Seated, from left, are Jayme Carlson, Jodi Reeck, Dan Orth, Megan Haber and Sarah Gregerson. Standing, from left, are Melissa Radermacher, Barb Cline, Dawn Hagenson, Seth Dokken, Bruce Brotherton and Steve Gertken. Tasha Olds and Sandy Knosalla were unavailable for the photo.

Chamber annual meeting features rural economics

"Rewriting the Rural Narrative"

“Rewriting the Rural Narrative” is the speaker’s topic at the Staples Motley Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting Thursday, Feb. 4, at Ted and Gen’s, Aldrich.

The speaker, Merritt Bussiere, is a community economic educator with University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Community Vitality. Here is his summary of his talk:

“It seems the rural story has already been told - Small towns keep getting smaller. Churches, schools, clinics, businesses and now post offices, have closed their doors as the lucky few migrate out to the big cities. This deficit framework dominates how we discuss and envision our rural communities. 

“However, the story of rural America since 1970 is rich and diverse, with positive trends occurring under the radar. Learn how these important positive changes have been occurring across the rural landscape that requires us to rewrite the narrative of rural community change.”

The social will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the dinner and speaker at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to non-members as well as current members. New chamber board members will be introduced.

The ticket price includes a  four-meat buffet, tax, gratuity, program and prizes. Tickets are available at the chamber office, by calling 218-894-3974 or by emailing Barb Cline at smchamber@arvig.net. Advance registration is encouraged.

Tickets are also available from board members  and at Unity Bank, First International Bank & Trust, Jemma’s Salon and Staples World. 

Merritt Bussiere is based in Brainerd and serves the Central Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Benton, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Morrison, Todd and Wadena.

He began his work for the Center for Community Vitality in April 2013. His background includes an extended affiliation with the University of Wisconsin Extension’s Community, Natural Resource and Economic Development Program. He served as a county-based community development educator and as a campus-based, state land use education specialist.

Bussiere has also worked as a city community development director, business counselor, community planning and development consultant, loan fund manager, economic development director and zoning administrator. He has led public policy research programs for nonprofit and labor organizations. 

His areas of specialization include community and economic development, business feasibility planning and finance, household and user surveys, downtown revitalization, organizational development and group process, land use policy, planning and regulation, and public policy analysis and strategy development.

 

Advertising Deadlines

Deadline for advertisements and copy is Friday, noon.

Staples World

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Staples, MN 56479 Telephone: (218) 894-1112 - Fax: (218) 894-3570 Toll Free: 1-888-894-1112 E Mail: office@staplesworld.com; editor@staplesworld.com

Deadline: Friday, noon

 

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