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 Karen Madden, Daily Tribune Staff Any future for the town must preserve its beauty and focus on the community's recreational activities. That was the message that came from about 60 Rome residents Thursday who attended the seventh and final in the first series of Community Progress Initiative rallies. The initiative is a collaboration between the Heart of Wisconsin Business & 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. Cynthia Nelson said her family moved to Rome seven years ago because they like being outdoors. Rome has hunting, fishing and a wide range of outdoor activities. "I like Rome just the way it is," Nelson said. Mary Mohler also said she enjoys the recreational activities Rome has to offer. What the town needs to do is promote itself better, she said. Her husband, Jim Mohler, said he likes living in Rome because it is quiet. Some suggestions that came from the discussion portion of the rally included building a walking trail so more people could enjoy the outdoors, developing local hotels and restaurants so people visiting the community could spend their money locally, and developing Lake Petenwell. Residents also suggested the four community bulletins - one for each of Rome's lakes associations - combine into one publication sent to the whole town. It would let everyone know what's happening in the entire community, not just one part. Bill Graumann said the unity is what the community needs most. "If it came about, it would be a great thing," Graumann said. The town is working to develop a new business park, he said, and needs to find ways to attract and keep young people. From the comments at the meeting, Rome residents are already close to being on the same page, said Dave Beurle, an Australian expert on rural leadership and innovative community economic development, who has been one of the key speakers at all the rallies. The number of people attending the rally is an indication the town can pull together, he said. "I often go to towns and it's five people who show up," Beurle said. "You're off to a brilliant start." Town Chairman Steve Nowicki said he liked what he heard during Thursday's rally. With the number of people who attended the rally, he's sure the Progress Initiative can make a difference. Meera Deshpande, who has lived in Rome for five years, also was happy with what she heard Thursday night. "We want to start a business here," Deshpande said. "We came here as a young family and we want our kids to have the opportunity to stay in the community." Deshpande, who grew up in Malaysia, said she also was happy to see the discussion led by someone from another country. "It's good to get the different points of view," she said.
		Copyright © 2004, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome