The Fergus Falls community chimes in

WCI staff didn't have to travel far for their latest community breakfasts--they were held right in Fergus Falls at the WCI offices. About 25 people at each of the two breakfasts enjoyed egg bake and caramel rolls as they shared their ideas and concerns about the Fergus Falls community.

Fergus Falls folks like the safeness of the community, the good school system, the beauty of the area, the quality of healthcare and the fact that, even as a rural community, there's easy access to metropolitan areas, thanks to the proximity to the interstate. Older people--especially those who grew up in the area or have a lake home--are retiring here. People are generous, too. And it's a good place to do business.

Folks in Fergus Falls think regionally. Government officials from neighboring communities gather regularly to learn from each other and collaborate. Many people think nothing of driving 30-40 minutes to eat at a good restaurant--and that's true for people coming to Fergus Falls as those from Fergus Falls.

There are challenges, though. Long-timers may not be as positive about Fergus Falls as newcomers are. The sidewalk sometimes seems to roll up after 5 p.m. and on weekends. Shoppers may not come to the city if they perceive nothing will be open. Even with a Minnesota State Community and Technical College campus in town, there doesn't seem to be much for young adults to do. "How do we keep young people in town?" some people asked. "We don't. We let them spread their wings and experience the world," others replied. "Then, when they are older and married and having kids, they'll think what a great place Fergus Falls is to live and raise a family."

What are some areas to concentrate on?

• Start building a quality workforce to replace those retiring in ever greater numbers.
• Make Fergus Falls a retail destination, especially on Saturdays.
• Invite businesses and entrepreneurs to invest (and reinvest) in the community.
• Be a welcoming community, especially in terms of the possibility of the Regional Treatment Center turning into an international school.
• Stop worrying about shrinking school enrollment and start figuring out how to make the new, smaller model a model for success and excellence.
• Pay attention to aging infrastructure issues.
• Push for making Fergus Falls an arts mecca for the west central region.

An Elbow Lake morning

Gilly's Prime Time Bar & Grill in Elbow Lake isn't usually open at 7 a.m., but on this Wednesday morning it welcomed participants of WCI's community breakfast with a tasty buffet. Business leaders, city and school officials, nonprofit representatives and others came to share their thoughts, concerns--and pride--about Elbow Lake with West Central Initiative. It's something WCI likes to do with each west central Minnesota community.

"What are the best things about living in Elbow Lake?" WCI staff asked. The list was long: It's the ideal place for young families and older adults; it's clean and quiet; it has good school and healthcare systems; it does a good job maintaining main street.

"What pulls the community together?" There were lots of answers for this, too, including, the library, the schools, and the new volunteer-run thrift shop that benefits the hospital.

"What are the challenges?" Not enough industry, the need for skilled workers, finding businesses for the vacant storefronts, the cost of commuting.

"How is Elbow Lake working with surrounding communities?" The school system is a great example of small town collaboration, many noted. The Elbow Lake Revolving Loan Fund is open to helping businesses in nearby communities. The Grant County Child & Youth Council is a wonderful organization that pulls together families, schools and communities from throughout the county. Case in point, the upcoming Traveling F.U.N. Fest, which will be held in Ashby this year.

Sunrise session at Perham

It's 7 a.m., but the back room of the Lakes Café in Perham is already filling with city and school officials, businesspeople, media, clergy, nonprofit representatives, civic leaders and more from both Perham and Frazee. They are there at WCI's invitation--all 36 of them--for a hearty breakfast and to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns about their community.

Perham folks are proud of their schools--both public and private. They love their quality of life and their town's amenities like the Perham Area Community Center, a stellar golf course, ball fields--and don't forget it's in the heart of lake country. The city's healthcare system is growing and innovating. People regularly come together in support of local events and are active in service organizations.

Perham also has more jobs than they have workers, and more workers than they have housing. And that's causing consternation. If people can't live close to work, they move to the surrounding towns. Then, school enrollment doesn't grow, which means less dollars for a school district that is already facing $500,000 in budget cuts. Also, with rocketing gas prices, many may not be able to afford the cost of commuting for much longer. So, local--and affordable--housing seems to be the lynchpin in the breakfast discussion this particular morning. But, if you want young families in town, you better make sure there's good day care and early childhood opportunities along with those new homes and apartment complexes, someone reminds the group.

Pressing issues, but not anything to keep a town down for long. "Perham is known as a town that cares about community. It’s known as a progressive community that will tackle tough issues," a participant says at the close of the meeting.

There is good working cooperation between businesses, schools and community, another person chimes in. “When people say we need something, we come together. Hard work and the initiative of community leaders get things done in Perham."

WCI holds community breakfasts throughout the region on a regular basis. It's a great way for WCI staff to learn the latest about the communities WCI serves.

Want to know when we'll be in your area? Contact Kim Embretson to find out.