A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News May 5, 2004 - By Karen Madden, Daily Tribune Staff The Wisconsin River, the cranberry industry and the residents' generosity are among Wisconsin Rapids' assets, say some of the more than 100 people who attended the Wisconsin Rapids area Community Progress Initiative Rally on Tuesday. The rally was the latest of several occurring in south Wood County and Rome during a two-week period. The initiative is a collaboration between the Heart of Wisconsin Business and Economic Alliance and the Community Foundation of South Wood County. Their goal is to enhance the local economy and to build optimism in central Wisconsin communities. "I think we have a very beautiful community," said Karen Fischer, a Saratoga resident who attended the rally. "We have the river, which is beautiful." The community has a strong school system, said Sue Weimer of Wisconsin Rapids. Weimer also said the local lakes and parks are huge assets. During the gathering, residents expressed their own visions for the community. The community needs to find ways to keep young people in the area, Fischer said. Melinda McNett, 17, and Garrett Hetzel, 16, both juniors at Lincoln High School, were two of the students who attended the meeting. When the audience was asked to break into groups and discuss what they would like to see in the community's future, McNett and Hetzel joined a group of other students. The students said the city should emphasize its history, especially its connection with paper. They also suggested that people work together to bridge gaps in age and diversity. The community needs to work together as one, the students said. When the student group finished sharing ideas, it was met with applause from the rest of the audience. "It's kind of surprising how much support the older generation has for the younger generation," Hetzel said. McNett said she was surprised at how many people attended the rally. Another group said the area should continue to develop the Cranberry Highway, an attraction that brings thousands of people to the area. Starting a winery to create cranberry wine also was suggested. Ellen Roeseler, a Wisconsin Rapids resident, said the city is part of a generous small community that takes care of people. It's a safe community and a good place to raise children, she said. "There are a lot of positive things going on here," Roeseler said. Dave Beurle, an Australian expert on rural leadership and innovative community economic development, who was one of the key speakers, said one thing he's heard at every rally in the south Wood County area over the last two weeks is that surrounding communities believe their success is tied to what happens with Wisconsin Rapids. The community has gone through the worst of times with the loss of jobs over the last few years, Beurle said. However, the number of people attending Tuesday's rally shows the community is ready to move forward. "If you can get half the people in the community on board with you, it's a done deal," Beurle said. You can reach reporter Karen Madden at 422-6729 or kmadden@wisconsinrapidstribune.com.
		Copyright © 2005, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome