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 6, 2004 - By Antoinette Rahn, Daily Tribune Staff Pittsville residents looked to the future Wednesday during a community rally held to introduce them to an economic growth initiative. "I think this is an excellent opportunity for Pittsville to get together and for the community to work on something that promotes who we are and what we have to offer," said resident Chris Nepper, the technology director for the Pittsville School District and a member of Friends of Public Access in Pittsville. "I came tonight to learn what this is all about, and I think it's interesting." The rally, held at the Pittsville Auditorium, attracted a crowd of nearly 40 people. Pittsville is the sixth of seven communities to be introduced to the Community Progress Initiative - a three-year collaboration of the Community Foundation of South Wood County and the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance. The goal of the effort is to help the people of south Wood County and the town of Rome strengthen the regional economy and to create positive and self-reliant communities. The fact that Pittsville is part of the initiative is exciting in itself, said Dave Lyons, city alderman and former mayor. "We're eager to be included in what either community (Marshfield or Wisconsin Rapids) is doing, and being part of this initiative was a good idea," Lyons said. "If after this we have a half a dozen people motivated to really be involved in this, I would be satisfied." The main speaker, David Beurle, an expert in rural leadership and creative economic development from Australia, told those in attendance about the success of communities that found their visions in the thoughts of their residents. And the residents in attendance were more than willing to discuss the needs of the community. They mentioned goals such as drawing more businesses, keeping the city's young residents from leaving and defining a common vision for the community to embrace. "We're a place between two bigger cities, but there's a lot of potential for us to be a lot more," Lyons said. Some of the community's assets discussed by residents included the large cold storage business of Gardener's Trucking, the Pittsville School District, the Pittsville Foundation for the Arts, the local support for businesses and, at the heart of it all, the Pittsville Panther Pride. "I think the community spirit is one of the most positive things we have," said John Baum, who along with his wife, Gale, owns Baum's Mercantile in Pittsville. "We're very proud of our community." As for the role the initiative can play in developing the community, that's still uncertain, said Gale Baum. The first meeting was interesting, and more information is needed, she said. There is the potential to build on attractions like the community's Fourth of July parade, the Baums said. Building on a community's unique strengths is a key to success, Beurle said. "Creating this Community Progress Initiative to reshape the culture of south Wood County and the town of Rome is bold," Beurle said. "From what I've learned from talking to everyone in this area, it's time to be bold."
		Copyright © 2005, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome