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 7, 2004 - By Colin Atagi, Daily Tribune Staff They may still be in high school, but there are some Wisconsin Rapids students who are getting ready to tackle the real world and improve the economy. "Not only do we need to be leaders, we need to spread ourselves out in the community," said Lincoln High School student Nick Wash, 18. Wash was among about 15 Lincoln students who participated in a focus group with the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance on Thursday to discuss a young person's perspective on the three-year Community Progress Initiative. "When we talk about positive attitudes in the community, it starts with young people and then moves on to adults," said Connie Loden, executive director of Heart of Wisconsin, which is partnering with the Community Foundation of South Wood County on the initiative. "A lot of times, adults take behavior from their kids. If (the youth are) enthusiastic and well-involved, it'll carry over to the adults." Several potential remedies for improving the local economy were discussed, such as promoting community events, having more places to shop and working as a group rather than an individual. "We're willing to give our time if we're needed," said Melinda McNett, 17, of Wisconsin Rapids, who serves as the current president of the local chapter of Future Business Leaders of America. Though only students from Lincoln High School were present, they acknowledged youth from other local high schools have shown interest in building the economy. Wash had communicated with students from Nekoosa High School, and they were interested in getting clubs from each school to work together, he said. "Everyone's really focusing on coming together," he said. Though some participants, expressed concern over adults not taking young people seriously in regard to important situations, it's the young people who should be the most vocal and be heard, said David Beurle, an expert in rural leadership and creative economic development from Australia. "When you speak, people are listening, and they're listening differently, because you're the future," he said. The importance of enhancing the image of the city to attract more outsiders was brought up and several students expressed ideas on promoting the city's self image. "We're forgetting about how lucky we are to have the things we do have," McNett said. Ashley Brown, 18, of Wisconsin Rapids thinks it's important to raise the diversity level and local residents need to show others the community is a good place to live, she said. "It's important we make these people feel welcome, and once we do, they'll invite more people," she said. Laura Eisch, 17, of Wisconsin Rapids thinks there's one more necessary step. "You can only do that if you feel welcome in your own community," she said. Participants shared ideas on how to enhance the community's image, such as promoting important symbols like the Wisconsin River and the Stora Enso North America paper mill. Other students thought by attracting a single major retail outlet and helping its success, it could attract other major businesses. "Truth of the matter is, there aren't enough stores here to attract our generation," said Brown, in regards to people spending money in other towns. More ideas were batted around. In the end, organizers were very impressed by the youth's participation. "We need to listen to what the youth of the community tell us," said Kelly Lucas, president of the Community Foundation of South Wood County. "(Their participation) was very insightful, and they need to feel valuable to the community." Garret Hettzel, 16, of Wisconsin Rapids, who serves as the local chapter treasurer for FBLA, was happy to attend, he said. "We went to the (Community Progress Initiative) rally, and it was great to see students here and participate," he said. "We need to (continue participating) as much as we can." You can reach Colin Atagi at 422-6728 or at catagi@wisconsinrapidstribune.com.
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