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 October 12, 2004 By Colin Atagi, Daily Tribune Staff Rome residents are using the Community Progress Initiative as inspiration to improve their community. People there have formed 17 committees to work on projects such as developing senior housing, a local chamber of commerce and a taxi service. The committees are in their early stages and are in the process of conducting research. A committee is currently working to find the right developer for senior housing facilities at Alpine Village Business Park, said Chuck Willert, committee chairman. "We're looking at developers and what their strong points are and what they're willing to do in taking over that senior housing section," Willert said. Many already have expressed an interest in senior housing in Rome, where the average age is 51, he said. The committee currently has about 15 members. "We can see the people would like to remain in our area because of the amenities we now have," he said. "But they don't want to necessarily take care of their own house anymore." The committee has been working on the project since August, following a Make It Happen Rally that was held in the town of Rome at the end of July. One of the main goals of the Community Progress Initiative is to encourage residents to develop and work on projects to enhance their economy, said Connie Loden, executive director of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance, which organized the initiative with the Community Foundation of South Wood County. "I find it very exciting they've taken the ball and ran with it," Loden said. "One of the ideas of the initiative or purpose of it has been for communities and the people in those communities to understand they have the ability to create the future they want for their area or community." The interest in the projects always has been there, but it was just a matter of residents taking the time to work together, said Terry Anderson, town of Rome clerk. "There's just not enough time to do this all by yourself," she said. "The concept came from the (Community Progress Initiative). These are all ideas that came up since (the community rally). I just wanted to form an individual group to go out and see how much need there is, but instead everyone came up to us with their own ideas." There is one resident who is working by himself for now. Rick Ramstack is the lone member of a committee to develop a dog park in the town of Rome, though he is seeking others to join him. Ramstack has been driving to Plover to let his dogs play, but has noticed there are several areas in Rome that would be ideal for pets to get their exercise.
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