities who are welcoming to residents. Rural communities who are welcoming to ALL people -- despite their age, gender, disabilities, race, religion, national origin, or family status -- will be the communities who win the race for talent. A belonging environment through welcoming communities adds value to resident quality of life and attracts the qualified workforce that is in high demand. The workforce attraction magnetizes new businesses and increases entrepreneurial activity that creates and retains people and jobs. The Welcoming Communities program aligns well with Sourcewell’s commitment of partnering with education, government, and nonprofits to boost student and community success. It is with gratitude that R5DC makes this announcement, allowing the expansion and scope of this initiative to reach a wider audience and with greater regional impacts. “Sourcewell fully embraces the importance of relationships right here at home,” said Sourcewell Manager of City and County Solutions Anna Gruber. “We are proud to support this important work in our region and excited to see the results of this initial pilot program. Ultimately, we believe it will lead to widespread community success for everyone throughout Region 5.” Communities interested in learning more about participating as a pilot for this program, please contact Dawn Espe at despe@regionfive.org or 218-894-3233. About Sourcewell Sourcewell (formerly National Joint Powers Alliance) is a self-supporting government organization, partnering with education, government, and nonprofits to boost student and community success. Created in 1978 as one of Minnesota’s nine service cooperatives, we offer training and shared services to our central-Minnesota members. Throughout North America, we offer a cooperative purchasing program with over 300 awarded vendors on contract. Sourcewell is driven by service and the ability to strategically reinvest in member communities.