meet our partners

Without the help of these partners, this event would not be possible! THANK YOU!

MAJOR PARTNER

The Bush Foundation invests in great ideas and the people who power them in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. Established in 1953 by 3M Executive Archibald Bush and his wife Edyth, the Foundation supports organizations and people who think bigger and think differently about what is possible in their communities. The Foundation works to inspire and support creative problem solving — within and across sectors — to make the region better for everyone.

 This event was made possible by a grant from the Bush Foundation

ALL PARTNERS

West Central Initiative is a regional community foundation serving the nine west central Minnesota counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin and the portion of White Earth Nation in Becker County. WCI invests resources in our communities for regional success, using the tools of economic development and community development, and by promoting philanthropy. Learn more at wcif.org.  

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is an agency in the United States Department of Commerce that provides grants and technical assistance to economically distressed communities in order to generate new employment, help retain existing jobs and stimulate industrial and commercial growth through a variety of investment programs.  West Central Initiative serves as the grantee for MN Economic Development Region 4.

The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute’s mission is to foster long-term economic benefit through value-added agricultural products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It partners with businesses and entrepreneurs to generate economic impact in Minnesota communities by helping businesses take advantage of innovative opportunities in four focus areas: biobased products, renewable energy, coproducts and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance and a targeted network of resources to develop value-added uses for crops and coproducts.

Welcoming America leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by making everyone feel like they belong. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors who are vital to the success of our communities and shared future.

Today, a growing number of places recognize that being welcoming leads to prosperity and belonging; Welcoming America provides the roadmap and support they need to become more welcoming toward immigrants and all residents.

ReadyNation operates as a free, private business leader network of 2,700+ executives across industry sectors from around the country to encourage increased public investments in education from cradle to career. ReadyNation has made the business case for early childhood since 2006, serves as a national resource on the topic, and is excited to introduce the ReadyNation Brain Science Speakers Bureau (BSSB). The BSSB offers qualified experts for compelling presentations on the importance of early brain development on later life outcomes. These experts help demonstrate the social, health and other related benefits of getting kids on the right track early. Presentations are available for any audience and BSSB experts do not require an honorarium or fee. To learn more or to request a brain science speaker for your upcoming event, click HERE

AARP Minnesota is dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Its “Livable Communities” initiatives create better places to live for people of all generations.

be a partner for future events

Our events and mission are made possible by the generosity of our partners. Please email rebecca@wcif.org to become a partner.  

Partnerships—town to town, organization to organization, and person to person—are the fabric of our region. We strive to build a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable world, starting here in west central Minnesota. Learn more about our mission here.

Speakers Through a virtual platform, we can engage some of the world’s best presenters! We would love to hear from you as we look to offer more dynamic speakers in the future.