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 July 27, 2004 - Residents say, keep Port Edwards small By Colin Atagi, Daily Tribune Staff Port Edwards residents were asked Monday what they'd like their community to be in 10 years. Their suggestions included ideas like building another bridge to Wisconsin Rap-ids and keeping the small-town identity. The gathering at Shelter House in Port Edwards was the first of several "Make It Happen" rallies. The rallies are the latest step in the Community Progress Initiative, a three-year program organized by the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance and the Community Foundation of South Wood County. The goal is to enhance the local economy and build optimism in south Wood County communities and the town of Rome. During the three-hour rally, about 25 community members worked in small groups and brainstormed about ways to improve their community. The three things residents were asked were how they first arrived in Port Edwards, what keeps them there and what kind of community they would like to have in about 10 years. "(Ten years) is far enough into the future, but close enough that it's practical," said Dave Beurle, a rural leadership and creative economic development expert from Australia. Beurle facilitated the gathering, and it drew some positive reviews. "I think it makes you think a great deal, but it makes you put things into perspective," said Port Edwards resident Patty Norton. "You think about what needs to be done, but (the rally) helps you talk about everything and actually (take the initiative)." At the rally, several residents stressed the importance of utilizing the resources the community currently has and holding onto its identity, while inviting people to move into the neighborhood. "I think this is a good opportunity to see people visit Port Edwards and to get involved," said Port Edwards resident Marshall Buehler. "What's good about Port Edwards - let's make it known to everyone." Beurle compared the rally to the industry cluster meetings that have representatives from multiple businesses working to develop ideas on how to enhance their respective industries. The difference between the two is the rallies are made up of local residents trying to develop their communities as a whole, he said. "It's (the residents') chance to define the community," said Beurle, who described the discussion as the foundation for what residents hope to achieve. During previous rallies in April, Beurle spoke about small Australian communities that found creative ways to build economic identities, and he used them as examples of what could happen in central Wisconsin. You can reach Colin Atagi at 422-6728 or at catagi@wisconsinrapidstribune.com.
		Copyright © 2005, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome