A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of Greater     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 September 22, 2004 By Colin Atagi, Daily Tribune Staff Some Wisconsin Rapids area residents shared their visions for the community Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, and then they talked about how to make them a reality. The community should strive to build a thriving and diverse economy and use regional branding to support business development, according to a vision statement developed at the Community Progress Initiative Make It Happen Rally on Tuesday at Hotel Mead. It also should have an abundance of unique recreation and tourism opportunities anchored by a historic downtown riverfront and neighborhood. During the meeting, officials from the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance and the Community Foundation of South Wood County used audience feedback to create the vision statements for the future of the community. Another vision statement says Wisconsin Rapids should be a close-knit, inclusive community that celebrates diversity, supports and promotes the arts and special events and offers a thriving downtown. "It's a very exciting vision, and there are things that are indicative of it," said Wisconsin Rapids resident Eric Norton. "It's where we're heading." Still, the community has a few areas to work on if it wants to accomplish those visions, some attendees said. The community has room for improvement when it comes to getting young people involved in leadership opportunities, and there's work to be done to develop a positive culture, attendees said. Wisconsin Rapids resident Jennifer Lemke was impressed with the meeting. "I thought it was absolutely amazing," she said. "It's an effective process and an accurate product." Many of the approximately 100 local residents in attendance agreed the vision statements accurately reflected what they would like the community to become. Volunteers will work toward achieving those visions by using the community's attributes and dealing with the areas that need improvement. Lemke will work with a group that will promote a positive culture. There's value to developing vision statements, said Dave Beurle, an expert in rural leadership and creative economic development from Australia, who led the meeting. "It becomes the unifying force - something to aspire for and to rally together for in the future," he said. During the meeting, 10 attributes were posted, and participants voted on which ones they think the are the community's strongest. Those included residents' support of education and the presence of traditional institutions, such as churches and schools, that are integral to community life. The community needs improvement in its self-reliance; residents' ability to share responsibility in the community with different age and race groups; and the number of people working together for a single cause, residents agreed. There were mixed reactions when it came to ranking the city on its community pride and inclusive culture, investment in the future, ability to create new economic activities, support of local businesses and willingness to seek help from the outside. "It's good news to know what you're doing well, which are assets, and where you need work, which are opportunities," said Beurle. Ideas were discussed on what kind of economy and community lifestyle people wanted. Some of the changes in the economy that were mentioned included the need for businesses that relate to people of all ages, businesses utilizing new technology, more tourism and a thriving downtown area. Wisconsin Rapids resident Scott Kellogg, principal of Howe Elementary School, attended the meeting because he was curious about what people had to say about their visions for the community, he said. "What I'm concerned about is what they perceive as economic growth, which affects families and children," he said. Tuesday’s meeting was the second opportunity for Wisconsin Rapids residents to attend the second set of Make It Happen rallies. A previous meeting, set for July 2, was rescheduled because it was attended by about 25 people - about a quarter of the number who attended the first meeting in April. Wisconsin Rapids resident Dan Pastori, 15, a member of the Wisconsin Regional Teen Institute, attended Thursday's meeting to help contribute ideas to make Wisconsin Rapids a happier place, he said. A strong economy could benefit today's young people, he said. "When I go out to college, I might want to come back to Wisconsin Rapids afterward and find work," he said. You can reach Colin Atagi at 422-6728 or at catagi@wisconsinrapidstribune.com.
		Copyright © 2004, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome