May, 2005 Archive

WRP's Entrepreneurial Communities Potluck workshop provided a fun and creative oppportunity for community leaders to build their skills for facing the challenges of the new rural economy. Click here for more info.

TeamWorks! teams and communities alumni reunited for a networking reception and kick-off of the new and improved program. Click here for details.

Wisconsin's Top Rural Development Initiatives for 2005 were awarded at a recognition ceremony and reception in Eau Claire on April 13. Click here for the presentation and photos.

The 3rd Annual Wisconsin Community Leadership Summit was "the best conference I have ever been to," according to one participant. A wide array of interactive workshops and high quality presenters attracted more than 160 community leaders to the Summit in Eau Claire on April 13 & 14. Click here to view the particulars and a slideshow from the event.

Congratulations! to Terry D. Whipple, executive director of the Juneau County Economic Development Corporation. who was named by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as Region V and Wisconsin 2005 Home-Based Business Champion of the Year. Terry's brainchild of Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club was named one of Wisconsin's Top Rural Development Initiatives for 2004. He has been seen presenting the story of his success at several statewide and regional conferences, including WRP's Entrepreneurial Communities Potluck. Bravo, Terry!

Congratulations also to Carol Maria, WRP Board Member and executive director of the Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin, who was named Wisconsin Women in Business Champion by the SBA. Carol's successful history of serving women-owned businesses with business planning, start-up and finance assistance has made her a "go-to" person in the Wisconsin economic development arena. Kudos to you, Carol!

for new rural health opportunities...

The Rural Health Development Council, a legislatively appointed advisory group to the State of Wisconsin's Department of Commerce, will be looking this June for six rural Wisconsin communities to join it in developing the Strong Rural Communities Initiative to further improve local health indicators and reduce costs through the development of local multi-sector coalitions and interventions. [Reprinted from Eye on Health of the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative].

Farmers, self-employed people and others can benefit from BadgerRx Gold, a new program designed to help keep prescription drugs accessible and affordable for Wisconsin residents. No elibility requirements other than Wisconsin residency. Ideal for people who do not have health insurance or have insurance with no prescription drug benefit; or for those who have high coinsurance. Click here to visit their website for complete information.

Why Rural Matters 2005. A state-by-state report on the condition of rural education in America. Rural School & Community Trust. Wisconsin State Report [PDF].

"Strengthening America's Communities Initiative: Weakening Rural Communities," Action Biref, Center for Rural Affairs. Analysis of the President's Strengthening America's Communities Initiative for the Great Plains and Midwest (does not include Wisconsin in the analysis).

"Rural America's Emerging Knowledge Economy," May 2005 issue of the Main Street Economist published by the Center for the Study of Rural America at the Kansa City Federal Reserve Bank. Other recent issues cover various aspects of the New Economy.