Wisconsin’s Top Rural Development Initiatives for 2005 Celebrating the great things happening in rural Wisconsin!

Honorable Mention Iron County ’ s Stormy Kromer Pursuit Race Wolf River Sturgeon Trail (New London) Dairy Business Innovation Center (virtual) Platteville Community Arboretum Wolf River Senior Village (Manawa) Town of Rome (Adams County)

#4 The Jefferson School District “Character in Action” Represented by Jefferson School Superintendent Mike Swartz and Sandy Swartz, Character in Action Coordinator

“Character in Action” Began March, 2004 School and community partnership Emphasizes character development for children to be responsible citizens and good employees Creating a “ community of character ” to surround children and model behavior

“Character in Action” Monthly character traits are highlighted for modeling, reinforcement and celebration 4 Action Teams meet monthly: community, school, home and development. Goal to integrate the traits in each setting. Employees of school district receive notebook and monthly materials Posters distributed to classrooms and businesses; materials to churches

“Character in Action” Over 150 businesses and individuals have contributed money or signed a Resolution of Support Includes public and parochial schools “ Good character is good for business ”

#3 Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail Represented by Susan Foote-Martin, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail Part of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative Dual effort of local conservation education and natural resource-based economic development Partners include federal, state and local governments, as well as businesses

Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail Five regional trails developed in Wisconsin: Northwoods/Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Mississippi, Central Sand Prairie, Southern Savannah Each trail comprised of locally-designated birding sites 5 regional guides to be developed through State DNR and Tourism agencies Supported in part by Endangered Resources Program (income tax check box)

Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail First trail grand opening in Grantsburg in conjunction with a 4-day Birding and Nature Festival Focus on birds and nature as a resource Excellent opportunity for education New tourism demographic and regional tourism branding Low environmental impact

#2 Potosi Brewery Restoration Represented by Frank Fiorenza, Potosi Village President and Ron Brisbois, Executive Director of Grant County Economic Development Corporation Brewery operated from Listed on the National Register of Historic Places; on the state ’ s “ 10 most endangered ” list

Potosi Brewery Restoration Started planning 2000; started restoration 2004 Raised $2.4 million through fundraising and grants; private, State, and Federal Competed with Milwaukee and St. Louis to house the new National Brewery Museum … and won! Will also house the Great River Road Interpretive Center (National Scenic Byway)

Potosi Brewery Restoration Partnership includes villages of Potosi and Tennyson, Grant County EDC and Tourism Committee, UW-Platteville with regional cooperation from Dubuque museum New tourism destination (above functions plus restaurant and micro brewery), $1.3 million impact on region Spurring other downtown revitalization New housing starts More info

#1 Community Progress Initiative Represented by Connie Loden, executive director, Arlene Scalzo, board member, Nan Taylor and Jill Cavanaugh of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance

Community Progress Initiative 3-year joint initiative between the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance and Community Foundation of South Wood County Started April, 2004 and runs through December, 2006 Response to ongoing crisis paper industry layoffs (25% of workforce)

Community Progress Initiative Goals Change community culture and strengthen community spirit “ Make it Happen! ” motto Create a common, shared vision for people and communities in the region Stimulate new enterprises Build endowed charitable assets

Community Progress Initiative Region-wide initiative involving seven communities to date Multi-faceted programming provides opportunities for every area resident to participate 2,000 people have already participated

Community Progress Initiative Community Vision Sessions Industry Cluster Networks Entrepreneurial Boot Camps Economic Indicators Breakfast Enterprising Rural Communities regional and international study tours

Community Progress Initiative “ Make it Happen! ” Rallies including youth 7 Community Progress Funds matched by Community Foundation of South Wood County Community Progress Teams from each community in leadership training New Ideas! Speaker Series More info at

Congratulations! Summary descriptions and contacts available Press releases for initiative representatives to take with them Have local newspapers contact Wisconsin Rural Partners office for digital photos